A few months ago, I expressed disappointment with R.E.M.’s release plans for this year. I thought the live disc with the Reckoning re-release would be from the 2007 Dublin working rehearsals. I have since figured out that I was an idiot in assuming that.

I haven’t yet bought the new Reckoning, mainly out of laziness more than anything else. My interest in the Dublin shows, however, is at an all-time high now that the release date of Oct. 26 and more details have been announced.

My initial concern with releasing the Dublin shows was that bootlegs of all five nights were widely available online. I haven’t listened to them in a while, but I know I have them somewhere. Why would I buy a CD of highlights if I already had the recordings, even though I know the sound will be better?

First of all, this is a 39-song set spread across two CDs. That’s freaking huge. I never thought they would release that much. The other selling point is a DVD from the shows, which I just need to have to satisfy my completist nature.

I should never doubt the band again.