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

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The discussion centers around the merits of cover songs compared to their originals, exploring which covers are considered better and which should have been avoided. The subjective nature of evaluating music is emphasized, with opinions varying widely based on personal taste. Notable examples include Jimi Hendrix's cover of "All Along the Watchtower," which many argue surpasses Bob Dylan's original, and Johnny Cash's rendition of "Hurt," which evokes deep emotion. Other covers, such as those by Eva Cassidy and the Bare Naked Ladies, are praised for their unique interpretations that enhance the originals. Conversely, some covers are criticized for lacking originality or failing to add anything new, with specific songs mentioned as examples of covers that should have been left alone. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of musical interpretation, the role of the listener in evaluating art, and the complexities of genre classification, particularly in jazz. Overall, the thread highlights the rich landscape of music covers, showcasing both celebrated interpretations and those deemed unnecessary.
  • #811
Hey @Hornbein and others who might be interested - related to post #816 -
Rolling Stones made another piece of music from which Honky Tonk Woman directly came from originally, and well worth hearing, called Country Honk. VERY Different instrumentally and rhythmically from Honky Tonk Woman.
 
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  • #812
And then there was the original (genre) Honky Tonk. Actually before my time.
 
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  • #813
And another cover from Top Radio 93.5 FM Bangkok:
 
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  • #814
morrobay said:
And another cover from Top Radio 93.5 FM Bangkok:

Fun fact: A tropical house version by German DJ/remixer Freischwimmer was released in 2015. This version reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in its February 13, 2016 issue. "Dreamin" had never before hit No. 1 on any ranking, making this version the first in its nearly 50-year history to reach the top spot on a Billboard chart. (English Wikipedia page)
 
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  • #815
Better than the orig (which I don't recommend).

Anastacia - I’m Outta Love (by Andreea Munteanu)​


Proud produce of Romania

 
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  • #816
 
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  • #817
I found a nice little gem (I just love how she vocalizes the guitar solo at the end):

​


Original:

​
 
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  • #818
 
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  • #819

Great introduction!
 
  • #820

​

Andreea Munteanu sings Someday I'll Be Saturday Night great but is so small she doesn't have the voice for it. So a little technological help for a bigger sound.



Here's the orig. by Bon Jovi

 
  • #821
Peter Gabriel covers Magnetic Fields' Book of Love

 
  • #822
 
  • #823
ZZ Top cover '25 Lighters' by Lil' Keke and Fat Pat.

 
  • #824
Original
 
  • #825
Cover.
 
  • #826
I saw LaBelle in Boston, 1974.
 
  • #827
Not bad for White girls.
 
  • #828
Paint It Black by Wednesday Addams

 
  • #829
My favorite drummer shows what he's got. Dig the singer too.

Dennis Chambers, What Is Hip



South Korean Dance Version

 
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  • #830
.
 
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  • #831


Wah wah workout.
 
  • #832
morrobay said:
.

They never fail to rock. First time I was ever able to understand the lyrics. Dig the Chuck Berry style solo.

On stage Iggy Pop once broke a bottle then dived on the shards. Bleeding profusely from the chest, they took him to the hospital. He survived.
 
  • #833


The orig.

 
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  • #834
pinball1970 said:
Which songs were performed, arranged or produced better in a cover than the original version?
The one that amazed me was Dolly Parton's bluegrass version of Collective Soul's hard rock song "Shine". I'm not a fan of country music, but honestly, it's difficult for me to decide which I like better.

Compare them yourself:
It helps that her backup band (Nickel Creek) seems to be really into the song.
 
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  • #835
Anachronist said:
The one that amazed me was Dolly Parton's bluegrass version of Collective Soul's hard rock song "Shine". I'm not a fan of country music, but honestly, it's difficult for me to decide which I like better.

Compare them yourself:
It helps that her backup band (Nickel Creek) seems to be really into the song.
I'll check them out thanks
 
  • #836
 
  • #837
Dolly has a recent album entirely of rock covers. They're pretty good. There's one about picking up a 17 year old.
 
  • #838
 
  • #839
Ami Nakazono -- Thinking Out Loud

 
  • #840
Nina Simone remix cover
 

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