Allmusic Blog — Last month’s prominent classical music releases celebrated the rich musical history of Italy, Bach’s lute pieces, and a concerto written by R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills. more info

Uncut — Starring The Smiths, Nick Cave, Paul Weller, George Michael, Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, Depeche Mode, James Brown, U2, REM and more! Starring The Smiths, Nick Cave, Paul Weller, George Michael, Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, Depeche Mode, ... more info

Consequence of Sound — Plus: Alicia Keys, Pearl Jam, Radiohead's Nigel Godrich, Grimes, Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, HAIM, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. more info

Stereogum — Goon specialize in fuzzy, grungy lo-fi rock -- see their Dusk Of Punk EP for reference -- but the LA band are showing off a different side today. They've recorded an acoustic cover of "Let Me In," R.E.M.'s Monster track dedicated to the late Kurt C... more info

JamBase — Three members of R.E.M. shared the stage last night in the band’s hometown of Athens, Georgia during a Minus 5 concert. more info

Stereogum — The former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck often plays with the Minus 5, his friend Scott McCaughey's band. And last night, when the Minus 5 played in R.E.M.'s old stomping grounds of Athens, Georgia, Buck was on hand. So were his old bandmates Mike Mill... more info

JamBase — Vocalist Michael Stipe of R.E.M. celebrates his birthday today. Listen and watch as he leads the band through a Syd Barrett classic. more info

Uncut — Patti turned 70 on December 30 Patti turned 70 on December 30 The post Watch Michael Stipe sing “Happy Birthday” to Patti Smith appeared first on Uncut. more info

Consequence of Sound — R.E.M. frontman brings out a cake, joins the band in singing "People Have the Power". more info

KEXP Seattle — It’s the end of the year, alright, but I don’t know how fine you’re feeling. R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe joined Stephen Colbert and actor James Franco for a spirited, updated rendition of the 1987 single “It’s the End of the World as We K... more info