(Don't Go Back to) Rockville (R.E.M. cover by des0free)

[des0free]

One of my favorite early songs by one of my favorite bands. I don't think I've heard too much R.E.M. posted on here... I played four rhythm guitar tracks and used midi/plugins for the rest. I had to work really hard to try to make the vocals sound close to right, because Michael Stipe has a really unique way of singing.

Acoustic guitar (two tracks) - Taylor GS mini via AT-4040 mic, Onyx Blackjack USB
Electric guitar (two tracks) - Fender Telecaster into Amplitube 5 Fender models
Vocals - AT-4040 mic, Waves CLA vocals plugin
Harmony Vocals - generated from 2nd vocal track with Waves Ultrapitch Plugin 
Drums - MODO Drums plugin
Bass - MODO Bass plugin
Piano, Pedal Steel - Sampletank 4 plugins
Mixed and mastered in Reaper

[Zoltan]

Great performance. I don't think i've heard to original...
When i hear your singing i always think of sun.
You're putting the plugins into a good use. Great sounds and cool groove in this song!

[StephenM]

I know this song (not to play but).  I loved those early days of REM and I bet I heard this song at least 100 times...it still shows up on my car radio a fair amount...

you are right Michael Stipe is unique... and you have done a superb job Doug...

the music is perfect.  the vocals sound great.  the recording is wonderful and the mix about dang perfect I would say...
guitars sound fantastic.

[Rene Asologuitar]

One of my favorite early songs by one of my favorite bands. I don't think I've heard too much R.E.M. posted on here... I played the rhythm guitars and used midi/plugins for the rest. I had to work really hard to try to make the vocals sound close to right, because Michael Stipe has a really unique way of singing.

**************************
Hi des0free,
Lovely recording.
I love the sound you guys produced, very nice and relaxing music!
Thanks for sharing this!
Rene

[Redler]

So much memories with this! I haven't heart it for over 30 years..

Everything has put well together. Excellent singing and playing!

Enjoyable listening.

[Hook]

One of my favorites, nicely done brother.
Rock on!

[Pete C]

I don't know the original..REM only became well known in the early 90's here. After listening to the originalyou've done a great cover here. Interesting that the song has a bit of a country vibe to me.

Pete

[Jean Pierre]

Nice song, nice production Doug

great job of mixing and mastering

Guitare acoustique (deux pistes) - Taylor GS mini via micro AT-4040, Onyx Blackjack USB
Guitare électrique (deux pistes) - Fender Telecaster dans Amplitube 5 modèles Fender
Vocals - AT-4040 mic, plugin vocal Waves CLA
Harmony Vocals - généré à partir du 2ème piste vocale avec Waves Ultrapitch Plugin
Drums - MODO Drums plugin
Bass - MODO Bass plugin
Piano, Pedal Steel - Sampletank 4 plugins
Mixé et masterisé dans Reaper

Reaper, Waves plug ins, fender tele...we have some toys in common 

[des0free]

I don't know the original..REM only became well known in the early 90's here. After listening to the originalyou've done a great cover here. Interesting that the song has a bit of a country vibe to me.

Pete

Thanks for the feedback.  This song is kind of unique for REM as it does have a "country rock" sound. It was first supposedly done in punk/thrash style but not released. Their manager heard something he liked and told them to keep working on it. As a joke they played it "country rock" but then realized it sounded really good. It was released and became a fan favorite on their greatest hits albums, live albums, etc.

I made re-recordings in a few spots to try to improve the vocal.

[cuthbert]

Big fan of early REM here, and you've done a great job on this classic from Reckoning (probably my favorite album by them). Your vocal actually cleared up a couple of lines from the mysterious Mr. Stipe that I never clearly heard before!

Well done, des.