Song Covers, For Better Or Worse
Buzz and I have decided to co-host an article about cover songs, meaning songs being played by people other than the original artists. We thought it could be a really fun thing to do because there is a LOT of ground to cover out there. Some covers have become more popular than the original versions, one that comes to mind right away is Johnny Cash covering "Hurt" which was written by Trent Reznor and originally performed by NIN, Nine Inch Nails. When I first heard of it I was floored by the idea of a major country star covering a song by a metal group, especially a song with a controversial topic like heroin addiction. On reflection, it made sense since Cash had his own problems with addiction and overcame them. Reznor, after hearing Cash's version, said that 'he owns that song now."
There are Nina Simone (another famous North Carolina artist) songs that have been covered by so many artists that many people have no idea who the original artist was. One that has been covered and re-interpreted so many times that most people will recognize it even though they don't know who first sang it is "Sinner Man". Ever heard the line, "I ran to the rock to hide my face"? Yeah, it's like that.
On the other hand, there are artists that built a career on covers. Johnny Rivers was called the King of Covers for his famous covers of other bands' songs. He's the guy who sang Secret Agent Man, that was not a cover. But other songs he charted with, for example Summer Rain, were covers.
Linda Ronstadt was known as the songwriter's friend for her covers of songs and her willingness to attribute not just the original singer, but also the writer. Most song writers fly under the radar even when the songs they wrote are hits. Not every songwriter is as well known as Hoagy Carmichael or Leonard Cohen.
And of course there are just really good covers by singers, groups and bands that are local or regional favorites. I have a LOT of those types of favorites by great North Carolina bands like the Avett Brothers and Mandolin Orange. I'm sure Buzz does too. This is the kind of article that can generate days worth of play lists.
(Mandolin Orange)
We do ask, in deference to the fact that Buzz is behind a firewall that doesn't allow him to view YouTube, that you please make sure to post the name of the song, the group doing the cover, and ,if you know it, the original artist in addition to a link.
On a personal note, there was a bit of bickering and hurt feelings over a comment I made on my last article. I don't apologize, as I did nothing wrong. I do ask that everyone just take it easy and let little things slide. We're just trying to have a good time and share some good songs here. I'm going to turn this over to Buzz now, who I'm sure will have something interesting and informative to add. Now I'm going back to listening to music, reading books and smoking pot. And I'm really looking forward to what you all bring to the party. Because, let's be real, these kinds of articles aren't written by just me, but by us.
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Thanks, Wheel. It should be known to all that this article was Wheel's idea, and I thought it was so good I wanted to be part of it. These days, being voluntarily home-imprisoned because of the virus, I too am listening to music, reading books, and also watching movies and spending too much time on the computer, but instead of smoking pot I'm filling myself too much with what's in the fridge.
(Leonard Cohen and Judy Collins)
As many know, I'm a big movie fan, and in a way I feel there is a similarity between song covers and movie remakes and reboots. With movies, same as with songs, the newer versions, according to personal taste, can be considered better or worse than the originals. Because Leonard Cohen is (was) my favourite songwriter, even though so many of his songs have been covered by so many musicians, I still prefer his singing them not because of his voice, but because of his style of delivery, which matches the words and meanings, even though, for example, a singer like Judy Collins has a much sweeter voice while singing Suzanne, I would rather listen to an early version of Cohen singing it. I feel the same way about Dylan's earlier singing of his songs, but because his voice later became more of a screech, for those I would prefer to listen to a cover.
There are so many songs that became much more famous as covers, some examples being Whitney Houston singing Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You, or a couple of songs Elvis popularized, such as Carl Perkins' Blue Suede Shoes, or Big Mama Thornton's I Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog. A more famous singer or group can make a lot of money for the original singer-songwriter, an example being CSNY's Woodstock that was written by Joni Mitchell (not that unpopular herself but of course if you think of the song you're bound to think of CSNY singing it), or Johnny Cash singing Ring of Fire that was originally written and sung by Anita Carter (family relationship there since Johnny married Anita's daughter June). Another such example could be Janis Joplin singing Kris Kristofferson's Me and Bobby McGee.
In my opinion, there will never be a more unique cover than how Jimi Hendrix played The Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock.
As I said previously, sometimes even the original singer-songwriter prefers another person's version of their song, such as when Bob Dylan heard Ramblin' Jack Elliott sing and guitar pick Don't Think Twice, he told Jack "I give ya that song, Jack".
So what covers are your favourites? What I would really like to see here, although it's most often been ignored when I asked, is that instead of just making a simple list of songs because anyone can do that, GIVE A REASON for your choice(s), and limit them to no more that three. Anyone can just post titles, but your REASONS can lead to interesting discussions, and make this article more worth the space it occupies.
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I am going to start us off with an oldie but a goodie, Willie Nelson's cover of Stardust. I've always loved this song, it's one of those songs that touch me in a way that is hard to describe. If you want to hear the original look up Hoagie Carmicheal's original version. It's worth it.
I have a hundred covers songs that I could flood this discussion with, but I'll refrain and look forward to what the rest of you have to say. Buzz will join us this evening, my time.
Stardust by Willie Nelson is one of my all-time favorite songs and albums. I 've had that CD for years and simply love it.
I liked the way Leon Russel sang Dylan's A Hard Rain's A'Gonna Fall. He has a great voice and made the song sound poetic. To me it sounded like a river flowing.
Although there are many covers for Dylan's Don't Think Twice, I watched Ramblin' Jack Elliott sing and guitar pick that song the way it really needed to be done.
You can probably find both of those on YouTube.
Updating my comment, Jack wrote very little himself, but performed mostly covers. One of his covers was Rock Island Line. When he played it he could strum his guitar in such a way to actually make it sound like a train, and now and then the higher pitched train whistle. Here is a little history about that song from Wiki:
Here it is from YouTube, Rambling Jack Elliott, South Coast
Thanks - I can't open it but others can enjoy it.
I submit "For What It's Worth" Buffalo Springfield (which became CSNY). Covered by many.
Also the Tears for Fears song "Mad World" has been covered by almost everybody.
Including Postmodern Jukebox. Posted a link to it farther down
Since The Game Of Love sung by Gregg Alexander isnt technically a cover, since he wrote the song, its still a cover to most listeners.
DON'T LET ME DOWN - Across The Universe
I liked it, felt sorry for girl who didn't make it
TAKE ON ME - Sara Bareilles
WHATS GOING ON - Chaka Khan
An absolutely beautiful cover of Marvin Gaye's song, What's Going On.
I really appreciate how this highlights Chaka Khan's voice. Delightful.
Take on Me by Sara Barielles
I am a fan of Sara and love a lot of her music. Not sure about this one. Will have to give it another listen later
I like it, totally different tempo from the original. Emphasizes the lyrics.
I came back and gave it another listen. As is often the case, on second listen it was better than I thought. I think wasn't expecting the slower tempo and it threw me for a bit
The Talking Heads covering Al Greens Take Me To The River.
Great cover! Loved it.
Excellent one Dean!
Like most people these days think of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" as Janis Joplin's song so too do most people think "Santana's song" when they hear "Black Magic Woman", Peter Greens song.
I have to admit I'm partial to Greens original version being a BIG Green fan ever since his days with John Mayall's bluesbreakers and then, of course, Fleetwood Mac.
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Santana - Black Magic Woman 1971
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Fleetwood Mac Peter Green - Black Magic Woman (Live Boston Tea Party) 1970
This is the kind of thing we mentioned in the article. Covers that become as well known, or MORE well known than the original. I've been a Santana fan since I was high school. Good choice.
Chris Cornell Billie Jean
Now see, if it wasn't for the this article I'd never have got to here this great version. If I ran a radio station I would use it to broaden some horizons, and a lot of the songs here would get the airplay they deserve.
Cornell, was my favorite singer songwriter.
Saw him a few times with Soundgarden back in the 90's, , with Audioslave multiple times (Awesome show at Roseland Ballroom), many times in Atlantic City, solo and acoustic, and a few times when Soundgarden reunited, including a trip out to Red Rocks in Colorado.
What a waste, just like Lane, Andrew Wood, and so many others who either OD'd , or took their own lives, again,
what a waste of true talent.
Jordan Cook aka Reignwolf cover of Fleetwood Macs' The Chain
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers Bad ass stuff !
Most of the time, I like the original more than any cover, but this one song is just so much better than the original. It's Bruce Hornsby doing Elton John's Madman across the water. In fact, there are about 3 other ones on that album that are pretty great, too
I think you're right, this one is better than the original
This one of Buzz. It's probably my favorite song by a clown. Puddles the giant clown sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.
Puddles is a really good singer with a lot great music videos out there.
Sorry, I meant it was for Buzz
LOL. I thought so. Even though there are many covers of it, I still prefer Cohen singing it with a choir. It's how he says the words, spaces them, like the very way he pauses and says "Do yuh".
Ok, so here's a duet with Puddles and Haley Reinhart covering Mad World. I used to have a crush on Haley, but I got over it. Now it's just infatuation.
Scott Bradlee, the pianist in this video, has spent the last few years putting together ensemble casts of great performers, singers, dancers, musicians....and the tambourine guy, forsooth. They do covers, but not like most people do covers. I could fill this feed up with PMJ music but I'm restraining myself to only one. He's the founder and driving force behind PMJ, Postmodern Jukebox. He put this particular video together pretty much on the spot. Puddles was there, Scott called Haley, asked if she could come by and to bring a hat. The 2 performers and Scott put this video together in just a few hours and taped it in one take. That's what professional means.
Best blued eyed soul in recent years, PAUL CARRACK. Does a lot of covers.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE - Paul Carrack
Great sax, which is really the heart of that tune, good singer, tight group. Thumbs up
possibly/probably not your cup of tea, buthttps://youtu.be/egkmYMXw488[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="egkmYMXw488"] some excelent Sax meets Grunge jamming
Hell of a collaboration between Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam back in mid 90's
pretty good jam, a little long, good energy, good vibe
glad to see your open ness, to what probably isn't your first choice genre, but when you mentioned horns, this song came to mind.
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good seed by Buzz and yourself
Rival Sons covering The Rolling Stones Wild Horses
Rival Sons covering Wild Horses.
I more than love this. It takes me right back through time to days spent at my grandpa's house when I was a kid. Grandpa on his guitar with a glass of moonshine sitting on the floor beside him. My uncle Joel and his guitar, a lit cigarette stuck behind the strings, playing for me and grandma. They would do the good old songs from the mountains my grandpa came from. Singing, playing, and swaying back and forth. Thanks for taking me back there.
Saw them twice last year.
They did their rendition in a 300 or so venue where tkickets had to be won.
i was very fortunate to be given a ticket, and just barely made it to show.
impressive, versatile band.
quite the range, and for a newer band, most impressive.
Agree 100% on Jonny Cash's cover of 'Hurt'.
another good one is his cover of Soundgardens' Rusty Cage
I've heard this one before and agree that it's a great cover, but it just isn't in the same league with Hurt. Still, it's Johnny Cash so it's great. He did a song, a long time about, about a guy who worked at Cadillac and stole all the parts for a car but it took him through several model years to do it. Used to always laugh when that one came on the radio.
yes, one part at a time.
i've heard that one.
i agree Hurt is better, i just have been a big Soundgarden fan for decades.
Personal Jesus is another of his covers i enjoy
"Hurt" had me in tears the first time I heard it.
Ikr
Johnny Cash Hurt
Probably ought to post what's being discussed.
thanks. I was hoping someone would go for it
I LOVE this version. Johnny Cash adds a feeling that Nine Inch Nails missed. (not to take anything away from them).
He owned this.
Trent agreed,
and said as much as well.
I read somewhere (wish I could find it) that Trent said something like "once Johnny Cash covers your song, it's no longer your song".
Maybe Wheel could steer you. He mentions it in seed .
not a cover, but Joshs' haunting rendition to CNN's parts unkown
???
Play that Funky Music, covered by Leo Morachioli
good cover, I'm always impressed with a high energy lvl in these covers and this one has it
As a bonus, that gal with the black hair is....very nice.
I posted a link to his youtube channel on another article. Joe covers all kinds of songs, metal, country, blues...even covered the theme song for Sponge Bob, (I swear I am not making that up).
I'll give ya one more that I really enjoyed, done with his wife and daughter.
Link to his youtube channel:
I love his videos. They always put a smile on my face.
I can't remember who it was, but somebody on Newsvine pointed me toward Sturgill Simpson.
Haven't commented sooner because I wanted to give this one a few more listens. This guy has a BIG voice and he does a lot with it on this song. The instrumentation is simple, but his voice is all the instrument needed. Thumbs up!!!
I'm gonna break down and post a couple more from PMJ. Here is Haley Reinhart doing 7 Nation Army in the style of a New Orleans dirge
never realized Jack had covered
And here's one more, a do-wop version of Miley Cyrus' song, We Can't Stop, Performed by the wonderful Robyn Adele Anderson.
Sweet Sisters doing a swing version of Hit the Road Jack
The Speakeasy Three swing cover of Ella Fitzgerald's When I Get Low, I Get High.
Here's one that I just 'stumbled across'. Great Big Sea, love those guys, did this cover of Suzi Quatro's Stumblin' In
When the Levee Breaks
Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy
Then by Led Zeppelin
Great old song!! I have seen that postcard/photo montage before. Very moving, thanks for posting this.
Metallica's cover of Astronomy ... better than the original by Blue Oyster Cult IMO.
And I love Rage's cover of Tom Joad.
I have to take Metallica's version of Mercyful Fates "Satan's Fall", "Curse of the Pharaohs", "A Corpse Without Soul", "Into the Coven" and "Evil" .
Muscially they improved all of them but there is no way James Hetfield can match the vocal abilities of King Diamond.
And Chris Cornell's cover of Nothing Compares 2U ... omg!
What a fabulous blue'sy cover Love it
Another good one - Southside Johnny covering Walk Away Renee.
Ok, I'm gonna post just one more from PMJ, (I'm probably lyin'). Here is the beautiful and talented Robin Adele Anderson, once again, covering Coolio's Gansta's Paradise. It's in 1920's style when Al Capone ruled the mob.
You'll notice a big difference in her look between this video and one I posted earlier of her cover of Miley Cyrus' song, we can't stop. She has talked about how, when she first started she didn't know anything about how to dress, or do her hair or makeup, she just knew she wanted to sing.
Britney Spears - Toxic (Alex & Sierra cover)
Good production values on this one. Interesting video, very good over all.
They actually did this song on "X-Factor". Judges were excited over them !
"Alex & Sierra - Sultry Cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic" - THE X FACTOR USA 2013"
There are so many to pick from. Since my favorite, Hurt by Johnny Cash (IMHO THE best cover ever) was already mentioned, I'll go to the next favorite.
The Sound of Silence by Disturbed. Every time this comes up the volume ALWAYS goes up. There is something about this that really hits me Simon and Garfunkel, they wrote a beautiful song that I play quite a lot. This version just says "play me at full volume" and, at least to me, it sounds great at that level.
I've heard this one on the radio lots of times, it's not bad. But I still prefer the original.