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

  • Context: Music 
  • Thread starter Thread starter pinball1970
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Track
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the comparative analysis of cover songs versus their original versions, highlighting specific examples such as Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" and Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." Participants argue that the quality of a cover is subjective, often depending on personal taste and the context in which the songs are experienced. Notable mentions include The Residents' cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and the contrasting styles of Simon & Garfunkel versus Disturbed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of interpretation and arrangement in determining whether a cover enhances or detracts from the original work.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of music theory and arrangement techniques
  • Familiarity with notable cover songs and their original counterparts
  • Knowledge of subjective versus objective analysis in music critique
  • Awareness of the cultural impact of iconic artists like Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" on music history
  • Explore the nuances of music interpretation in cover songs
  • Analyze the critical reception of Johnny Cash's "Hurt" compared to the original by Nine Inch Nails
  • Investigate the role of personal bias in music appreciation and critique
USEFUL FOR

Music enthusiasts, critics, and artists interested in the dynamics of cover songs versus originals, as well as anyone exploring the subjective nature of musical interpretation and performance.

  • #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.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #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 In 2018 their license was revoked but they were allowed to continue operation while appealing.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.
 
Last edited:
  • #2,284
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #2,285


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

 
Last edited:
  • #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.

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #2,289


37 different chords.



12 piece band! Don't miss the harmony singers.
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #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.

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein
  • #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."
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein and Ibix
  • #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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ibix
  • #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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ibix
  • #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,
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #2,299
 
  • #2,300
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #2,301
Like the OJays.

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #2,302
 
  • #2,303
Nice try lads
 
  • #2,304
Seal outdoes Bob. Bob Dylan could be considered a rapper.

 
  • #2,305
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein
  • #2,306
Paul is already losing it after ten seconds. I love this.

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein
  • #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.
 
  • #2,310
As for bad covers.... Sadly, they spared us the whammy bar on this one.



 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 167 ·
6
Replies
167
Views
27K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
7K