80s musicians collaborate on new version of R.E.M. hit: ‘Had to Be Cool to Revisit …
The iconic 80s hitmakers have come together once again to create a new rendition of the beloved R.E.M. classic, “So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry).” This collaborative effort features Ian McNabb, best known as the frontman of the British alternative rock trio Icicle Works, and former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The release of this refreshed version was announced by Buck himself on R.E.M.’s social media channels on Jan. 3.
“In the year that just passed, I recorded some guitars on a version of ‘So. Central Rain’ by my friend Ian McNabb. You might remember him from the Icicle Works. It’s a cool version. Hope this helps start the new year off well!” wrote Buck.
The Icicle Works rose to fame with their 1984 hit “Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream),” which showcased their talent and solidified their place in the music scene. The new iteration of “So. Central Rain,” available on YouTube, has garnered praise from both R.E.M. insiders and fans alike. Bertis Downs, R.E.M.’s manager, described the rendition as “absolutely gorgeous” and highlighted the significance of Peter Buck revisiting the iconic chords after all these years.
Fans on YouTube expressed their appreciation for the new version, with one sharing that it was the first R.E.M. song they heard back in 1985 and still remains a favorite. Another fan echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the timeless appeal of the song. A third fan commended the slowed-down and atmospheric quality of the rendition.
“So. Central Rain” holds a special place in R.E.M.’s history as the first single from their second album, “Reckoning,” released in 1984. The band introduced the track during their debut American network TV appearance on “Late Night With David Letterman” in 1983. The song quickly became a fan favorite and resonated deeply with audiences.
Despite the band disbanding in 2011, Peter Buck and Mike Mills have continued to engage in various musical endeavors. Buck recently concluded a European tour with his new group, Drink the Sea, featuring acclaimed musicians such as Barrett Martin and Alain Johannes. Mills showcased his talents with Howl Owl Howl, a collaboration with Darius Rucker and Steve Gorman, releasing the hit single “My Cologne.”
Additionally, Michael Stipe has ventured into solo projects, releasing several singles and working on his solo debut album. Bill Berry, R.E.M.’s original drummer, departed from the band in 1997, but made a musical comeback in 2023 with the Bad Ends. The band’s legacy lives on through various performances, including a memorable rendition of “Pretty Persuasion” featuring all four members of R.E.M. alongside Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy at the 40 Watt Club in Athens.