Sun rises on new R.E.M. album in October

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NEW YORK - R.E.M.'s next album will be titled Around the Sun, according to the group's official website .

The Warner Bros. set will be released October 4 internationally and the following day in North America. First single Leaving New York will be released commercially September 27 outside North America.

Among the other tracks being eyed for the new release are Wanderlust, I'm Gonna DJ and Final Straw, which was previously released online and debuted during R.E.M.'s 2003 tour.

It will also appear on the Future Soundtrack of America compilation, due August 17 via Barsuk Records.

"We wanted to say something immediately about our displeasure with the invasion of Iraq," R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills told radio host Al Franken Wednesday about "Final Straw."

The release of Around the Sun will come in the midst of the just-announced Vote for Change tour, which will find the band teaming with Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty and Bright Eyes for five shows in US presidential election battleground states.