R.E.M released their new song, "Until the Day is Done" on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" last night in a preview for the special, "Planet in Peril." For the very many who missed it, check out the "AC360" podcast that went live today. It can also be heard at CNN.com in a video trailer for "Planet in Peril." According to Billboard.com, the acoustic number strums along in a "Swan Swan H" or "Drive" vein. Well, you can be the judge of whether this is more "Life's Rich Pageant" or "Automatic for the People." But more importantly, this raises another issue. It seems like time and again we've been told that the latest R.E.M release is a return to the "old R.E.M." So where exactly is this line of demarcation between old R.E.M and new R.E.M? Also, did you ever notice that when an artist cites the Athens band as a major influence that they always put the "old" modifier in front of their moniker? I mean, when was the last time you heard a band say, "Yeah, 'Reveal' really shaped our sound"?