REM to release new album?

REM frontman Michael Stipe has prompted speculation the band is close to releasing a secret new album - by making a cryptic confession at a charity event.

The 'Everybody Hurts' hitmakers haven't released any new material since 2004's 'Around The Sun', and fans have not been anticipating a 14th studio LP.

However, Stipe set tongues wagging when he told a reporter at a celebrity lunchbox auction in New York last week: "Let me tell you a secret: we have a great record in the bag. It's a big change. It's coming out on April Fool's Day."