Author Topic: Cover Versions that are better than the Originals (Read 133142 times)

Flaccido Dongingo · « **Reply #800 on:** March 29, 2018, 05:05:05 pm »

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall
Placebo - Running up that hill

Sudden Death Draft Loser · « **Reply #801 on:** March 29, 2018, 05:10:41 pm »

Quote from: Flaccido Dongingo on March 29, 2018, 05:05:05 pm

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall

Jay-Z opening with Wonderwall at Glastonbury 2008.

Not the best ever version, but brilliant as a come back to Noel Gallagher's ridiculous pre festival rant.

Quote

Last night, before an adoring crowd, Jay-Z gave his response. As he took to the legendary Pyramid stage, vast video screens played images of Gallagher's criticism of the rapper, triggering a massive chorus of jeers aimed at the Mancunian guitarist. That was only the beginning. The rapper's opening track was a cover of Wonderwall, arguably Oasis's most famous track.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/29/glastonbury.festivals1

The Gulleysucker · « **Reply #802 on:** March 29, 2018, 05:17:23 pm »

And another.

Now I absolutely love Stevie Wonder, he's right up there amongst the very best of all time but his I Believe (When I Fall In Love With You I Will Be Forever) covered by Art Garfunkel is lush and takes it to a whole different level...

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

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/k8-FnibcoaA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/k8-FnibcoaA</a>

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #803 on:** March 29, 2018, 05:53:32 pm »

On the Joni theme - I seem to recall being the only one at the time in our lot who preferred her 'Woodstock' over the number one hit by Matthews Southern Comfort, even despite them all pissing themselves as we'd all join in with with her wailing at the end whenever I put it on the jukey

Joni Miitchell

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/cRjQCvfcXn0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/cRjQCvfcXn0</a>

Matthews Southern Comfort

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/qIHfuihoz70" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/qIHfuihoz70</a>

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #804 on:** March 29, 2018, 06:14:58 pm »

On the Carole King theme - the superb Goin' Back

Best version? Who knows - but Dusty's has always been the one for me

Dusty Springfeld

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/XvWiiUgT8Nk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/XvWiiUgT8Nk</a>

The Byrds

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/pqHb7RFpoxU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/pqHb7RFpoxU</a>

Bruce Springsteen

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/MbQPaMYB-LY?list=RDMbQPaMYB-LY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/MbQPaMYB-LY?list=RDMbQPaMYB-LY</a>

Carole King

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/9bA_0VsIoGU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/9bA_0VsIoGU</a>

BlackandWhitePaul · « **Reply #805 on:** March 29, 2018, 07:07:52 pm »

Quote from: Timbo's Goals on March 29, 2018, 06:14:58 pm

On the Carole King theme - the superb Goin' Back

Best version? Who knows - but Dusty's has always been the one for me

Dusty Springfeld

The Byrds

Bruce Springsteen

Carole King

Out of these 4 I wouldn't say Dusty Springfield is the best, nor 2nd best.

For me, the order of best to worst is.

The Byrds
Carole King
Dusty Springfield
and last by some considerable margin is Brucie, who doesn't get a bonus for this one.

Buck Pete · « **Reply #806 on:** March 30, 2018, 12:29:49 am »

How about the Dead Kennedys version of Elvis's 'Viva Las Vegas'

Gotta love Jello's lyric changes in the last couple of verses too.

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

Ray K · « **Reply #807 on:** March 30, 2018, 10:45:02 am »

Quote from: Black & White Paul on March 29, 2018, 07:07:52 pm

Out of these 4 I wouldn't say Dusty Springfield is the best, nor 2nd best.

For me, the order of best to worst is.

The Byrds
Carole King
Dusty Springfield

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #808 on:** March 31, 2018, 12:39:31 am »

Quote from: Black & White Paul on March 29, 2018, 07:07:52 pm

....and last by some considerable margin is Brucie, who doesn't get a bonus for this one.

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #809 on:** March 31, 2018, 12:43:16 am »

Quote from: Buck Pete on March 30, 2018, 12:29:49 am

How about the Dead Kennedys version of Elvis's 'Viva Las Vegas'

Gotta love Jello's lyric changes in the last couple of verses too.

Ha ha - loved that. Great fun - Elvis on helium!!!

Filler. · « **Reply #810 on:** March 31, 2018, 12:47:18 am »

Heard a good Motorhead cover a few weeks back:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Dbqf1XgY6ZA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Dbqf1XgY6ZA</a>

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #811 on:** March 31, 2018, 01:23:23 am »

Quote from: Filler. on March 31, 2018, 12:47:18 am

Heard a good Motorhead cover a few weeks back:

Got to say F - I really like it but I think Vera Lynn's original accapella version just nicks it!

Filler. · « **Reply #812 on:** March 31, 2018, 08:09:33 am »

Quote from: Timbo's Goals on March 31, 2018, 01:23:23 am

Got to say F - I really like it but I think Vera Lynn's original accapella version just nicks it!

She recorded a great Ace of Spades too.

BlackandWhitePaul · « **Reply #813 on:** March 31, 2018, 10:50:00 am »

Speaking of Bruce Springsteen though, he nailed this one and he definitely gets a bonus for the love he has for his fans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whq2XZyMT9s

The Gulleysucker · « **Reply #814 on:** March 31, 2018, 12:02:49 pm »

The original Aerosmith Walk this way, a bit of its time and if we are being honest, somewhat sleezy in the lyrics but what do you expect from Tyler, though a killer guitar riff from I assume Perry...

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/4c8O2n1Gfto" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/4c8O2n1Gfto</a>

Here, vastly improved, made much more fun when RUN-DMC covered it, and fair play to Aerosmith for taking the piss out of themselves at the same time.

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

But I actually prefer this version by Hayseed Dixie which somehow nails the backwoods redneck like suggestive sleezyness of it, ..talkin' about cousins n'all ...

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/l9udowK_x5U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/l9udowK_x5U</a>

Fairytale of 2005 · « **Reply #815 on:** April 1, 2018, 09:10:02 pm »

Easy - Faith No More
Step On - Happy Mondays

Zlen · « **Reply #816 on:** April 1, 2018, 09:43:04 pm »

Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’ is a masterpiece.
Cohen’s is just ok.

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #817 on:** April 2, 2018, 12:23:22 am »

Joni Mitchell's 2000 revision of her own song Both Sides Now.

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #818 on:** April 2, 2018, 12:30:13 pm »

Mystery Train - For obvious reasons impossible to say which is best though needless to say which one with its incredible extra verse I listen to most

Junior Parker

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/7KbjWK6kTQg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/7KbjWK6kTQg</a>

Elvis

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/XA5HErVE9oI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/XA5HErVE9oI</a>

The Band

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/rQFE113iDx4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/rQFE113iDx4</a>

BlackandWhitePaul · « **Reply #819 on:** April 2, 2018, 04:12:48 pm »

The OASIS song Cigarettes and alcohol was covered by Rod Stewart a few year ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4DhNSSKQjQ

BlackandWhitePaul · « **Reply #820 on:** April 2, 2018, 04:15:02 pm »

He done Rocking chair as well.

I'd love to hear what Liam thinks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_SimhTdQc4

Slightly Less Mediocre Baron Bennekov · « **Reply #821 on:** April 2, 2018, 06:27:38 pm »

REO Speedwagon's original covered by Cigarettes after Sex. Very different version but brilliant imo!!

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/PDJPpG8e4n4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/PDJPpG8e4n4</a>

Buck Pete · « **Reply #822 on:** April 4, 2018, 09:55:06 am »

Bloody Hell, you learn something new every day.

I used to play the shit out of '12 Gold Bars' cassette by Status Quo back in the very early 80's. Just been on Wiki to remind myself of the track listings and I noticed 'Rockin all over the world' was written and first released by John Fogerty of Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Quo made the song world famous but the original is fucking ace.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/fEUP5yjIOB8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/fEUP5yjIOB8</a>

The Gulleysucker · « **Reply #823 on:** April 15, 2018, 11:17:55 pm »

Now I was never over fond of The Eagles, undeniably fantastic perfectionist musicians and all that, but there was always something just a bit too slick and over produced for my liking, however, I did really like 'Boys of Summer' by Don Henley.

There's something really beautifully elegaic about it, a simply great tune with intelligent lyrics pining for a once intense love and a warm sunlit time now lost and whose soft traces are left only as memories, a sort of more modern but much darker 'Disney Girls' type song by Bruce & the Beach Boys (that was also covered superbly by Art Garfunkel), and the production is as expected, simply just top notch...

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/gb1wYslTBk8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/gb1wYslTBk8</a>

But having said that, I also really liked the various cover versions and remixes by DJ Sammy

Now I know it's thumpity thumpity thump dance and seemingly should be anathema to those who appreciate good musicianship and craft as it's really not a good example of either, the opposite in fact, and it's actually pretty exploitative throwaway stuff suited to that dance music golden period, but somehow in its raw simplisticity it just works for me and I think the various versions probably brought a certain freshness to the tune.

This is not my particular favourite of the remixes, the particular one I really like and that I have an mp3 of doesn't seem to be up on youtube, but it will probably do...love it or hate it I guess...

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/m4aSVYY5nnk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/m4aSVYY5nnk</a>

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #824 on:** April 16, 2018, 09:12:19 am »

I'm a massive fan of the original by Dylan after getting it on a mix tape from a girl back in the 80's.

The original with it's super cheesy video.

Bob Dylan - Tight Connection To My Heart (Has Anyone Seen My Love)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nheBN2UWAaM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nheBN2UWAaM</a>

The Cover

Sheila Atim performs Bob Dylan's 'Tight Connection to My Heart' | GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0grZUoUhn_k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0grZUoUhn_k</a>

Buggy Eyes Alfredo · « **Reply #825 on:** May 29, 2018, 08:43:40 pm »

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

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/E4c7EE8_IX0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/E4c7EE8_IX0</a>

TepidT2O · « **Reply #826 on:** May 29, 2018, 08:44:27 pm »

It’s virtually identical to the original...

But I love it.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #827 on:** February 22, 2019, 01:04:18 am »

Been a while since anyone’s posted in here.

Easystar All Stars - Let Down, a reggae cover of Radiohead with vocals from Toots (& the Maytals). In fact they covered the entire album. Forgotten how to embed sorry:

https://youtu.be/cfYg1ZJfEWY

Another I’ve heard a few times recently, won’t claim it’s better than the original but still a fine rendition. Credence Clearwater Revival version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine:

https://youtu.be/wCCfc2vAuDU

elbow · « **Reply #828 on:** February 22, 2019, 02:09:04 am »

Quote from: BIG DICK NICK on February 22, 2019, 01:04:18 am

Been a while since anyone’s posted in here.

Easystar All Stars - Let Down, a reggae cover of Radiohead with vocals from Toots (& the Maytals). In fact they covered the entire album. Forgotten how to embed sorry:

https://youtu.be/cfYg1ZJfEWY

Another I’ve heard a few times recently, won’t claim it’s better than the original but still a fine rendition. Credence Clearwater Revival version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine:

https://youtu.be/wCCfc2vAuDU

Yeah, that Let Down cover is boss. The Creedence is great as well.
Here's a souped up version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHr7aI-A0Uk

I love their version of "I Put A Spell On You", Screamin' Jay Hawkins did the original.

soxfan · « **Reply #829 on:** February 22, 2019, 02:41:19 am »

Def Leppard has an underrated 2006 cover album called "Yeah!". I think their "Waterloo Sunset" is far better than the Kinks version. Some other decent songs on the album too. "No Matter What" (Badfinger) & "Rock On" (David Essex) I thought were quite good.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/1WnuRmnhWr4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/1WnuRmnhWr4</a>

TepidT2O · « **Reply #830 on:** February 22, 2019, 08:17:14 am »

Nah...

The original was perfect..

There’s been lots of covers and they don’t add anything.

Red in Korea · « **Reply #831 on:** February 22, 2019, 08:36:04 am »

Weezer have done a covers album this year which I'm thoroughly enjoying. They don't add much to the originals, but great choice of songs if you grew up in the 80s. Mr Blue Sky (ELO), Billie Jean (MJ) and No Scrubs (TLC) my faves.

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #832 on:** February 22, 2019, 08:43:20 am »

Quote from: Tepid T₂O on February 22, 2019, 08:17:14 am

Nah...

The original was perfect..

There’s been lots of covers and they don’t add anything.

I agree. The Kinks' version is one of the most perfect pop recordings of all time and needs no alteration or interpretation.

I really like the Okkervil River track 'Famous Tracheotomies' where the singer recounts the tracheotomies of various famous people, including Ray Davies - the song then morphs into a little tribute to 'Waterloo Sunset' with a quotation of the melody, it's a very affecting tune (the singer Will Sheff himself had one as a child). Worth a listen.

KillieRed · « **Reply #833 on:** February 22, 2019, 08:49:14 am »

Somewhat sacrilegious:

I love Galaxie 500`s version of Ceremony by Joy Division/New Order. Starts off like a pub band but builds up to be incredibly powerful.

AndyInVA · « **Reply #834 on:** February 22, 2019, 11:37:25 am »

Quote from: Zlen on April 1, 2018, 09:43:04 pm

Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’ is a masterpiece.
Cohen’s is just ok.

Agreed

Sheer Magnetism · « **Reply #835 on:** February 22, 2019, 01:10:42 pm »

Quote from: soxfan on February 22, 2019, 02:41:19 am

Def Leppard has an underrated 2006 cover album called "Yeah!". I think their "Waterloo Sunset" is far better than the Kinks version. Some other decent songs on the album too. "No Matter What" (Badfinger) & "Rock On" (David Essex) I thought were quite good.

The high point for hard rock covers of the Kinks remains Van Halen.

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #836 on:** February 22, 2019, 02:17:36 pm »

Quote from: AndyInVA on February 22, 2019, 11:37:25 am

Agreed

Nope, the John Cale version that Buckley took it from is the masterpiece here.

Other bad cover versions of it have made the song pretty much unbearable anyway I feel.

Ray K · « **Reply #837 on:** February 22, 2019, 03:37:17 pm »

Quote from: BIG DICK NICK on February 22, 2019, 01:04:18 am

Been a while since anyone’s posted in here.

Easystar All Stars - Let Down, a reggae cover of Radiohead with vocals from Toots (& the Maytals). In fact they covered the entire album. Forgotten how to embed sorry:

https://youtu.be/cfYg1ZJfEWY

Another I’ve heard a few times recently, won’t claim it’s better than the original but still a fine rendition. Credence Clearwater Revival version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine:

https://youtu.be/wCCfc2vAuDU

I like these. These are bands not trying to do karaoke imitations of the originals - they're bringing their own distinctive sound to the originals, and making it more interesting as a result. They're not concerned with keeping the same tempo as the original, or trying to sound like Gaye or Yorke. You're not going to confuse the CCR version of Grapevine with any other artist, which is good.

I've always liked the Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) and Conor Oberst/Ben Gibbard version of the Travelling Wilbury's Handle With Care

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/QXh94o7tAxQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/QXh94o7tAxQ</a>

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #838 on:** February 22, 2019, 04:07:39 pm »

The Slits' version of Heard It Through The Grapevine is also very good.

Astonishing there's two excellent cover versions when the original is so iconic and perfect!

soxfan · « **Reply #839 on:** February 22, 2019, 07:18:04 pm »

Quote from: Sheer Magnetism on February 22, 2019, 01:10:42 pm

The high point for hard rock covers of the Kinks remains Van Halen.

I remember hearing "Eruption/You Really Got Me" when the band first came out and I thought WTF!? One of my favorite acts for a while. Egotistical frontman vs. musical genius/asshole has always been a ticking time bomb in rock though.