I really didn’t know what to write about today. I haven’t blogged all week because it’s just been an insane week. We spent the weekend in New York for an early anniversary trip, watching the U.S. Open. You can read more about the trip in this week’s Hobo Trashcan column.

So I’m sitting here struggling to put together a coherent R.E.M.-related post and decide to swing by the band’s official site to see what might be happening. And there it is – a video from the upcoming live album/DVD.

It’s not just any song, it’s “Leaving New York,” which I think represents all that is good about the Around the Sun album and the band’s continued presence as an outstanding live act. Plus, it ties in with my state of mn – I’m not the biggest fan of New York, but we had a great trip and I miss all the things we experienced.

The song is way better than the critics gave the album credit for, and it really shows their passion when played live. I get goosebumps every time I hear it as they build the tempo to the closing chorus. The video is below – enjoy.