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Topic: the best cover versions ever (Read 7686 times) previous topic - next topic
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the best cover versions ever

I recently came across Alexandra Burke's cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. When Ms. Burke belts out on the line "it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah, she missed the point of the song completely.

I think Jeff Buckley's rendition is a lot better. In my book, it's one of the best covers ever. Here are some of my other favorites:

1. Annie Lennox - Waiting in Vain (Bob Marley) - This version is so much different from the original but still captures the point of the song completely.

2. Nirvana - Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Lead Belly?) - A very haunting song made even more haunting by Kurt Cobain's incredible voice and emotion.

3. Jeff Buckley - I Know It's Over (The Smiths) - All Jeff Buckley's covers are brilliant and this is a brilliant song. Jeff Buckley could cover a Backstreet Boys song and make it great.

That's what I have at the top of my head. I'll add some more as I remember them. Please add your recommendations as well. Thanks.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #1
Best cover version ever? Rolf Harris - Stairway to Heaven, undoubtedly.

Cheers, Slipstreem. 

the best cover versions ever

Reply #2
One of my favourite Clash songs: Pressure Drop, originally by Toots & The Maytals.

The Clash introduced me to some other musical styles (reggae and ska mainly) that I may not other have appreciated.  I like they way that they were influenced by their community.

Oh, and +1 for Rolf.
I'm on a horse.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #3
Richard Cheese - Chop Suey (System Of a Down Cover)

the best cover versions ever

Reply #4
Richard Cheese - Chop Suey (System Of a Down Cover)


Nah, it has to be his rendition of "Baby Got Back". 

Seriously, a few years ago, Richie Havens did a beautiful solo rendition of Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'".  He managed to slow it down and change some of the chords, making it his own without taking away anything from the lyrics' impact.  The album is "Cuts to the Chase" which is a pretty darn good release even without it.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #5
I know this is way off in left field, but I have taken a strange liking to Paul Anka's version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

the best cover versions ever

Reply #6
"Johny B. Good" by Judas Priest. Too different from the original, which is very difficult IMHO.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #7
Built to Spill's cover of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" from their Live CD. Two guitars, both brilliant, weaving in and out with searing passion. My brain goes into overload at the 13 min mark. It's insane.
That's so plausible, I can't believe it.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #8
"In The Air Tonight" by Nonpoint (view video, sadly bad audio quality).

the best cover versions ever

Reply #9
Jimi Hendrix -- All Along The Watchtower

The Byrds -- Mr. Tambourine Man

Joe Cocker -- With a Little Help from My Friends

Aretha Franklin -- Respect

The Beatles -- Twist and Shout

Big Brother and the Holding Company -- Piece of My Heart

Cream -- Crossroads

The Animals -- House of the Rising Sun

Santana -- Black Magic Woman

the best cover versions ever

Reply #10
Guy Clarke's cover oF Forth Worth Blues (by Steve Earle).

the best cover versions ever

Reply #11
Alanis Morissette's cover of My Humps (originally by the Black Eyed Peas).

You might think at first sight it's some kind of parody (especially if you see the video), but here's a brilliant example of how the shaping of chords can transfigure a song. And that's what covers should be : not pale copies of the original songs, but different - and sometimes improved - versions of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W91sqAs-_-g

the best cover versions ever

Reply #12
Wow that Alanis cover is amazing. Great singers can make even bad songs great.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #13


Unfortunately that cover was never released as a part of an album AFAIK, so unless I'm wrong there's no way to buy such album and get the cover in its lossless form. I'd be happy to be proven wrong though.

the best cover versions ever

Reply #14
I really like these two:

Deep Purple - Hush

Kraftwerk - Popcorn



the best cover versions ever

Reply #17
Gary Jules' and Michael Andrews' cover version of "Mad World" (originally by Tears for Fears). Appears at the end of Donnie Darko...here's a link to the music video: "Mad World" video

 

the best cover versions ever

Reply #18
I currently came across Axion Funk's wild psych version of the Jimi classic If 6 was 9................farout is the adjective!:)