Well, this sounds like the pretentious rock fan's dream come true. R.E.M. will be touring the U.S. this spring in support of their latest disc, Accelerate, Peter, Michael and Mike have tapped Modest Mouse and the National to open for the tour.

That, my friends, is a commercial-friendly modern rock tour de force. Of course, I won't be going because (a) I don't really care for concerts on the whole (gasp!) and (b) especially ones that will likely have $50 lawn seats.

For those of you who are excited (and I don't blame you), here's some of each of the bands to whet your appetite:

Modest Mouse – 3rd Planet (Live in 2000)

The National – Fake Empire (Live on Letterman)

R.E.M. – Radio Free Europe (Live on Letterman in 1983!)

{Assist to NME for this.}