Was Magic in the Air?

Congrats to REM, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night (along with Stipe's hero Patti Smith, Van Halen, Grandmaster Flash, and the Ronettes.) Man, you know you're old when your favorites are even eligible to be in the Hall.

In new release news, Jacknife Lee (no relation) has been tapped to be the producer on REM's next album, which they will begin recording this spring. Let's hope for a 2007 release, and perhaps a newfound surge in overall relevance for a band whose popularity has waned despite releasing some highly underrated albums (except Around the Sun, which never did much for me.)

And finally, REM has released a cover of John Lennon's #9 Dream for The Campaign to Save Darfur. It was released on iTunes today. All proceeds will go to the campaign, which is entirely worthy of your $.99 -- at least. A full album is coming out June 12 with many other artists covering Lennon tunes. You can watch the video below.