It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since R.E.M. cemented their status as the kings of college rock with the release of their second album, 'Reckoning.' Now the band is celebrating the anniversary with a deluxe edition of the classic album, which includes a bonus disc of previously unheard live and studio recordings. Spinner has the exclusive on the liner notes and artwork for the occasion. Have a look.

"Hard as we may try to make something supercool, it's just not going to happen." --Michael Stipe

The frontman says that while his band has a "geeky" style, it "may be one of our strengths." We'd agree: Geek is chic.

Social and political commentary abound in R.E.M.'s latest video from 'Accelerate.' Shot during a concert in Dublin, the song's clip is an exercise in stark, high-contrast black & white. Check out the Spinner exclusive premiere below.
Buy 'Until the Day Is Done' on iTunes.

As rumors swirl that Hillary Clinton may, in fact, bow out of the battle for the Democratic ticket soon, we'd like to take a look back on the past couple of weeks to see who's been speaking up, rocking out and getting down for their personal political views. Here is the latest ...

• The Flaming Lips' enigmatic frontman, Wayne Coyne, took several opportunities at this year's Sasquatch! festival to empower his audience. During the band's headlining UFO Show performance Coyne called for change this November and addressed the crowd, "Come on motherf------!" He not only spoke to the seriousness of the situation in Iraq, but also interrupted the show to play 'Taps.'
  
• Sasquatch! produced several more political moments, including when guitarist Mike Clark from Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks told the crowd that they were "still holding out for Hillary." Then there was Michael Stipe who, barefoot during R.E.M.'s rainy set, asked, "Who thinks Barack Obama is the coolest guy in the world?"
• The Decemberists jumped on the rock-for-Obama band wagon when they held a free concert in Portland, Ore., before the candidate's recent rally.
  
• Outspoken Everclear frontman Art Alexakis maintains that 'Jesus Was a Democrat' in a new single his band is set to record in response to their opposition to the war. "I think that a lot of people who call themselves Christians would think -- if Jesus came back today -- that he's a terrorist because he isn't blond-haired or blue-eyed," he told Spinner. "Those are the people we're trying to kill."
• During an interview with Spinner, Mick Jones said that he wants "anybody but McCain" to win this year's presidential race. He continued, "My real dream ticket would be Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen in 'The West Wing') with the vice president being the guy from '24,' Dennis Haysbert."
• Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, an Obama supporter, spoke out on the (non)participation of Oregon's population in the state's primary on May 20.

After years of folks speculating about his sexuality, a previously coy Michael Stipe is fully out of the closet ... and having a good laugh about it. The R.E.M. frontman has made a video in response to all of the hype surrounding his recent, long overdue and unequivocal declaration that he is indeed gay. But Stipe doesn't lash out at the media. He instead makes a very surprising statement about his bandmates' sexual proclivities.

You can watch Stipe's funny video on PEOPLE.com.

"We're kind of an international phenomenon."
-- Michael Stipe

Download R.E.M. on iTunes

• Michael Stipe was released as a potential juror at the beginning of a trial for a man accused of trying to sexually assault a girl after sneaking into her middle school. The R.E.M. frontman told Judge Lawton Stephens that he could not be fair and impartial due to his own experience with stalkers and death threats.

• Lionel Richie is adjusting to his new title of Grandfather, after his daughter, Nicole, and her rocker boyfriend, Joel Madden, gave birth to a little girl last Friday. "While it may take me a moment to adjust to being called grand dad, I am extremely happy and proud of Nicole and Joel," he said in a statement. "Harlow Winter Kate Madden, the newest and most beautiful addition to the Richie clan, is a lucky little girl."

• EMI confirmed on Tuesday that it will cut 2,000 jobs worldwide as part of the company's restructuring. The changes highlight a newfound focus on A&R, as well as garnering revenue from digital services and corporate sponsorship.

• Aussie singer-songwriter Ben Lee is engaged to girlfriend, actress Ione Skye. "I am getting married," Lee wrote on his web site. "Its very exciting. My gorgeous fiancee, Ione, and I have known each other for 11 years and have been dating for just over a year, and I am psyched about making this commitment with such a wonderful partner."