R.E.M., the quartet from Athens, Georgia, which became a trio after the 1997 departure of drummer Bill Perry, is now in the studio recording their next album, Collapse Into Now.
Struggling to reclaim their popularity, the band has invited some special guests into the studio for their newest album. Lead singer of Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, punk icon, Patti Smith, and Canadian band, Peaches, are all contributing to the album.
Patti Smith is reteaming with the band, having previously sung E-Bow The Letter, which appeared on the 1996 album, New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
Speaking to Spin, band member Mike Mills talked about the ongoing sessions,“There are some really slow, beautiful songs; there are some nice, mid-tempo ones; and then there are three or four rockers."
Collapse Into Now is scheduled for release early next year.