From R.E.M.’s BlueSky account:
“In the year 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!” - Peter
Oof. The guitars are nice, but I wasn’t able to finish listening to this. Embarrassing AI video as well.
I didn’t think it was terrible but I was not into it.
I didn’t like it much when even R.E.M. themselves slowed this down for later live performances, the echoing backing vocals make it drag even more; and the singer’s voice is not suited to the song. Ah well.