Cover songs versus the original track, which ones are better?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative quality of cover songs versus their original versions. Participants explore which covers are considered better or worse, including both singles and album tracks, and express personal opinions on various songs and their interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the quality of a cover depends on personal judgment and taste, while others argue for an independent standard of "better."
  • Several examples of covers and originals are presented, with participants expressing preferences and discussing the emotional impact of different versions.
  • There are claims that some covers add new interpretations or arrangements, while others feel certain covers do not justify their existence compared to the originals.
  • Participants mention specific songs and artists, such as "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails and Johnny Cash, and "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, highlighting varying opinions on their respective covers.
  • Some participants express a desire for arguments or reasoning behind preferences, while others emphasize the subjective nature of musical appreciation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the criteria for evaluating covers versus originals. Multiple competing views remain regarding the subjective nature of musical quality and the validity of personal taste in judgments.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include references to specific songs and artists without resolving the subjective interpretations or emotional responses elicited by different versions. The conversation reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences, which may not align universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Music enthusiasts, fans of specific artists, and those interested in the dynamics of musical interpretation and cover songs may find this discussion engaging.

  • #2,281
Orig Bend Me, Shape Me


There were several version with some success but this was the hit. Those are Baldwin guitars, which I'm told they didn't actually use.


The Amen Corner had the chutzpah to change the key from minor to major (!). Doesn't that guy look like Jim Carrey? And it's a chance for you yunguns to savor British Invasion mod style.
 
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  • #2,282
 
  • #2,283
morrobay said:
I like the cover:

In that vein : I heard this over fifty years ago. It made a big impression on me. Cover of Steve Goodman.



Lincoln Towing really exists. The company was so notorious they became a Chicago campaign issue. In 2018 their license was revoked but they were allowed to continue operation while appealing. Lincoln won the appeal.
 
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  • #2,284
 
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  • #2,285


I nominate Al Green for the worst cover prize. The tinny distortion doesn't help. Some people like it.

 
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  • #2,286
Orig



Cover by string quartet

 
  • #2,287
Orig. Seems unbeatable to me.



Cover. Cued to Jeff Beck's unique style.
 
  • #2,288
Norah Jones is Ravi Shankar's illegitimate daughter.

 
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  • #2,289


37 different chords.



12 piece band! Don't miss the harmony singers.
 
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  • #2,290
Hornbein said:
Gabriella outdoes herself.


This is 8 years previous, using a beautiful Taylor. Different tuning and arrangement.
"Into the night of the cold dark night" holds till she goes back to the verse.

 
  • #2,291
Part of my childhood.



A nice cover.

 
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  • #2,292
pinball1970 said:
This is 8 years previous, using a beautiful Taylor. Different tuning and arrangement.
"Into the night of the cold dark night" holds till she goes back to the verse.


Off topic and ignorant question: what difference does the shape of the guitar body make? The guitar she's playing in the video in your post looks like someone took a bite out of the one in the video you quoted. I guess it changes the tone because different frequencies will resonate well(?).
 
  • #2,293
Ibix said:
Off topic and ignorant question: what difference does the shape of the guitar body make? The guitar she's playing in the video in your post looks like someone took a bite out of the one in the video you quoted. I guess it changes the tone because different frequencies will resonate well(?).
Access to the highest frets. Edit, The are called "cut away."
 
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  • #2,294
Ibix said:
I guess it changes the tone because different frequencies will resonate well(?).
Yes but don't ask me how or what difference in the sound will be, I'm not that good!
It is a Taylor so it will sound amazing, even entry level start at £500 ish.
 
  • #2,295
pinball1970 said:
Access to the highest frets. Edit, The are called "cut away."
Thanks - so you can play high notes that you can't on a guitar without the cut away. Then why do non-cut away guitars still exist? Easier to make, or something?
 
  • #2,296
Ibix said:
Thanks - so you can play high notes that you can't on a guitar without the cut away. Then why do non-cut away guitars still exist? Easier to make, or something?
You still can it's just a lot harder. You are applying pressure with your fingers at full stretch for a chord and moving and changing in that position, puts a lot of stress on your wrist.

Also yes more expensive for a cut away.
 
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  • #2,297
Ibix said:
Thanks - so you can play high notes that you can't on a guitar without the cut away. Then why do non-cut away guitars still exist? Easier to make, or something?
Easier to make and the high notes on Spanish guitars are usually out of tune anyway. I don't know why they don't use adjustable bridges. Tradition.
 
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  • #2,298
pinball1970 said:
Part of my childhood.



A nice cover.


Frank Zappa started out on the vibraphone.

John Cage said the vibraphone was the only sound he couldn't accept,

Gary Burton tried to make it in Nashville as a vibraphonist.

My keyboard has a fake vibraphone sound. They just turned up the treble on the marimba. I think it sounds better than a real vibraphone. It doesn't blend with anything though so I just use it for fun,
 
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  • #2,299
 
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  • #2,300
 
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  • #2,301
Like the OJays.

 
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  • #2,302
 
  • #2,303
Nice try lads
 
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  • #2,304
Seal outdoes Bob. Bob Dylan could be considered a rapper.

 
  • #2,305
 
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  • #2,306
Paul is already losing it after ten seconds. I love this.

 
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  • #2,307
morrobay said:

I missed this one. The arrangement copied by David Bowie.

 
  • #2,308
morrobay said:
Nice try lads

A new one for me. Better than the orig. John does a good job -- I didn't know he ever tried to be crooner -- but his strength was as a screamer. Paul is 180 degrees the opposite, so they were quite complementary.
 
  • #2,309
pinball1970 said:

He even gets Anderson's vibrato.
 
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  • #2,310
As for bad covers.... Sadly, they spared us the whammy bar on this one.



 

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