R.E.M. confirms more shows

Alt-rock heroes R.E.M. [ tickets ] have added a few more gigs to their North American tour supporting their new album, "Accelerate."The outing is set to kick off May 23 in Vancouver and then visit a host of amphitheaters across the US through late June. Since last check, the band has added George, WA's Sasquatch! Festival to the itinerary, as well as dates in Berkeley, CA, and St. Paul, MN. Modest Mouse and The National will open the trek, which is detailed below.The North American leg will be followed by an extensive European jaunt that stretches from early July to September. Details about those shows can be found at R.E.M.'s website. The group also has a head start on its fall schedule, as it's been tapped to headline the final night of the 10th annual New Orleans Voodoo Music Experience Oct. 26.Earlier this month, R.E.M. snagged the No. 2 spot on The Billboard 200 with its 14th studio album, "Accelerate." The 11-song set, co-produced by the band and Jacknife Lee (U2, The Hives), lives up to its name, clocking in at 34 minutes. In contrast to R.E.M.'s last couple of records--the mid-tempo "Around the Sun" (2004) and "Reveal" (2001)--the new offering returns the band to its earlier, stripped-down, fast-paced rock stylings.The lead single, "Supernatural Superserious," has been making waves on mainstream rock, modern rock and pop charts, and the followup, "Hollow Man," was just released to radio. Videos for both songs are streaming at R.E.M.'s website.Last fall, the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers also released "R.E.M. Live," the first concert CD/DVD of their 27-year career.