My Reckoning

A few random notes (before I leave the office and go for a bike ride along the river):

“Their Reckoning” [LA Times]: REM, my favorite band of all time, is back in the studio, and back on the road. I’m not psyched that they’re going the greatest hits route (it’s the kind of thing they never would have done in their early days), but with seven years under my belt at the MTV, I’m certainly not surprised. Nice roundup from LA Times.

“Top Of The Rock ‘N’ Roll Heap” [Time]: Former MTV News writer Josh Tyrangiel wrote a great piece on Radiohead and their new record ‘Hail To The Thief’ that has great rhythm, great flow, and even some insight (not bad for Time). What struck me is that, yet again, an up-and-coming rock star talks about how his new good buddy Michael Stipe (of the aformentioned REM) helped him learn to deal with fame. From what I’ve read and heard over the years, Stipey has also helped Eddie Vedder, Courtney Love, and — oops — Kurt Cobain. What a guy.

Meanwhile, Martha’s indicted (and she talks!), and The New York Times is going to hell in a hand basket.

Also, check out the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, and remember: you heard it here first.