Michael Stipe coy about new album
Source: NME.com

Michael Stipe has refused to reveal what the band’s next record will sound like – because he thinks he misled journalists the last time, NME.com reports.

Stipe reckons the poor critical reception afforded to the 2004 LP ’Around The Sun’ was down to critics expecting a very different record to the one they got.

He told Irish radio station TodayFM: "I spoke early before the record was finished when journalists asked me what the record would sound like and I've learned my lesson on that - I'll never allow that anticipation to form into words again.

"Because I said it was going to be 'chaotic and political and very noisy' and it is, but it's a whisper rather than a shout. I'm not going to talk about it until it's done."

Stipe also said R.E.M. have been writing songs whilst on the road for their current tour, which resumes in Granada, Spain, next week (May 25).

Stipe said of the summer jaunt, "I'm looking forward to this summer tour simply because I love Europe; it's no secret how much I love Dublin and Ireland, and I love the heat, so for me performing outdoors on a summer night is about as good as it gets."

Stipe also revealed he will be easing back into the normal life after the rush of travelling the world.

"I don't really have it mapped out beyond the end of the tour, I don't really have plans," he said. "I'm going to stay in Europe for a spell and probably jump on the U2 tour and the Patti Smith tours, just to allow my adrenalin to creep down rather than crash from our tour. And just spend time with friends and family."