NEW YORK, NY  [Friday Feb.3.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- Michael Stipe is singing for Gulf Coast Relief.

The REM frontman has recorded a cover of the Joseph Arthur song "In The Sun," and the proceeds from the track will aid the non-profit organization Mercy Corps in their efforts to respond to needs along the Gulf Coast.

Six different version of "In The Sun" have been compiled as a charity EP and will be available exclusively at iTunes beginning this Sunday, February 5th, at 11 pm ET.

On several of the tracks, Stipe is joined by some famous friends including Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, James Iha from the Smashing Pumpkins, Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne and singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur. The EP also includes a special "In The Sun" remix by Justin Timberlake and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas.

Stipe, who is from Georgia, says he felt compelled to get involved in Gulf Coast relief efforts and draw the public's focus back to the need for assistance. "Things are not fine. The storm is still impacting people's lives in very real ways and many have been left desperate," Stipe said in a statement. "I want to remind each of us that as humans, and certainly as Americans, it is our responsibility to help those in need... I had to do something as a public figure. The one thing I can do is sing, and it's probably the best way to get people to pay attention."

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Prior to the EP's release as an iTunes exclusive, one of the six versions of "In The Sun" -- the duet with Coldplay's Chris Martin -- will premiere Sunday, February 5th at 10 pm ET on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Be sure to check local listings in your area.

For more information and to hear some clips of "In The Sun," visit www.InTheSunFoundation.org.

Here is the tracklisting for the "In The Sun" EP:

01. In the Sun (Gulf Coast Relief)--Michael Stiep (feat. Chris Martin)
02. In the Sun Jaw Breakers Remix--Michael Stipe (feat. Chris Martin, mix by Justin Timberlake and Will.I.Am)
03. In the Sun Mix 3--Michael Stipe (feat. Joseph Arthur)
04. In the Sun Mix 4--Michael Stipe
05. In the Sun Mix 5--Michael Stipe/Coldplay (recorded live at Austin City Limits)
06. In the Sun Mix 6--Free Acoustic Couch Rehearsal (Michael Stipe/Joseph Arthur)

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