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.
PREREQUISITESMusic 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.
Hornbein said:Roger Daltry -- Born To Run
One more version, better than Van Halen, I think because It's got whistling. No cover as good as Roy and Dale's, though.robphy said:Happy Trails (1952 - Roy Rogers and Dale Evans)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Trails_(song)
robphy said:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_in_the_Street
- Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing In The Street (1964)
(1965 - Ed Sullivan Show)
- The Kinks - Dancing In the Street (1965)
- The Mamas and the Papas - Dancing In The Street (1966)
- Van Halen - Dancing in the Street (1982)
( US Festival 1983 (@42:25) )
- Davie Bowie and Mick Jagger - Dancing in the Street (1985)
I forgot that too. Also, it was "Wipeout" by the Surfaris that I remembered. Ventures covered it, original better. Ventures' bit hit was "Walk, Don't Run".morrobay said:I didn't know there was a cover for Dick Dales classic: I like them both.It "sounds like the Dick Dale original has more horn. Sax ?
I want to respectfully suggest that Dylan's version of Lay lady Lay is actually the best of all the many versions out there. I propose that he could actually sing when he wanted to, but chose mostly to sing in that nasal style. I also like his version of All along the watchtower, but of course there he has Jimmy Hendricks to compete with.DaveE said:Anything written by Bob Dylan but performed by someone else. Just saying... that guy can write but just can't sing at all. YMMV
Bet that was good. Most of that band stayed together for a short time after Butterfield left, and I saw them then at the Family Dog, where it was located for a short time at Ocean beach in San Francisco. It was exciting. Steve Miller also played that hard, fast blues style in Chicago and then in San Francisco with Boz Scaggs and Tim Davis, drums. But only a little on his first album (song "Stepping Stone") and then mostly did rock after that.morrobay said:Indeed. For this style of blues Paul Butterfield Blues is it. Saw them live at Cuesta Junior college in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo early 70's of all places. Was there when they arrived: Big city boys coming to this small converted army base with cows roaming around.
Didn't really like that song that much ever. Thought all the other songs on that album were better, almost. Like Dylan's original version better too. Hendrix was a poet too, though. Words in this song have always stuck with me:mathwonk said:I felt enjoyment and admiration of Hendricks version, but I felt no deeper emotion. I still like both very much, but no longer grant that it is Hendricks' song.
morrobay said:
morrobay said:. This cover sounds rock&roll or pop but not blues
"Mary, Mary" is a song written by Michael Nesmith and first recorded by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band for their 1966 album East-West. Nesmith's band, the Monkees, later recorded it for More of the Monkees (1967). Hip hop group Run–D.M.C. revived the song in the late 1980s, with an adaptation that appeared in the U.S. record charts.
robphy said:
BillTre said:One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer:
John Lee Hooker:
George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers:
I favor George's version. It is to me a Bar Rocked up version of Blues.
Its very fun.
Agreed.mathwonk said:I want to respectfully suggest that Dylan's version of Lay lady Lay is actually the best of all the many versions out there. I propose that he could actually sing when he wanted to, but chose mostly to sing in that nasal style. I also like his version of All along the watchtower, but of course there he has Jimmy Hendricks to compete with.
As another example, I happen to think his unmusical singing style is actually perfect for Maggie's Farm, but can imagine enjoying Richie Havens singing it too.
fresh_42 said:I think it has at least a reason to exist. It is differently interpreted and doesn't destroy the memory of the original. They both are good songs. What makes me angry is, if people cover an already perfect song and ruin it, i.e. if they do not add something, a different interpretation, a different arrangement, or whatever.
This is a cover that makes sense:
Original:
Cover:
... and this is an example where there wasn't any need to record the cover. The original was better and the cover didn't add or change anything. Just the same song, only worse.
Original:
Cover:
Some songs can only be ruined by covers. I think John Miles's Music is another example. You can only pimp it with a larger orchestra.WWGD said:True. Imagine, e.g., a remake of Bohemian Rhapsody. How could you improve on that?
Hornbein said:Eddie Cochran's Twenty Flight Rock by the Rolling Stones