Cover versions

[Ian b]

Ther are many cover versions of songs, but who would you say made a good cover.Taking into account that the artist(s) should improve in some way on the original. I have three favourites, but I'll keep them to myself for the moment. I've read the other threads on this subject, but thought it was worth resurrecting again.

[Whickerman]

Hush by Kula Shaker.

Everytime by Glen Hansard

All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix

Hurt - Johnny Cash

Both Sides Now - Judy Collins

All far better than the original imho...

[Goodsoulette]

I love so many. . . Im a real cover fanatic but today my favourite is this smiths song vamped up.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IX_QoisjBQ0

The White Stripes - I just dont know what to do with myself

The Jimi HEndrix Experience _ All along the Watchtower

I fought the Law - The Clash

Nirvana - The Man who sold the World

Mad World (cant remember his name, the Donnie Darko song though)

Lost Prophets_ Cry ME a River

and also Foo Fighters - Band on the run (joint fave today)

Those are just the recorded ones though, have heard many live and loved them

[China Doll]

Well I wanted to be orignal and yet I find myself nodding alon g to Whicks and GS...

Others to add...

Hallelua Jeff Buckley (sp) version which I think is the one on the Shrek 2 DVD

Now which one was it that did Talk Tonight, was it Noel? And then Weller covered it? Anyway... whoever did the cover had the better one but they duet it too and that's also excellent.

[Goodsoulette]

Nah, thats the Rufus Wainwright version on Shrek.

[China Doll]

Is it? Who did the original? I like the rufus one then...

[Goodsoulette]

Leonard Cohen..... Jeff Buckley did the best one but I am very fond of Rufus Wainwright, when he doesn't have some poncey choir in the background mucking up his vocals.

[dollyann]

Hi
I love (dance with my father) Don Campbell . Originally sang by Luther Vandross it's such a sad song but when he sings it it makes you want to dance , which isn't a bad thing is it ?

[yaap]

U2's version of Unchained Melody deserves a mention IMO.

[Pippa68]

Duran Durans version of 'Perfect Day'.

Not sure if it's an improvement on the original, as I see cover versions as more of a different take on the song..I liked Marilyn Mansons 'Tainted Love'.

[dfox77]

Depeche Mode with their cover of route 66

[Gromit]

I will survive by Cake. Their version of Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps is equally splendid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v10C68Gzd5GM

Cake: I will survive

[bensmum]

Hurt Johnny Cash
Sweet Dreams Marilyn Manson
Mad World Gary Jules
All along the Watchtower Hendrix
Always on my Mind Elvis
Hallelujah Jeff Buckley
Mr Tambourine Man Byrds

[kingrat]

satisfaction (i can't get no) - otis redding
all along the watchtower - the alan bown set
cocaine- eric clapton
harlem shuffle - the rolling stones
sorrow - david bowie
on broadway- jess roden

[Ian b]

Thanks for your replies, some interesting answers.

U2 unchained melody. The righteous brothers had the (brilliant) big hit with this, and that was a cover of an earlier version by Jimmy Young (1955).
When I first heard Mad world by Gary Jules I was bowled over. It was some time before I could place the original. And, although I liked the Tears for tears, I think this is a definite improvement on the original.
All along the watchtower was mentioned (I did'nt like it myself) but what about Hey Joe? A Brilliant cover of a Tim Hardin song.
These are my choices.
Mr. Postman/The Beatles. This has terrific vocals and a good rocking beat. A big improvement on the original.
Johny Mathis had a big hit with a song called Misty (1960). Then in 1975 came Ray stevens' version, in a swinging 'country barn dance' style.
The Shadows had a No.1 in '62 with Wonderful Land. This has been one of my altime favourites, Quite recently I discovered Mike Oldfields' version. He'd turned it into a powerful celtic anthem. I think this is on of the best ever covers.

[perigra]

in my oppinion kd lang done the best halleluja

got to agree with others about hurt - johnny cash and all along the watch tower - jimmy hendrix.

i've always loved gimme shelter - sisters of mercy

[Ian b]

Yes, KD Lang gets my vote!