Author Topic: Cover Versions that are better than the Originals (Read 131547 times)

Pistolero · « **Reply #1000 on:** February 18, 2022, 09:28:12 pm »

This. Always this....

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/tgdY9k5_nEU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/tgdY9k5_nEU</a>

Ray K · « **Reply #1001 on:** February 21, 2022, 03:13:06 pm »

I'm not saying that it's better than Tim Buckley's original, because you know, wow, but This Mortal Coil's version of Song to the Siren is appropriately haunting

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/vMTEtDBHGY4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/vMTEtDBHGY4</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HFWKJ2FUiAQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HFWKJ2FUiAQ</a>

dimwit · « **Reply #1002 on:** March 19, 2022, 08:02:07 am »

Bear with me, this is not supposed to be to too much of a serious post.

There was a band in Finland that popularized many `60s songs for us, kids of the late 70´s up to early 90´s.

For example, the first rendition of "Here Comes The Sun" for me was the Clifters's "Elekieltä" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRgKbuLOOqg

I knew "Stand by me" before hearing the Clifters's "Mut murhaa" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKaYiJMBLeQ

I would never had heard of The Hollies "Bus stop" if I hadn't knew of the Clifters's "Angelica" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKzo5tzuN0s

The one that just punched through was "You can't hurry love" by The Supremes, Interpreted as "Leikkikalu" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW4Chc94psA

My point I guess is that without this cover band, I might not ever have heard none of the originals, bar the Beatles one.

So in a perverse way, it was actually better than any of the originals, as it introduced me into a whole decade of music which might otherwise been lost/unfound for me.

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #1003 on:** March 24, 2022, 11:39:50 am »

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/O9G6mVo_AbQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/O9G6mVo_AbQ</a>

Boston always unofficial · « **Reply #1004 on:** March 24, 2022, 11:02:08 pm »

This would go down in the i didn't know it was cover for the longest time thread if there was one. I like it more than the original.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/zazcgjwlqIk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/zazcgjwlqIk</a>

Black Bull Nova · « **Reply #1005 on:** March 25, 2022, 12:39:21 am »

Lisa Hannigan-Send In The Clowns A song that always annoyed me for some reason but I love this

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/QvGgtZdbUVA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/QvGgtZdbUVA</a>

Glen Campbell-Times Like These It's not better than the original but it is so good to hear in a different style and it probably brings out the lyrics more

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Zvb0F0PE8cs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Zvb0F0PE8cs</a>

Johnny Cash-Hurt The ultimate upgrade
"The related music video is considered one of the greatest of all time. Trent Reznor praised Cash's interpretation of his song for its "sincerity and meaning," going so far as to say "that song isn't mine anymore."

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/8AHCfZTRGiI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/8AHCfZTRGiI</a>

Rattleduser · « **Reply #1006 on:** April 19, 2022, 06:37:53 pm »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wbYhIIT0kg

dimwit · « **Reply #1007 on:** July 16, 2022, 12:47:53 pm »

Usually, any cover that the Seagulls do is atleast comparable, if not better than the original.

But this Offspring cover is, for me atleast the best way to show how you can turn any song better by making a bluegrass version of it

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/4Uvk4TgQWzI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/4Uvk4TgQWzI</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Abrn8aVQ76Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Abrn8aVQ76Q</a>

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #1008 on:** July 16, 2022, 01:01:53 pm »

I've Got a Brand New Combine Harvester by Jay-Z

Sangria · « **Reply #1009 on:** July 16, 2022, 01:22:15 pm »

Songs that the original (or at least most famous) performers said were done better by the later performer.

Without You - Bad Finger
Cover by Harry Nilsson (the version Badfinger wished they'd done, according to Pete Ham)

Crying in the Rain - Everly Brothers
Cover by a-ha (better than their version, according to Phil Everly)

I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton
Cover by Whitney Houston (much better than she can do, according to Dolly Parton)

Red Raw · « **Reply #1010 on:** July 16, 2022, 03:26:50 pm »

Seeing Johnny Cash there reminded me of the 'American' series and in particular American IV: The Man Comes Around. It was his last proper album and is mostly covers. There is something very touching about it - like a final tour of songs that meant something to him.

Could chose a number of tracks from it, but in keeping with the thread I think the stripped back Cash version of Personal Jesus is a great fit for the song and easily surpasses the Depeche Mode version (which I quite liked at the time - even if the video is a bit dodgy).

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/K3QDDlWmR9Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/K3QDDlWmR9Q</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/u1xrNaTO1bI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/u1xrNaTO1bI</a>

Zeppelin · « **Reply #1011 on:** September 9, 2022, 07:41:26 am »

Maybe not better than, but pretty damn good

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/fOsD_23EHfY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/fOsD_23EHfY</a>

Zimagic · « **Reply #1012 on:** September 9, 2022, 04:40:15 pm »

Nina Simone's verson of "I put a spell on you" is obviously a great song but I can't help shaking my head at how much of a hit she managed to make it considering the original she was working off:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kGPhpvqtOc

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #1013 on:** October 5, 2022, 11:07:41 am »

Donna Summer's cover of Jon & Vangelis- State Of Independence

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/3XcKN0XbCbU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/3XcKN0XbCbU</a>

All-star choir of Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon, James Ingram, Kenny Loggins, Peggy Lipton, Patti Austin, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder.

The original is an amazing tune in itself.

Sheer Magnetism · « **Reply #1014 on:** October 7, 2022, 01:12:46 am »

That's amazing BC, I've always regarded that song as one of the best of the 80's and had no idea it was a cover or who sang on it (obviously Quincy calling in his contacts). Definitely in the Tainted Love/Louie Louie/I Love Rock n'Roll/Hound Dog bracket of covers that eclipsed the original so completely most people are barely aware it existed.

Ray K · « **Reply #1015 on:** October 7, 2022, 10:54:28 am »

It's been mentioned in passing briefly, but Creedence's version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine is pretty spectacular. John Fogerty's vocal combined with an incredibly menacing bass from Stu Cook turns it into a real jam. An 11 minute jam. Plus Fogerty's pronounciation of 'heard' has to be, well, heard. Heoid. Whatever.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ixqofv-Oi74" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ixqofv-Oi74</a>

FlashingBlade · « **Reply #1016 on:** October 7, 2022, 11:03:21 am »

Quote from: BarryCrocker on October 5, 2022, 11:07:41 am

Donna Summer's cover of Jon & Vangelis- State Of Independence

All-star choir of Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon, James Ingram, Kenny Loggins, Peggy Lipton, Patti Austin, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder.

The original is an amazing tune in itself.

Briiliantly sampled on Moodswings ' Spiritual High'....original..not Chrissie Hynde cover...which is sorta apt for thread.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #1017 on:** October 7, 2022, 11:11:11 am »

Quote from: Ray K on October 7, 2022, 10:54:28 am

It's been mentioned in passing briefly, but Creedence's version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine is pretty spectacular. John Fogerty's vocal combined with an incredibly menacing bass from Stu Cook turns it into a real jam. An 11 minute jam. Plus Fogerty's pronounciation of 'heard' has to be, well, heard. Heoid. Whatever.

Mentioned in passing, briefly…how little you value my opinion.

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #1018 on:** October 7, 2022, 12:00:07 pm »

Better? A brave effort all the same.

Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ANkIrSyCeTw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ANkIrSyCeTw</a>

Ray K · « **Reply #1019 on:** October 7, 2022, 12:05:15 pm »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on October 7, 2022, 11:11:11 am

Mentioned in passing, briefly…how little you value my opinion.

Are you only realising this now?

liverbloke · « **Reply #1020 on:** October 7, 2022, 12:27:04 pm »

for me a cover has to be different - why just do the same song in the same manner?

so this cover of lou reed's sweet jane is a classic (possibly better?)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Fa9nN3G2CSg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Fa9nN3G2CSg</a>

Disregarder · « **Reply #1021 on:** October 7, 2022, 12:28:04 pm »

Definitely this version of Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos by Public Enemy as done by Tricky

https://youtu.be/9ZJTM03UByU

Terry de Niro · « **Reply #1022 on:** October 7, 2022, 01:56:38 pm »

Quote from: Ray K on October 7, 2022, 10:54:28 am

It's been mentioned in passing briefly, but Creedence's version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine is pretty spectacular. John Fogerty's vocal combined with an incredibly menacing bass from Stu Cook turns it into a real jam. An 11 minute jam. Plus Fogerty's pronounciation of 'heard' has to be, well, heard. Heoid. Whatever.

Boss.

Two songs that were done on the excellent Slade Alive were well better than the originals, in my opinion.

Steppenwolf's Born to be wild and Lovin' Spoonful's Darling be home soon.

Slade's versions

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/S2Kmch2swn8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/S2Kmch2swn8</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/696yoIkv6M0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/696yoIkv6M0</a>

liverbloke · « **Reply #1023 on:** October 7, 2022, 03:21:38 pm »

Quote from: Terry de Niro on October 7, 2022, 01:56:38 pm

Boss.

Two songs that were done on the excellent Slade Alive were well better than the originals, in my opinion.

Steppenwolf's Born to be wild and Lovin' Spoonful's Darling be home soon.

Slade's versions
...

i'm gonna download those

for all out madness - i'm gonna raise you raven ft udo dirkschneider performing born to be wild

though once we hit the 24 second mark i think you'll turn it off

could there be a thread for worst cover version

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/sxTEXXLUb4M" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/sxTEXXLUb4M</a>

Terry de Niro · « **Reply #1024 on:** October 7, 2022, 03:39:00 pm »

Quote from: liverbloke on October 7, 2022, 03:21:38 pm

i'm gonna download those

for all out madness - i'm gonna raise you raven ft udo dirkschneider performing born to be wild

though once we hit the 24 second mark i think you'll turn it off

could there be a thread for worst cover version

Just past the 24 second mark, only dogs would be able to hear the high shrieking.

My word

disgraced cake · « **Reply #1025 on:** October 7, 2022, 04:03:34 pm »

Quote from: Ray K on October 7, 2022, 10:54:28 am

It's been mentioned in passing briefly, but Creedence's version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine is pretty spectacular. John Fogerty's vocal combined with an incredibly menacing bass from Stu Cook turns it into a real jam. An 11 minute jam. Plus Fogerty's pronounciation of 'heard' has to be, well, heard. Heoid. Whatever.

Was watching the new CCR thing on Netflix recently about their 1970 show in London (Jeff Bridges narrates) and I thought about this thread when hearing their version of 'I put a spell on you' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Amazing cover.

The Grapevine one is exceptional too. 11 minutes long and obviously completely different to Gaye's version. Considering their records where all released in such a short time it's remarkable what they put out. Such a shame how they fell apart not too long after, the documentary (not really a documentary) makes good mention of how it was just after the Beatles had ended things and Creedence were set to be the biggest band in the world. They're one of those ones you can't help but sadly wonder what they'd have gotten up to had they stayed together for even a short while longer.

liverbloke · « **Reply #1026 on:** October 7, 2022, 05:18:45 pm »

absolute top band ccc

here's u2's cover of fortunate son - even if you hate u2 they had a cool period around the early 90s and were quite experimental and self-deprecating

this is alright

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ZIkun9heBUA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ZIkun9heBUA</a>

ToneLa · « **Reply #1027 on:** October 7, 2022, 05:27:47 pm »

Negativland did a cover of You Two's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Lookin For" so good, the Irish band tried to sue them out of existence

The letter U
And the numeral 2

---

Quite like Johnny Cash American iV covers but it gains unfairly through being tied to his sad demise

But not saying they're shit. No, I have ears. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode should have been caught in Johnny's net in the first place

Armand9 · « **Reply #1028 on:** November 12, 2022, 12:27:32 pm »

Quote from: Zeppelin on September 9, 2022, 07:41:26 am

Maybe not better than, but pretty damn good

it's a good one, beautiful tone on the acoustic, tho feels a bit stiff on the heavier section for me but nice job

plenty of versions out there but zeppelin's version is the best i've heard

elbow · « **Reply #1029 on:** November 13, 2022, 10:52:35 pm »

Quote from: liverbloke on October 7, 2022, 12:27:04 pm

for me a cover has to be different - why just do the same song in the same manner?

so this cover of lou reed's sweet jane is a classic (possibly better?)

Whilst I agree that the Cowboy Junkies version is indeed boss, it's actually a cover of a different version of Sweet Jane.

The Velvet Underground did this slower version on the peerless live album, 1969.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/gePGAoQW_1A" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/gePGAoQW_1A</a>

Black Bull Nova · « **Reply #1030 on:** November 14, 2022, 12:10:18 am »

I love it when someone does something leftfield and then it gets leftfielded further

Wilco-I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/YLlg9LMPwnE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/YLlg9LMPwnE</a>

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound-I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/WgXWtMafsUQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/WgXWtMafsUQ</a>

liverbloke · « **Reply #1031 on:** November 14, 2022, 07:20:55 am »

Quote from: elbow on November 13, 2022, 10:52:35 pm

Whilst I agree that the Cowboy Junkies version is indeed boss, it's actually a cover of a different version of Sweet Jane.

The Velvet Underground did this slower version on the peerless live album, 1969.
...

thanks for that didn't know that - great stuff

liverbloke · « **Reply #1032 on:** November 17, 2022, 08:39:13 am »

also known as 'in the pines' - nirvana 'where did you sleep last night'

possibly one of the greatest covers of all-time - that whole mtv performance, everything just clicked and it's a fantastic acoustic session and this song stands out because kurt nails the song's desperate wretched call for answers - chilling

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/hEMm7gxBYSc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/hEMm7gxBYSc</a>

rob1966 · « **Reply #1033 on:** November 17, 2022, 09:37:23 am »

Quote from: liverbloke on November 17, 2022, 08:39:13 am

also known as 'in the pines' - nirvana 'where did you sleep last night'

possibly one of the greatest covers of all-time - that whole mtv performance, everything just clicked and it's a fantastic acoustic session and this song stands out because kurt nails the song's desperate wretched call for answers - chilling

That is quality that, I've got that unplugged "somewhere" on CD, need to find it.

Bowie said "The Man Who Sold The World" is better than the original and I strongly agree.

Black Bull Nova · « **Reply #1034 on:** November 17, 2022, 01:24:03 pm »

Quote from: rob1966 on November 17, 2022, 09:37:23 am

That is quality that, I've got that unplugged "somewhere" on CD, need to find it.

Bowie said "The Man Who Sold The World" is better than the original and I strongly agree.

Yeah, I keep forgetting I bought that years ago, must dig it out. I think that's the true Cobain really, a sort of solo album.

rob1966 · « **Reply #1035 on:** November 17, 2022, 05:29:55 pm »

Quote from: Black Bull Nova on November 17, 2022, 01:24:03 pm

Yeah, I keep forgetting I bought that years ago, must dig it out. I think that's the true Cobain really, a sort of solo album.

"Am I doing this by myself?"

Terry de Niro · « **Reply #1036 on:** November 17, 2022, 05:41:38 pm »

If we changed the thread title to Cover Versions that are on par with the Originals, then I reckon The Christians version of The Isley Brother's Harvest For The World would be up there.
Superb version.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/RaIcUf1D130" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/RaIcUf1D130</a>

elbow · « **Reply #1037 on:** November 18, 2022, 04:22:03 am »

Quote from: liverbloke on November 17, 2022, 08:39:13 am

also known as 'in the pines' - nirvana 'where did you sleep last night'

possibly one of the greatest covers of all-time - that whole mtv performance, everything just clicked and it's a fantastic acoustic session and this song stands out because kurt nails the song's desperate wretched call for answers - chilling

There was some cracking unplugged sets back in the 90's. Neil Young did one from memory.

Which leads me to......this rather lovely cover of Harvest Moon by the aptly named Poolside.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/suWbFPaVoEA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/suWbFPaVoEA</a>

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #1038 on:** November 19, 2022, 10:42:22 pm »

Quote from: markedasred on June 18, 2020, 07:35:46 pm

David Gray's Say Hello and Wave Goodbye, and, just by an inch, Springsteen's Live Jersey Girl.

Saw him in concert last night in Sydney and I'd have agree.

Also, saw Hot Chip on Friday and their rendition of 'Dancing In The Dark' with an added 'All My Friends' lyric drop near the end is superb.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/PyN_d28-sfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/PyN_d28-sfw</a>

rob1966 · « **Reply #1039 on:** November 22, 2022, 08:34:14 pm »

Originally recorded by Eddie Cochrane

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/J_sEtNrYlC4&t=90s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/J_sEtNrYlC4&t=90s</a>