R.E.M. "Accelerate" Launch Website (ninetynights.com) & Relaunch Vehicle for the Band..

R.E.M has just introduced a website called ninetynights.com as a teaser to build interest for their new "Accelerate" album due in April of '08. Starting On January 1 '08 a different 30-90 second video will be posted each day (or night) for ninety days. Cool idea. Especially since it's impossible, at this point to determine where it's all going (makes sense to me...otherwise why come back besides the fact you can download each new clip in HD for that day only). The video has been shot by Vincent Moon who has made videos for The National's "Alligator" ("Lit Up", "Daughters of the Soho Riots") and Beirut among others. R.E.M. needs smart marketing and decision making at this point.

"Accelerate" is rumored to be a return to the classic 1994 "Monster" R.E.M. sound of "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" and "Crush with Eyeliner". It's produced by Jacknife Lee (Snow Patrol's last two breakthrough records, Greenday, and some U2 co-production). He's a brilliant producer but can at times overproduce. At this point, R.E.M. needs a record like U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" that returns to their classic sound and builds on it with great songs to relaunch the band. The site is a smart step in the right direction.