Cover version beats the original!

[TheGreek]

 

[TheGreek]

1 minute ago, Al Krow said:

Our guitarist has a sweet spot for Heart and that one is definitely an improvement on Spirit's original, although I do prefer the Led Zep cover better - hehe.

🤣🤣🤣

[4000]

31 minutes ago, BassTractor said:

No cover-that-beats-the-original off the top of my head right now, but just want to relay that Rod Argent, when performing with Colin Blunstone in the early noughties often was asked:
- "Why in the world did you play a Santana song?"
Liked that, and so did our Rod. 

Watching the documentary on Peter Green recently, cringed when Carlos said “we took Black Magic Woman to another level”. I honestly could’ve slapped him. Carlos, you are the toy town, pound shop version of PG.  

 

[alexa3020]

I’m no fan of Madonna, in fact I can’t stand most of her stuff. That said, I do have a bit of a soft spot for this track

 

[4000]

5 hours ago, PaulThePlug said:

Just not a fan of the Beatles presentation...

Some great singwriting and when presented by another band, usually has a good twist to the presentation, more of a feel n vibe.

Maybe comes down to the Beatles or Stones?

Same with The Who. Just dont get it, but a Big Led Zep fan.

Well, as evidenced in a couple of posts above, LZ are the kings of the “unofficial” cover. 😉😂

 

[Ricky 4000]

 

[Doctor J]

 

[rubis]

4 hours ago, Japhet said:

Will probably get pelters for saying it, but just about any cover of any Bob Dylan song.

I must admit I don't listen to Hendrix at all these days, but this is the exception, he pulled everything out of the bag on this recording 

 

[BigRedX]

It appears from this thread that most of the time when a cover is "better" than the original is when the original is not nearly as well known.

Also it's very easy to consider a cover "better" when it has been done in a style that you are more receptive to than the original version. There's plenty of covers that I like a lot that have been done in very different styles to the original songs, but I can't in all honesty say that any of them are truly superior to the original.

[Stub Mandrel]

Motorhead by Motorhead.

The Man Who Sold the World by David Bowie.

Which both have the unusual property of being covers of an original recording 'reclaimed' by the original songwriter.

Any other examples?

Edited November 15, 2020 by Stub Mandrel

[Woodinblack]

30 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Which both have the unusual property of being covers of an original recording 'reclaimed' by the original songwriter.

Any other examples?

All the young dudes, also by bowie

[TheGreek]

"Under pressure" by Queen and Mr Bowie?

[Al Krow]

Just now, TheGreek said:

"Under pressure" by Queen and Mr Bowie?

Great song, but a straightforward collaboration rather than a re-cover of an original?

[wateroftyne]

I generally detest novelty / quirky / changing-it-for-the-sake-of-changing-it covers, but... I LOVE this.

 

[Al Krow]

What a stage great act - can totally get why they would have packed out at that venue! 

And no, I don't think her is natural or that it matters 😁

[Maude]

2 hours ago, Doctor J said:

 

Cake have done some brilliant covers. 

Not necessarily better than Sabbath, but I love their version of War Pigs. 

 

[PatrickJ]

The bar is pretty low when it comes to Kings of Leon but I find this is way more interesting than the original

I'd also rather listen to this funky version of Metallica

 

Edited November 15, 2020 by PatrickJ

[TheGreek]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

....being covers of an original recording 'reclaimed' by the original songwriter.

Any other examples?

 

1 hour ago, TheGreek said:

"Under pressure" by Queen and Mr Bowie?

 

1 hour ago, Al Krow said:

Great song, but a straightforward collaboration rather than a re-cover of an original?

I'd say that Queen have reclaimed "Under pressure"....though I accept your point about it being a collaboration.

[Al Krow]

8 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

I'd say that Queen have reclaimed "Under pressure"....though I accept your point about it being a collaboration.

Now steady on Mick, you'll be agreeing that Dark Glass make half decent amps next! 😁

[davepb24]

Hot Chocloate's "Emma" could almost have been written for the Sisters Of Mercy...

[Woodinblack]

2 hours ago, TheGreek said:

"Under pressure" by Queen and Mr Bowie?

Complete rip off from Vanilla Ice 😀

[Nail Soup]

3 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Any other examples?

Shipbuilding (Robert Wyatt) was later done by the songwriter Elvis Costello.

I don't think he was trying to better the RW version though... just document his own take.

[Nail Soup]

12 hours ago, Shaggy said:

Most cover versions beat the Bob Dylan original

hhhhhmmmm not sure about this.

There have been a lot of great versions of Dylan songs, but the originals are great too. I think It's just that he's a great songwriter and leaves a lot of room for re-interpretations.

[Stingray5]

For me, Rufus Wainwright has done some excellent covers (e.g., Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell; Who Knows Where The Time Goes - Fairport Convention; yes and Hallelujah!).
Better than the originals? Guess it depends on how much you're into RW. Definitely on a par, at least (imho). Also including this:

 

[Shaggy]

4 minutes ago, Nail Soup said:

hhhhhmmmm not sure about this.

There have been a lot of great versions of Dylan songs, but the originals are great too. I think It's just that he's a great songwriter and leaves a lot of room for re-interpretations.

I’m happy to concede that, and I’d have loved to have seen the man play live in his heyday (very nearly did.....).  

As I said in my post; the original of “Knocking on heavens door” (one of his most covered songs) firmly remains my favourite version.   I think the combination of his very individual vocal style (which can grate), sparse instrumental arrangements on the originals, and -as you say- very strong songwriting, lends BD’s songs perfectly for covering.   Hendrix has been mentioned; I’d add Manfred Mann (Just like a woman), Byrds (Mr Tambourine man), and, Siouxsie (This wheels on fire)