REM: 'Hollow Man'

Despite being given the double thumbs up by most critics, REM's Accelerate LP slipped down the charts pretty quickly after debuting at number one in April. Stipe, Buck and Mills may have gotten over the creative lull that gave us 2004's tiresome Around The World album, but the record-buying public just doesn't seem fussed about their well-oiled indie jangle any more. The diehards and the curious will ensure the group can still flog tour tickets etc., but it genuinely feels like the Georgia rockers may have passed their prime.

This is a great shame, because in 'Hollow Man', as with previous single 'Supernatural Superserious', they have a track which stands up to next to anything from their past. REM usually deal in two types of songs - understated-yet-moving crooners and fist-pumping anthems - but this manages to squeeze both elements into a single song. Michael Stipe sounds like he's got the fire back in his belly on the rallying cry chorus, while Buck's guitar chugs along with plenty of intent. They may not be the platinum-selling rockers they once were, but they still know how to knock out a nifty tune.