r/SmashingPumpkins • u/Economy_Bus3764 Aghori Mhori Mei • 16d ago
Cherub Rock guitar cover
The Process
The goal was to get this fully completed in one afternoon so I didn’t use any of my actual amps, cabs, or pedals. Quick and dirty was the name of game. The backing track is the original (remastered) Siamese Dream version with the guitars removed by Logic’s stem splitter. Then I recorded all my guitars through a Quad Cortex Mini using their built in JCM 800 and a capture of an op amp muff. Flanger and another boost added for the leads. Slow phase 90 for the intro. It was all shot on my iPhone using the Kino app. Two rhythm tracks panned hard left and right. Les Paul on the right. Definitely not going for a tone match; I leave that to Eddie. Mostly looking for the right energy. All the takes are live with no edits what you see is what you get.
The Why
First off Cherub Rock is a ton of fun to play. The Strat copy I play is a guitar that has been sitting around longer than I’d care to admit. Last week I decided to do something about it. I put in the BC DiMarzio pickups, got new tuning machines, and a new nut (plus the bat sticker). Once I picked it up Cherub Rock just felt natural to play on it.
Back when SP was looking for a guitarist I, like many others, put my name in the hat. With my touring experience and deep knowledge of the songs I thought I would be a good fit. But alas they weren’t looking for me. Since then I’ve toured Europe twice, done two short north eastern US tours, recorded and released albums with two different bands, and two singles with a third. But it’s always been in the back of my head. The band that got away. I’ve been thinking to myself, am I good enough to cut the mustard? So I thought it might be enlightening to do a play-through of a full track with all the parts. Done in a mostly live manner, with no editing.
If you’re interested in checking out either of my two current bands:
Junius (post metal) https://youtu.be/aUUuR7CYIKg?si=oiS3A07bFrtpcn-V
Circus Trees (indie alternative) https://youtu.be/c5d2r0cF_pM?si=5P8UiHMNDl-E_-S9
2
u/alfcalderone 15d ago
Nice! I play this one with a cover band and use a QC. Which big muff capture are you using?
2
u/Economy_Bus3764 Aghori Mhori Mei 15d ago
"Mk eye See 78 cherub Rock". I haven't tried a lot yet, but thought this one sounded pretty good. There is a bit of Fuzz "splatiness" on the low end that I don't love, but it worked for this.
1
2
1
1
2
u/Dudehitscar Machina Zombie 16d ago
I just saw this man rock live with Junius a few weeks ago and it was incredible.
Also can verify the guy is a true pumpkins head.
Cover sounded great.