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.

  • #2,311
Surf music started at 'The Rendezvous' on Balboa peninsula. Dick Dale and the Deltones with the original "Let's Go Tripping" with a saxophone. So the covers without the saxophone are unremarkable.
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  • #2,312




All of IMY2's covers are this good.
 
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  • #2,313
 
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Written by Neil Diamond
 
  • #2,315
Crazy on you

 
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  • #2,317
 
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  • #2,318
WWGD said:

Interesting. Some I absolutely disagreed with, mainly 80s covers of 60s originals.
Some I was totally unaware of, mainly the 1960s covers of earlier 1960s and pre 1960s.
 
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  • #2,319


 
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  • #2,320


 
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  • #2,321
 
  • #2,322
Orig. From Scotland.


Cover


What a workout for the drummer! Senri Kawaguchi is by nature a line drummer, her weakness is beat drumming as she would rather not repeat anything. Here she takes Robbie MacIntosh's unique style a step or two further.

The Jazz Avengers became famous enough that the individual members could make more money elsewhere. It became too hard to schedule around their gigs so the Jazz Avengers are no more.
 
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  • #2,323


 
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  • #2,325


Stephen Colbert covers Barrett's Privateers.

 
  • #2,326
 
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  • #2,327
morrobay said:

It would have been nice if the drummer put that roll in after the riff.

 
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  • #2,328
Take 5 cover

 
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  • #2,331
 
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  • #2,332
Ksenia Buzina

 
  • #2,333
 
  • #2,334
This guy plays all the parts. Everything.

 
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  • #2,335
Hornbein said:

Brilliant, attention to detail.
 
  • #2,336
Hornbein said:
Ksenia Buzina


I was hopeful but she put in all those totally pointless, totally generic ornaments, that makes so many modern soul singers sound the same.
 
  • #2,337
Hornbein said:

That was weird.
 
  • #2,338
Another from Kent, incredible.

 
  • #2,339
pinball1970 said:
I was hopeful but she put in all those totally pointless, totally generic ornaments, that makes so many modern soul singers sound the same.
Better?
 
  • #2,340
Some more great Bacharach covers



 

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