R.E.M. Finishing Up New Album in Nashville

R.E.M. have been putting the final touches on its 15th studio album in a Nashville studio, with eyes on a 2011 release. Like its predecessor, 2008's 'Accelerate,' the forthcoming disc has been tracked in facilities around the globe with Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Weezer).

"Band [is] finishing work on the record," manager Bertis Downs wrote on the group's official site. "All [is] going well, songs sounding great; the band, ably assisted by Jacknife and team, [is] in the homestretch of making what sounds to me like a great R.E.M. record ... Can't wait for people to hear this one."

On a related note, Mills, Stipe and Buck spent their non-studio time in the Music City working with famed U2 photographer turned director Anton Corbijn ('The American'). The photos are expected to accompany the album's packaging and promotional materials.

Check out a video that the band also posted from the Nashville sessions below.