The switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree at @U2 HQ today when word of a new INXS demo hit the Internet. Yes, INXS.

Remember—U2 and INXS have been friends for decades, and Bono was particularly close to their original lead singer, the late Michael Hutchence.

So after a much-anticipated new song, "Tiny Summer," began streaming on their official website in response to fans hungry for fresh music, we began getting emails and tweets about the sound of the lead singer's voice on this particular track. It sounded very familiar. It sounded like Bono.

Then, we saw the somewhat tongue-in-cheek note that Andrew Farriss posted, and it all made a little more sense. He explains why it took so long for him to write new material (he needed the magic to happen) and details the genesis of this track:

"Recently at a party, I met a fellow songwriter by accident, an Irish bloke, and we sat around playing songs on acoustic guitars. Despite his funny accent, we then spent a few days songwriting and singing together… song magic was in the room again.”

One can only assume the "Irish bloke" he's referring to is indeed Bono.

If you haven't already had a listen, make your way over to their site while it's still up. It's a hauntingly beautiful, acoustic number.

And the singer sounds fantastic.

[www.atu2.com]