So, you're in an established band, and you really don't have any material for a new record. But the big-wigs that run your record label care less about hearing new music than they do about hearing "ka-ching, ka-ching," so they come up with a perfect solution.
For a band that began its career in the early 1980s with a wild mix of melodies and strong messages, R.E.M.'s latest album "New Adventures in Hi-Fi" is quite a disappointment.
As the arena lights dimmed, the anticipation grew. First, the members of the audience became silent, then rose to their feet and cheered with excitement as their idols took the stage.