Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult: Inside the Song with Shelly Yakus -Produce Like A Pro

➡️➡️Learn more about Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” here: bit.ly/2CCQA7Y
I recently sat down with my dear friend Shelly Yakus to talk about his experience recording one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time!
We had a chance to talk about his time recording the Blue Oyster Cult classic, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” Who better to talk about such a prominent song with than the man who was there to engineer it: Shelly Yakus!
We were fortunate to be able to get a lot of insight into the whole process, including the “Shelly Yakus Special” snare sound and how the incredibly articulate picking on the main guitar riff was done. We talked lots of “insider” secrets here while breaking down the song into its isolated elements!
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[@Producelikeapro]

Which song would YOU love to hear about? We'll see what we can do! ;)

[@Dave_Crewe]

I'm Not In Love by 10cc

[@scottrance2818]

one of my fav songs ever! thanks Warren. More cowbell! lol Enter sandman by metallica would be nice as the drum sounds are iconic to me. Or if you could, talk to Flemming Rasmussen or Michael Wagner about Master of Puppets. I'll name my first born after you for that Warren, male or female lol.

[@schipbreukeling3]

Out on the weekend

[@darlenesheffield9835]

How To Save A Life, The Fray!

[@royglennie]

What? Another song 'inside'? You are too kind sir! I'd request anything by Queen of course!

[@BLUEOYSTERCULTofficial]

Yes that's a clavinet played by Allen Lanier, the B-3 was played by Eric Bloom, and it was recorded and mixed upstairs in Studio C at the Record Plant.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for letting us know!!

[@jhstatts888]

Just wanted to say how amazing it was to see this. I think I could watch a four hour documentary on this song. Thank you, BOC!

[@dosgos]

Thank you so much for allowing us to see under the hood of this epic tune.

[@dosgos]

It would be interesting to re-record this song with modern techniques to compare and to contrast (e.g. running to a click track and having musicians record their parts separately). Then again, this would be more of an exercise to prove what we already know; the vitality and energy of the song would wither away, I think.

[@tjbarry46]

Check out Cult Classic! They did re-record a lot of their hits. I believe it came out in the late '90s.

[@recordingstudiotech]

Shelly Yakus is Mr Golden Ears. There was once a console Shelly worked on that he swore there was an issue with one channel. After SSL dug into the console extensively, they found it was missing a certain capacitor on the one module that caused an oscillation at a frequency way above the human threshold. They were certain that no one was able to hear that so they swapped that module to a different channel in the board and asked Shelly to come back in the room. Shelly said the channel was fixed, however this one is doing it now and pointed out the channel they swapped it to! Super nice and humble guy, what a legend.

[@beefoneeto]

Alfredo that's an awesome story made me think of one of the great innovators Tom Dowd.

[@hizhaus]

I believe the frequency was around 50k in fact. I always think about how he could have heard that but the presence of a 50k tone will have an effect on lower frequencies. Of course you'd have to have amazing ears to even hear that effect!

[@Beelzybud]

Rupert Neve told the exact same story about Geoff Emerick. Makes me wonder if one the stories is more legend than fact, and which one.

[@recordingstudiotech]

@@Beelzybud ​ I can't speak for Rupert, but I have worked for the SSL tech that was part of this repair for 6 years now, and met Shelly several times at Aftermaster while working on that 8k they are sitting behind, that's how I know the story. I am sure Shelly isnt the only person able to hear these harmonics, and I do sometimes encounter manufacturing mistakes like this, not often, but they are not exceedingly rare. I don't doubt it has happened more than once.

[@hernangramajo779]

wow!!! thanks for share!

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Buck Dharma is one of the best guitarists ever... very underrated.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!! Amazing guitar player!!

[@stevenwilkinson1265]

@@Producelikeapro The song is NOT about suicide btw. Buck wrote the song in his basement in 10 days in isolation because he was worried that he was going to die young of a heart condition. This is his solution, that love is eternal & if he had died young he'd wait decades for his wife to join him (this happens at the end of the song when the deceased male comes back for his dying partner many years later, no suicides) ....

[@coltonmyers4945]

I agree as well

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing@@stevenwilkinson1265! What an incredible songwriting Buck Dharma is, not to mention a truly insanely talented guitarist!! Plus, what an incredible song! Everything about this is truly wonderful! Yes, I looked up Buck's explanation and found a handful of different ones, however I have noticed that the most recent ones have settled on the idea you have listed above. It's a wonderful part of the song writing process that often clarity comes with age! I've read many artists who realised that they really meant something else! Thanks for your marvellous comment!

[@stevenwilkinson1265]

@@Producelikeapro Albert & Joe Bouchard were filmed a few years ago explaining Buck's motivation about writing (& recording) the song on his own in 76 ... it's fears over illness & not any suicide pact etc ... Joe also explained that the "La's" were originally there because Buck was going to add more lyrics to the song ... Joe said to him "Leave the La;s man" ... he was right !!! A great video from you guys, thanks!! .... the separated tracks of Buck's vocal & guitar parts absolutely melted me away, I didn't think that would be possible after 40 years of loving this song. Also the quality of the Bouchards' work as well when isolated .. the swing & bounce in Albert's drums etc ...

[@jasonking454]

This song has, for some reason, always been very comforting to me.

[@Producelikeapro]

It’s an amazing song

[@louisrios5546]

When Shelly Yakus started talking about reverb at 2:30, my brain went straight to "Don't Fear the Reverb".

[@LightWingStudios]

It's not just Buck Dharma' solo that rates this song in the Top 10 of Classic Rock Tracks. It's the ENTIRE BAND and THE FEEL that makes it Legendary.

[@Producelikeapro]

Of course! Agreed 100%! I'm friends with Joe Bouchard and I'm a huge fan!!

[@HarvesterOfEyes91]

@@Producelikeaproawesome! one of my fave singer/songwriters of all time.

[@sixbladeknife44]

The BOC catalog is so deep, criminally underrated and one of the pre eminent bands of the classic rock era.

[@JoeBouchardRockStar]

And thanks for the shout out. ;-)!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you Joe!! You Rock my friend!!

[@john0691]

You guys made a classic that will be discovered by future generations

[@kruzbeatbazar]

These historical deconstruction are simply AMAZING!! Thank you so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Nicola!! I have so much fun doing this!!

[@pjones8404]

Buck is one of the most incredible and sadly overlooked guitarists ever!! His sound, style, chops and feel are massive. LOVE, LOVE BLUE OYSTER CULT!!

[@Fenominal13]

Yes. I was in a cover band for a few years - we played Burnin for You, Reaper, and Cities on Flame, and we tried to play perfect versions (which we never did, but we certainly were dialed in on the nuances of the playing)... the lead parts are just outstanding in every way. Like the guy says - "Do you hear what he's saying?" - his solos are lyrical. They sing. Like no one else, yet you never see him in a TopXX list... in spite of the success of reaper. Having played his music gave me such a massive appreciation of his style. Perfect solos, every time. One of the best ever.

[@d.reeves9263]

Same here! Such a great and unique band..

[@petercarlson811]

This is a prime example of the jewels available through KZbin.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks thanks ever so much my friend!

[@twoprimo]

and sadly demontized no doubt by the label's copyright police....leeches!!

[@Gongtopia]

One of my favorite songs. The whole 'Agents of Fortune' album is a masterpiece of so many different moods and styles.

[@Midlife_Crisis94]

Morning Final 🥲🥲🥲

[@InekoBK]

This is one of those all time greats that never become boring , no matter how many times you've heard it

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100% my friend!!

[@thebreathalyzer]

Roeser’s playing is timeless. Always spot on never a wasted note and that tone!!!

[@michaelblack6888]

I feel like the song is about what one should feel while they are dying. Instead of feeling guilt, shame and fear, we should feel blessed, happy and one with the eternity.

[@waynepetralia8105]

Its about hopeless romanticism, deception, and the consequences of embracing the moment

[@moabt.frican7163]

"Agents of Fortune" is easily one of only a few albums of all-time where i can not only listen to both A and B sides in thier entirety, but every. single. song. on that album is just... perfect to me. Listening to that album makes me feel so good, the songs each have this feeling of thier own, like an aura... BOC were amazing at that. Such a great group, great musicians... Buck the coolest guitarist of the era. I love his style! Rock on and party on, dudes!

[@chrisjacklin9224]

One of the most underrated bands ever..... and that Buck Dharma guitar sound......

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Chris, I know! Buck is such an amazing guitar player!!

[@jamesparker1063]

@@Producelikeapro Buck really laid down his SG/LP, for an ES-175 for this??

[@jwalzer]

The best thing about this channel is that it makes you realize the song you love has so much more to it than what you originally thought it did and the best thing about Warren is that he’s equally amazed and in awe of not just the song but everything that’s related to the making of the song. His genuine appreciation is so great to see and sticking to the vide of this video, even feel. I mean I always liked this song, but this breakdown just gives me a whole new appreciation of this masterpiece.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! That’s high praise indeed! Thanks ever so much for your wonderful comment

[@r.miller4810]

BOC was a mind expanding band. A real transformative experience for me in my teen years and it still sounds great today.

[@jppagetoo]

Shelly is a musical treasure. Take the time to get more from him on stuff he did. He knows so much and time is so short.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@MisterGraduation]

I had the incredible privilege of having the late Sandy Pearlman as a lecturer at the University of Toronto. I cannot emphasize enough his intellectual prowess and if you have the time I highly recommend you check out anything of him speaking on KZbin, whether it's about Wagner paving the sonic path to distorted guitars with his brass orchestration, disagreeing with Steve Jobs about music in the digital era, or even answering stupid questions about more cowbell. The dude was, and always will be, a legend, and I'm so thankful to have heard him fly in to speak to us every week for a semester.

[@jmaster2855]

I've been meaning to look into him more, I know he's contributed a lot of lyrics to BOC, and based his work on things like Astronomy are just pure and beautiful poetry. Taken from us just a bit too soon I think.

[@blueoysterdvp]

I’ve watched the “Don’t Fear The Reaper” episode so many times it’s about time I leave a comment. Outstanding!!! Just like the song. I agree so much about the Buck Dharma bridge being one of the greatest. A very underrated guitarist to begin with. Buck is amazing. Great job Warren Huart and Shelly Yakus! So entertaining.

[@nazmoking3171]

Sounds like Shelly is proud of his contribution on this great song - and he should be!

[@tamarahornyak5744]

Blue oyster cult was my first 💙 Album and at the time it came out and the second it started playing I couldn't move I was blown away.outstanding

[@rimythemurloc]

the guitar sound is absolutely beautiful

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100%!!

[@rapidsdrummer]

Great insights on a timeless classic. Not only is Buck one of the greats of all time but he is about the nicest dude i think I've ever met. He is friends with a couple guys in my band and liked a couple of our songs he heard and offered to help out while we were tracking the album. Through the magic of the internet and dropbox we sent him our files in which he took and played outstanding solos on a couple of them and also mixed and produced them at his home studio! Super nice guy and a moment in time i will never forget!

[@d.reeves9263]

Wow - that is awesome! He seems like he'd be a pretty cool guy..

[@MrKennyurchuk]

rapidsdrummer travis you big lucky! What an experience to be in his greatness. Y’all were blessed...

[@inthemix]

One day I hope I can interview like Warren can! So relaxed yet getting all the good questions we want. Thanks for your insights :)

[@DailyDrumLesson]

That's what I think about your way of explaining and breaking things down when I watch your channel ;-)

[@backspin6698]

Michael, try to interview Ultravoxs drummer Warren Cann, like Warren can😉. Sorry couldn’t help it. You are doing a great job on your one.

[@Producelikeapro]

You do amazing work Michael!!

[@DailyDrumLesson]

@@Producelikeapro haha, now I felt flattered for half a second, before I realized that you are talking to the other Michael.. haha ;-)

[@JedWunderli]

One of my favorite rock songs of all time.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Jed for sharing! Always good to read your comments!

[@vracan]

That guitar was one of the biggest reasons why I HAD to learn to play guitar many years ago! Gave me shivers back then and still does today!

[@jc.1191]

Wow! That is just amazing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@LovesickBluesBoi]

That solo, that tone, shivers all night long.. not to mention, what a legendary, timeless classic ❤

[@ksmit]

Buck Dharmas non-blues-"blues" style is why I love this band soooo much. The entire album has this dark/verby overtone that makes this a great record.

[@escargotomy]

Wow what a great breakdown of one of the best classic rock songs that doesn't ever get its due! Hearing the parts in isolation is always mind blowing. BOC always near and dear to me as a fellow alumni of Stony Brook University. I walked the same dorm halls as they, albeit 15 years later...but their presence could still be felt whenever someone played this song or "Burning For You" in Benedict, Langmuir or James halls.

[@bradmodd7856]

such an unassuming and mild mannered guy Shelly is...you would never know the power in his hands

[@njshire6317]

He's got an ED problem!

[@reggaeflex]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Timeless music.

[@DropAnchor1978]

What a wonderful glimpse into a classic song. Thank you for doing this, Warren and Shelly! Extremely enjoyable to explore this!

[@marcus6872]

I've heard the song on the radio countless times but having it broken down like this is just awesome. That guitar sound good god, I'm going to have to try that multi mic, heavy limit some and blend technique.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Marcus! You Rock my friend!!

[@TheCampnFool]

What a fantastic video. BOC was one of my favorite bands back in my teens. They were more prog rock than anything else. Their song Astronomy was the first BOC song I heard. I went that day and bought the album Secret Treaties. I was hooked. Been a fan ever since. Several years ago I met Buck, Eric Bloom and Rudy Sarzo (bass quiet riot) who was playing bass w/the band at the time. All really nice guys. Very down to Earth. Well, after this wonderful interview I'm going to check out your other interviews w Shelly Yakus. Thanks for a great video. It made my evening!

[@Jellybeantiger]

love prog,it’s about all instruments creating a one soind,prog’s forte.

[@NeltonMatioli]

OMG! These "Inside the song" series are amazing!!!!!!! I can't express how much I love what you've been doing. Thanks Warren

[@illxs]

Thanks you for doing this! It doesn't only analyse the technical but also emphasizes the "feel" aspect of songs like that and why they captured the audience's attention for decades!

[@PJyrstinkangas]

This song is basically Ghost's entire career.

[@budgiemcleod4443]

Thank you! A friend of mine showed me the first Ghost album when it came out. I said..."Bah! BlueOysterCult!"

[@ShannonMcDowell71]

I've always loved the ambient tonality and mood of this song - Thank you for this interview, and for your informative video series in general! Great work! 😊

[@hemmelight]

Thanks so much for this video! One of my most-loved songs of all time, with my favorite bridge ever.

[@wa0000]

Brilliant. Mr. Yakus delivers it all... fascinating details of production, but always grounded in protecting and nourishing the essential greatness of the band's sound, and thereby the song.

[@johnpierson8398]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time! I used to play the guitar part in a band and I always wondered about the echo and reverb on the guitars that gave the timing of the song a really interesting complexity. Listening to the guitar solo by itself was simply fantastic! Thank you for this great video and for introducing Shelly Yakus to many of us. The quality of all your videos are outstanding. But I have to say this one is special.

[@richardy8399]

In my top 10 songs of all time!! Fantastic to hear the different parts and Shelly Yakus' insights! As ever brilliantly interviewed and illustrated Warren!! Keep them coming!!

[@whisperthiefmusic]

That was incredible!! Loved it!!! Thanks Warren and thanks Shelly for being such a generous gentleman.

[@ootoobings]

These interviews with Shelly are a real treat. What a badass. Thanks for putting these together, Warren!

[@edmccaffrey1]

That lead guitar sound is so clean, pure, and historical rock music, so good!

[@jasonsneed3731]

I love how you can hear them speeding up and slowing down. It sounds like a HUMAN and not a MACHINE!

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100% Jason!!

[@TheChadPad]

@Robert Appel Well said! We will bring that back. The musicians are here watching this stuff and learning about the past, and we will take music back to its roots

[@thanksfernuthin]

I had to come back and watch this again 3 weeks later. I love how Yakus goes out of his way to say "Yeah... I did a great job. But the BAND. They were amazing musicians!" It's all any fan wants to hear about their favorite group! And the interviewer is delightfully excited about the craftsmanship of all the parts. This video is pure joy!

[@derekstocker6661]

Very well done on this, great to hear this fabulous riff AND the man behind it Shelly Yakus. Many thanks and what a great video and what an amazing riff!

[@EastBayBlue]

I was 10 feet from Buck Dharma when I saw them in a small club. What a great live band.

[@garymanning8920]

I love this song more than the first time I heard it. I cannot turn it off once it begins. GREAT breakdown , just great to hear it from an engineers ear.

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Another awesome interview, Warren. Shelly Yakus has such a calming demeanor, not to mention a monster mixer ... Wow!

[@HarvesterOfEyes91]

Really nice of you to make this video. Talk about learning from the pros. BOC are the epitome of cool, haunting, rifftastic... absolute legends.

[@Cod245]

Again, incredible video. Hat off the Shelly for doing this. Loved the guitar recording technique. I will be trying that out. Thanks Warren 🎸😎

[@vtwinrenegade]

It's my favorite song of all. Imagine what that means. Of all of the fabulous music available, THIS is MY favorite. Not just the music but the lyrics, too.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Glad you enjoyed the video! Great. great song!

[@vtwinrenegade]

@Produce Like A Pro - I'd love to have Marilyn Manson do a version of Don't fear the Reaper. As for my other favorites, maybe do a similar video on Nothing else matters by Metallica? Or, Stairway to Heaven? Please.

[@bylyone23]

Same, and I'm 24 and it's been the case since I'm 15... Love at first sight

[@l8lygr4y]

Thanks again man, I especially appreciate when it's about my home - Blue Oyster Cult were local to the Finger Lakes area of New York, Ithaca specifically. And I love your conversations with Shelly Yakus, your enjoyment and admiration really come through, and he is just a treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and history. If I keep watching you, I'm going to end up resurrecting a former career lol!

[@peddlebreaker]

What an amazing new idea, deconstructing the tracks we, or most of us grew up listening to and the engineers we grew up worshipping! Thanks Warren.

[@dosgos]

Learned so much on this interview. Also very enjoyable. Thank you Shelly!

[@coffeehigh420]

hearing this song always freaked me out ... like a really good horror movie. "Produce Like A Pro" you did an UNREAL job soloing all the key parts and delving into it with the guy who produced it, thank you!!! really interesting to hear his technique for limiting /compression hard with a few mics for that gives you that detail in the picking of guitar and leaving the room guitar mic and the other close mic on the amp untouched (non compressed / limited)... really learned a lot and intend to try this with my future projects !! Again, thank you so much for this !!!

[@davehumpleby3440]

A truly iconic song. I wholeheartedly agree with you that this is a great among greats. It is one of those all-time epics that, when they come on the radio, I have to stop whatever I'm doing and listen to it in its entirety.

[@donniehill5688]

Wow, I can never get enough of Shelly. When I was able to meet and listen to his stories I had tears in my eyes. Thank you for that Warren. Listening to the BOC Tracks just give me the chills. Bucks voice in this song has kinda a Mike Love sound to it on the Vox track. Shelly is a True Master.

[@tikitikibamboo]

This intangible "thing" you're talking about... Since you asked which songs we wanted to learn about... I get that eerie feeling when listening to Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams"...

[@Producelikeapro]

Tobi Tobsen Thanks ever so much! Yes, that’s a truly amazing song!!

[@siorai1]

Tobi Tobsen wow I always felt that too , but have never seen some else mention it .

[@jcstevegigs]

Man, I LOVED this! Amazing breakdown/discussion. I could watch videos like this all day.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@jamestaylor5143]

As a young recording engineer in the late 70's, Shelly was a hero of mine along with Alan Parsons, Donn Landee, Al Schmidt and Tom Scholz. They blazed the trail for an engineer becoming an artist.

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s wonderful to hear

[@kcctradio5751]

This was a real treat, Thanks! This is one of my favorite songs of all time. As a mixer, producer, engineer, the insight as to how the guitar sound was recorded was just GREAT! Thanks again

[@devilreaper_inc6364]

This is one of my all time favorite songs so thank you sooooo much for giving us a behind the scenes in the shadows look inside this masterpiece.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!

[@Producelikeapro]

Shelly is a good friend and I am blessed that he shared so much with us!

[@sarasky457]

The lyrics and that guitar riff is just hypnotizing. One of the all time classic rock songs. Blue Oyster Cult reminds me of creams “Tales of Brave Ulysses”

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%! Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@alansmith7626]

Thank You so Very much! This was part of my life and we never analyzed, we just knew it was good stuff, but is so WOnderful to get behind the scenes, Thank You again for sharing! Thank You Mr Yakus...I would have never known

[@BillMadeMovies]

Thanks, it was great to hear the individual tracks and the discussion on how they were recorded. Inspirational.

[@petertrotman7708]

As a kid it didn't even click that this was a Reaper tune because of the " Com' on baby, take my hand, we'll be able to fly" lines. Irresistible melodies, killer riff, Great mid 8. Thanks again.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, truly amazing song Peter!

[@judmcc]

I love hearing the individual parts.

[@Geotubest]

Warren.. Wow, this was such a treat. I adore this song. Really enjoyed this chat with Shelly. Best wishes and thanks for another great presentation.

[@michaellnbnj]

Excellent, Warren! Fabulous song choice! I don't think I've ever heard anyone express their dislike for this song. Universally known & loved. Vibe like no other! Don't forget about the cowbell.

[@paullucas4846]

Really loving these "inside the song" videos, So much learning. All I have to say is more please.

[@Producelikeapro]

Paul Lucas aw shucks thanks ever so much my friend!

[@mybingobrain]

One of the few classics that have such a driving rhythm.

[@mvandell]

Very very awesome 🙏🥰 You know your enthusiasm as I've said before is so appreciated Warren.. it brings out the best in every interview and breakdown I've seen you do.. kudos!🙏

[@LukaszFrankowski]

This brings so many great memories. Late 90's I was in a band with much more experienced musicians than I was back then and my guitar player Andy would play this tune regularly. Superb track and a great video. Thank you!

[@dominiczito7567]

I really love your analysis of this song! So cool to hear the engineer that mixed it and another engineer who obviously appreciates it for the master piece it is! Loved hearing all the different tracks isolated! Not something that I've really ever heard before, even though I've heard this song a million times more than the average listener. At one point I'm feeling the hair standing up on my arms and getting goose bumps and at the exact same moment you guys are saying that your arm hair is standing on end too! LOL! I LOVE THIS SONG! Heard it a million times because its in my regular rotation on my soundtrack of life, not just when it comes on the radio. In fact tonight on the 25 minute drive home from work, I listened to just DFTR! 2 different versions back to back to back. Buck Dharma is the most underrated guitar player in classic rock, and so is the whole band. Been a fan of this band since 1973! Seen them over 60 times in concert. After all these years, I still have just BOC playlists that I listen to daily! GREAT VIDEO! THANKS FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER! BOC!!! ON TOUR FOREVER!!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Dominic Zito yanks ever so much! We are so glad to be able to help! Yes, what an amazing band and an amazing song!!

[@marktucker4457]

Oh man...Warren you are so fortunate to be able to speak and meet all these amazing people. That's a vibe that you're not likely hear these days.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Mark, yes, I am blessed my friend to be able to talk to such amazing talents!

[@BOCCRAZIE]

That was amazingly GREAT!! Thank you for this interview on The Reaper... I will keep this and re listen and now the next show I go to I will be hearing differently. I've many Reaper videos from the shows I've attended (my first was Aug 6,2014 and I'm at #170 today) I am going back to listen to them at a different level now, hearing the bass, drums and weather its a keyboard or guitar in the section you spoke of. This was great> Thanks and sharing away.

[@mattiemclean9882]

I absolutely LOVE these films. You really know what you're talking about. I'm a drummer/producer and you nail every track I've seen so far. I would love to see you "pick the bones" of anything from 70s Bowie or Stones or Eagles etc. I really love that warm, fat, punchy mid 70s production era. Thank you for these!

[@yrmthr]

Yakus is the REAL DEAL. A true living legend

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes he is 100%!!

[@MM1717mm]

Produce Like A Pro and he seems like a very humble guy who doesn’t take his “legend” status too seriously ..... “special sauce” line still cracking me up 😄 17:40

[@robbinblock2725]

Awesome as usual. Thanks for reminding me how much I've always loved this song -- especially to drive to. The track break down was very cool.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Robbin!

[@TavaresProject]

I loved this episode so much... Iconic song. Love the breakdown of all the multitracks

[@JPM777]

Thank you so much for this post, Warren, very informative. As a producer,, I love these kind of videos.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jon! Glad to be able to help!

[@mikemoore8531]

Great song/recording breakdown! It's awesome to hear the different tracks isolated!

[@usmessenger3199]

GREAT BREAKDOWN OF ONE OF ROCK,s GREAT GUITARIST AND SINGER,s,BASS ,DRUM,s,EVER RECORDED. BLUE OYSTER CULT, WROTE SO MANY GOOD SONGS, MOST PEOPLE HAVEN'T EVEN HEARD THEM. THEY WERE MEANT TO BE AHEAD OF TIME.😎🎸🔊🎶🎼☮️ BOB

[@MartinLuxen]

Love that song, so great that you cover it in this series! and love the stories behind it! Great interview. (And of course love the cowbell)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Martin!!

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

the harmonic content of that guitar is just insane

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, truly amazing!!

[@fedup3449]

@@Producelikeapro Rory Gallagher had the same shimmering undertone on his 1973 irish tour. Listen to his Million Miles Away track. I've tried to emulate it and the nearest i can get is to bus the guitar, then put a reverb on it but going through a saturation knob. It's the reverb content that creates the harmonics because, as you say Warren, the actual guitar here is quite clean. By bussing it i can keep the guitar as clean as i want and blend the harmonics in.

[@MrSunnyday4u]

Wow.. I loved this as much you did Warren.... more of this kind of videos please.... so intresting. Loved to hear Shelly talk about how he did things, and how the band and producers worked together. Music appreciation at its best... would have loved to hear more about the session when they recorded this song.. great stuff... 👍👍👍👍

[@MrKennyurchuk]

Thanks you for this. ‘The Reaper’ is probably the greatest pop song of all time and it was wonderful to see and hear it broken down to it’s elements. God bless Buck Dharma for the coolest guitar solos ever! And Shelley was the perfect engineer for the task. Unfortunately, BOC was and is a greatly underestimated band but they will always hold the class distinction of writing and performing this timeless treasure. Pure gold..... Never get tired of hearing it and it makes me stop what I’m doing to listen. Not many songs have that power but this one does.

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

I said it before when you published the first Shelly vid on You Tube, 'more Shelly, please'. You've done some wonderful interviews with a host of excellent and legendary engineers, but I like this guy and love his focus, recall and input. Here's hoping. Thank you

[@lespaulina]

Thank you for examining this beautiful masterpiece!!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@lauriepalmer6421]

What a wonderful program. Yes, menacing and hopeful at same time. I love this song!

[@janaandara402]

Just wow... this is THE song to define all music of our time... Didn't know how I could be more impressed by this masterclass piece and guitar solo, but you both managed the quantum leap...

[@aarondoerr2260]

Dang. That ending! I want that version released.

[@grahamtaylor8912]

They always end the track like that live.. Monster ending.