Michael Stipe announced that Rock and Roll Hall of Famers R.E.M. have begun working on a new album in their hometown of Athens, Georgia. The album is the follow up to their 15th album, Collapse into Now, which they released earlier this year. There's a chance the band will self-release the new record. Rumors have also been milling about a new Pixies record since the band began touring their classic album Doolittle around two years ago for its 20th anniversary. Reported friction at the beginning of the tour has died down and the band's resurgent popularity actually has them starting to warm up to the idea.