I posted a list of some of the worst cover songs a few weeks ago, and promised my list of best cover songs. So here goes.
A few things to remember: I'm only including songs that were somewhat hits or generally popular. So if I leave out some obscure cover by someone, that's why.
Also, to me, what makes a great cover is changing the song a bit. If you do just a straight up ripoff of the original, that doesn't count in my book. Also, if the original was kind of obscure, that doesn't count either. Aretha Franklin's Respect is actually a cover of an Otis Redding tune, but not many have actually heard that one.
Finally, this is just a list off the top of my head. No real research has gone into this. Feel free to rip me if you wish
1. All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix. Dylan wrote it and recorded it first - a bluesy, harmonica renedition. Hendrix took it and made it into a rock classic. To me, this is the greatest cover since Hendrix took an already great song, changed it, and made a tremendous record.
2. Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye - The underrated Gladys Knight banged it out a year before Marvin's soulful version was released. Sadly, when people hear this song now, they think about the stupid dancing raisins. However, a great version of a great song.
3. Higher Ground - RHCP. Little Stevie Wonder banged out a soulful version first, ad the Chilis turned into a funk-rock classic years later.
4. Always Something There to Remind Me by Naked Eyes. I have to say I really enjoy this version. It's a classic 80s' tune and it still holds up today. This song, originally penned by Burt Bacharac - has been covered by millions of people, but the Naked Eyes version, with it's techno intro and catchy bass line is the best.
5. Baby One More Time by Fountains of Wayne. OK, their video didn't feature them running around in skimpy school-girl outfits like Ms. Spears, but there version of Brittany's first hit is pretty cool. I actually makes you realize what a good song it is.
Again, these are just off the top of my head.
Again, feel free to rip.
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3 comments:
Cat,
I finally got your page working here. ... not sure what the problem was, but anyway...
Nice work.
I figured the first two would be on your list, but we must have been sharing the same brain to pick them 1-2, 2-1, and both describe Marvin's version as "soulful."
Fountains of Wayne nearly had a spot on my list, as their cover is much better than the original. But that song would have counted as obscure had it not been for Brittny's skirt.
KETTELB: Great call on the Who. That is a great version. Awful job by me.
Cake's cover of "I Will Survive" is soooooooo tasty.
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