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R.E.M.’s Peter Buck & The Icicle Works’ Ian McNabb Cover “So. Central Rain

R.E.M.'s "So. Central Rain" Gets a New Spin from Peter Buck and Ian McNabbTable of ContentsR.E.M.'s "So. Central Rain" Gets a New Spin from Peter Buck and Ian McNabbA New Take on an R.E.M. ClassicAbout the ArtistsKey Takeaways…

By Lila Roberts - Entertainment Editor Updated January 4, 2026

R.E.M.’s Peter Buck & The Icicle Works’ Ian McNabb Cover “So. Central Rain

R.E.M.’s “So. Central Rain” Gets a New Spin from Peter Buck and Ian McNabb

Table of Contents

R.E.M.’s “So. Central Rain” Gets a New Spin from Peter Buck and Ian McNabb

R.E.M. guitarist peter Buck continues to collaborate with various artists, and his latest project sees him joining forces with Ian McNabb, best known as the frontman of the icicle Works, for a cover of the Reckoning track “So. Central Rain.” This collaboration adds to Buck’s recent work with supergroups like The Silverlites and Drink The Sea.

A New Take on an R.E.M. Classic

Buck announced the collaboration on R.E.M.’s official website, describing the recording as a “cool version” and hoping it would be a good start to the new year. “In the year just passed, I recorded some guitars on a version of ‘So.Central Rain’ by my friend Ian McNabb,” Buck wrote.

The song,originally released in 1983 on R.E.M.’s second studio album Reckoning, is known for its atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics. This new rendition offers a fresh viewpoint on the classic track, showcasing the combined talents of Buck and McNabb.

About the Artists

Peter Buck is best known as the guitarist and founding member of the influential option rock band R.E.M.,which disbanded in 2011. Since then, Buck has remained active in music, frequently collaborating with other artists and forming new projects. AllMusic details his extensive discography and contributions to various musical endeavors.

Ian McNabb rose to prominence as the singer,songwriter,and guitarist for the Icicle Works,a British new wave band active in the 1980s. The Icicle Works are best known for their hit single “Love in a Berlin brigade.” McNabb has continued to release solo albums and tour since the band’s breakup. His official website provides information on his current work and tour dates.

Key Takeaways

* Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Ian McNabb (The Icicle Works) have collaborated on a cover of R.E.M.’s “So. Central Rain.”
* The collaboration was announced on R.E.M.’s official website.
* Buck has been actively involved in various musical projects as R.E.M.’s disbandment, including the formation of supergroups The Silverlites and Drink The Sea.
* The new version of “So. Central Rain” offers a fresh take on the classic Reckoning track.

This collaboration highlights the enduring influence of R.E.M.’s music and Peter Buck’s continued creativity and willingness to explore new musical avenues.It will be fascinating to see what other projects Buck takes on in the future, continuing to keep the spirit of R.E.M. alive through collaboration and innovation.