Briefly: R.E.M., Monica, Shelby Lynne, Chris Rock, Joey Fatone

An Oct. 27 release date has been scheduled for "In Time: The Best of R.E.M.: 1988-2003." The set will include the new tracks "Bad Day" and "Animal."

According to the band's official website, director Tim Hope recently shot a video for "Bad Day" in Vancouver, British Columbia.

* * *

"After the Storm," the new release from R&B starlet Monica, tops the U.S. album chart for the week ended June 22, according to industry sources. The album sold about 185,000 copies, edging out Monica's J Records labelmate Luther Vandross.

* * *

Shelby Lynne issues a new album, "Identity Crisis," on Sept. 16. According to Capitol Records, Lynne wrote all of the songs on the album, and performed all of the vocals and guitars--as well as most of the drums.

Lynne plans to tour North America in conjunction with the album's release; details haven't been confirmed.

* * *

Comic Chris Rock has signed on to host the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, set for Aug. 28 at New York's Radio City Music Hall, the network announced. He previously hosted the festivities in 1997 and 1999.

* * *

Joey Fatone of 'NSync is engaged to marry his longtime girlfriend Kelly Baldwin, who is the mother of his child. Fatone told CBS' "Late Late Show" host Craig Kilborn that he popped the question via a 20-foot-tall billboard that he had set up in front of his house.