I was channeling JohnK and went with some classical music this evening. Before the kids went to bed, I put on Saint-Saëns: Symphony No 3. It was a refreshing change of pace and the kids enjoyed it as much as I did -- even though they wouldn't sit still.

In my car, during my 15-20 minute commute each way, I have been listening to about half of R.E.M.'s latest, "Accelerate". As my friend Beau blogged, the critics have been gushing about this one, and they are right. I love this album.

After years of drifting off into light, airy musical stylings, R.E.M. has made a true rock record, with catchy guitar riffs and lyrical, active bass. It probably helps that the drummer was formerly with Ministry. The lyrics are unapologetically (and angrily) politically liberal and often rip on W and his administration, so be aware if that's not your thing.

Stylistically, this one picks up right where 1995's Monster and 1996's New Adventures in Hi-Fi left off. The similarities sometimes jump out at me, and occasionally I hear a melody or line that could be from their 1980s work as well.

As usual, their videos are artful, too. Check out Supernatural Superserious or, even better, Man-Sized Wreath on youTube. Plenty more links on the R.E.M. channel on youTube.