Worst and best versions of the same Beatles tunes

[Barking Spiders]

On 07/09/2019 at 11:37, Shaggy said:

I know Joe Cockers version is generally regarded as a classic, but I absolutely cannot listen to his pained, mannered over-singing - original every time for me with Ringo's understated and endearingly slightly off-key vocals.

this is a cover I always liked, but can't think of a "worst" version -

 

agreed, in fact I loathe the Cocker version so much I always turn off the radio if I hear it. Dreadfully overrated 'singer' if ever there was. 

[Old Man Riva]

On 07/09/2019 at 08:45, Frank Blank said:

 

I’ve always thought Bowie’s version on Young Americans was a low point on an otherwise excellent album. 

I think it’s truly rotten, and I say that as someone who idolises Bowie and can find many ways in which to defend The Laughing Gnome - though I still haven’t found a way to explain away his ‘interpretations’ of Iggy’s Tonight or the Beach Boys’ God Only Knows!

It’s a shame he just didn’t stick with The Gouster...

Re. Beatles covers, I always liked Shirley Bassey taking on Something. Adding a certain something different to the original, in a positive way, unlike, say, Paul Young when he took on Love Will Tear us Apart!

[ezbass]

I like Peter Frampton’s version of While My Guitar... then again I can’t stand Clapton’s woeful wailing on the original (George should’ve played it himself IMO). Joe Cocker (feat. Jimmy Page) is probably the high water mark for almost any cover. 

[Baxlin]

40 minutes ago, Barking Spiders said:

I loathe the Cocker version so much I always turn off the radio if I hear it. Dreadfully overrated 'singer' if ever there was. 

For me, it’s the whole arrangement and atmosphere, particularly on the live 'Party at the Palace' concert album of 2002 which makes it a classic (IMNSHO!)

[Shaggy]

4 hours ago, Old Man Riva said:

unlike, say, Paul Young when he took on Love Will Tear us Apart!

+1 

one of those songs that should probably not be covered, especially by PY

[pineweasel]

22 hours ago, Bilbo said:

There are lots of great Jazz versions of Beatles tunes. A couple of favourites.

I’ve always liked this one.

 

[casapete]

One of the best Beatles covers ever IMHO. May even prefer it to the original......

In looking for the worst version of this song I stumbled across this which I must admit I'd never heard before. WTF?!!

 

[Barking Spiders]

Further to the great William Shatner cover of Lucy, IMO this is even better, though not a Beatles tune

 

 

Edited September 9, 2019 by Barking Spiders

[Hobbayne]

Anyone over a certain age will recognise this from the early 80,s.

In fact, it was hearing this that prompted me to seek out the original Beatles albums.

 

Edited September 9, 2019 by Hobbayne

[Old Man Riva]

17 hours ago, Shaggy said:

+1 

one of those songs that should probably not be covered, especially by PY

Yeah, definitely one of the odder choices of covers I've heard over the years. Probably done with the best of intentions (i.e. he was a fan of the song) but he was always on a hiding to nothing taking that on.

This is good, for fans of this type of thing...

 

[namefail]

always liked this.

 

 

[spongebob]

For me, The Jimi Hendrix Experience ripping through 'Day Tripper' on one of their BBC sessions.

Can't post a full clip, as there's not one available on YT! 

I promise, it's a killer! 😀

[pineweasel]

Here’s a great laid back take on Taxman: 

 

[Shaggy]

No mention of the fabulous Rutles yet?

 

 

 

[jacko]

I've a particular liking for Godsmack's version of Come Together. Particularly as the styles fits in with what my hard rock band does. We're also doing an almost metal version of Helter Skelter. 

[GigJones]

This has always been a favorite on mine...

 

[PaulWarning]

On 09/09/2019 at 10:32, Hobbayne said:

Anyone over a certain age will recognise this from the early 80,s.

In fact, it was hearing this that prompted me to seek out the original Beatles albums.

 

must admit they did a cracking job, it took me a while to realise it wasn't the Beatles

[PaulWarning]

can't help 🙂 thinking the Damned were ever so slightlyy taking the wee wee here

 

[Colonel36]

My current favourite.

Avonlea singing.  The wonderful Sina on drums and her dad on bass and guitars.

[PatrickJ]

Just remembered that Studio Jams did Don't Let Me Down that was rather good

 

[itu]

I like Blackbird from Bobby McFerrin's album The Voice (1984).

Although I listened Beatles quite a lot as a kid (the alternatives in local broadcasting company were obviously limited), they do not represent very interesting music to me. Eleanor Rigby is quite nice from them but also from Stanley Jordan: it is nice to listen to the song every now and then but please not every week.

[Baceface]

Best...

 

[Deedee]

I have unfortunately just stumbled across the aforementioned 1988 episode of TOTP with Tiffany murdering ‘I Saw her (him) Standing There’. Absolutely shocking. 😮

That’s got to be my worst.

For the best, I’m still pretty fond of Motley Crue’s Helter Skelter and Aerosmith’s Come Together.

[musicbassman]

On 10/09/2019 at 20:39, Baceface said:

Best...

 

Oh, this is pure gold. Have a listen.

And microtonal as well ! - a bit sharp in some places, a bit flat in others ! 

As they say on Jazz Club - Nice !  👌

[Newfoundfreedom]

OK admittedly cheating slightly as it's John Lennon rather than The Beatles, but Yoko Ono's version of Imagine is not only the worst cover I've ever heard, but probably the worst sound I've ever heard, full stop.