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

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.

  • #631
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, "Manic Depression"



 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
Science news on Phys.org
  • #632
Hornbein said:
The last giant of jazz. So far anyway.

You haven't lived until you've heard Senri Kawaguchi play Teen Town.
Did you know he played drums on Teen town as well? As well as writing the song which is completely bonkers in terms of structure, not just the bass.

Luckily I had been exposed to a lot of Jazz before I heard it so it was not completely alien but it was certainly semi alien!
Everything about the track just takes you to somewhere you have never been before.

It is based on 13ths googling then he adds the #11th towards the end as it obviously neds to get even more chromatic!

The snare is so low in the mix and there is no damping at all on the bass drum by the sounds of it.

He does a roll that slows down as he plays it, like someone was applying breaks.

I would have liked to have heard more of his drumming.

his mind worked differently a true genius the way he approached music.
 
  • #633
pinball1970 said:
Did you know he played drums on Teen town as well? As well as writing the song which is completely bonkers in terms of structure, not just the bass.

Luckily I had been exposed to a lot of Jazz before I heard it so it was not completely alien but it was certainly semi alien!
Everything about the track just takes you to somewhere you have never been before.

It is based on 13ths googling then he adds the #11th towards the end as it obviously neds to get even more chromatic!

The snare is so low in the mix and there is no damping at all on the bass drum by the sounds of it.

He does a roll that slows down as he plays it, like someone was applying breaks.

I would have liked to have heard more of his drumming.

his mind worked differently a true genius the way he approached music.
He was originally a drummer. Then he took up bass. He learned very quickly. The other guy in the band (The Woodchucks) was left behind.

He also played piano pretty well. That's how he knows so much about harmony. I'd recommend any young bass player who aspires to be Best In The World to also do that. There's only so much you can do with a bass guitar. Verdine White, same thing.

Bobby Colomby of Blood Sweat and Tears said....
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #634


I'm pretty sure that junky keyboard is not producing that organ sound.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #635
Hornbein said:


I'm pretty sure that junky keyboard is not producing that organ sound.

She looks a bit like George, doesn't she?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #636
fresh_42 said:
She looks a bit like George, doesn't she?
A little bit. Needs a mustache though.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #637
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ocean_(Led_Zeppelin_song)

Led Zeppelin - The Ocean (Live at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, 7/1973) [HD Remaster]




Young rockers playing "The Ocean"...

( EllenPlaysBass ) Led Zeppelin - The Ocean (Cover) by Ellen, Yoyoka, Eva, Mateo.


( The Stickman ) Led Zeppelin - "The Ocean" (cover) Jam session with Larry S.
"John "the Stickman" Muggianu (9 yrs old) jams it up with his friend Larry S. "


(Scott Strunk) Harry Strunk Drum Cover of "The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin
"7 Year Old Harry Strunk plays drums to "The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin"


( Mia Morris ) Led Zeppelin - The Ocean / drum cover by Mia Morris / 10 years old


( Simone Lockhart ) Led Zeppelin - The Ocean 🌊
 
Last edited:
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #638
Hornbein said:
A little bit. Needs a mustache though.
I should not laugh really, she could have already been abusing substances to prevent weight gain making her facial features stand out.
A unique, unparalleled tone to her voice.
Not bad drummer either.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
  • #639
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #640
Hornbein said:
I'd say that Eddie does better without those other three guys cluttering it up.

His lead stuff is fun but he rules in backing guitar. And what do rock guitarists spend 90% of their time doing?



“Unchained” by Van Halen Cover by Moriah Formica
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #641
  • #642
The Main Squeeze plays No Quarter

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #643
Hornbein said:
The Main Squeeze plays No Quarter


I like the playing but not keen on the singing style for this track.

Plus the bass drum has to be bigger! its Bonham!
 
  • #644
Big Love - Lindsey Buckingham



Cover by Caroline Jones:

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein and pinball1970
  • #645
Orig

Search and Destroy



Cover

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #646

Norah Jones - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight​

 
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #647
robphy said:

Ann Wilson, wow, what a voice. I wore out my copy of Dream boat Annie.
I think it is rare to get that beauty and power at that level in one voice.
Paul McCartney and Ian Gillan had it too, in spades. Brilliant.
 
  • #648
Frabjous said:
Alejandro Escovedo is known for his performance of I Wanna Be Your Dog


I knew the track but did not know what it was called
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Frabjous
  • #649

Manic Depression - Seal and Jeff Beck​


 
  • Love
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: difalcojr and pinball1970
  • #650
Hornbein said:

Norah Jones - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight​


Unbelievably beautiful voice. First time I heard "Don't know why" I was totally hooked.
Absolutely should have made efforts to see her live then. Too much going on.
I won't post the link here but I will put it on the music to lift my soul. A live version.
 
Last edited:
  • #651
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970 and jack action
  • #652
 
  • #653
 
  • #654
Reno: the biggest little city in the world
 
  • #655
I didn't know Indians could lay down Rythym and Blues.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hornbein and difalcojr
  • #656
  • #657
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #658
The cover
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
  • #659
Take it away girl.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970 and Hornbein
  • #660
Probably mentioned this guy before. He goes round Cardiff filming buskers. Here is a cover of Neil Diamond.

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42

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
28K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • Sticky
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K