R.E.M. start work on their new album with Jacknife Lee

Michael Stipe has posted two short videos of R.E.M. starting work on their 15th studio album with Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee producing.
Talking recently about R.E.M.’s unique chemistry, Garret said: “There's something unquestionably great when you get those three people in a room together. They connect so well, and they have an immense respect for each other. It's a great thing to see."
The sessions are taking place in Portland where Lee will also be collaborating with Gary Lightbody, Iain Archer and Belle and Sebastian’s Richard Coburn in the New Year on Mr. Lightbody’s Tired Pony side-project.