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

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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.

  • #1,051
Original. This is a demo. The originally released version isn't that good.

Joni Mitchell. Edith and the Kingpin.



Cover

 
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  • #1,052
Original : Crazy He Calls Me by Billie Holliday



Cover : Emilie Autumn

 
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  • #1,053
Hornbein said:
Original : Crazy He Calls Me by Billie Holliday



Cover : Emilie Autumn


That was strange
 
  • #1,054
 
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  • #1,055
I ain't superstitious

Original by Howlin' Wolf:



Covers:

By Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart:



By the guy who wrote it, Willie Dixon:



By Megadeth:

 
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  • #1,056


 
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  • #1,057
Last edited:
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  • #1,058
Linda Ronstadt -- Crazy He Calls Me



I know of no other artist who improved so radically in the course of their career.
 
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  • #1,059


The version by the ten year old girl in the Yamaha Stagea competition is the best but I already posted that.
 
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  • #1,060
Hornbein said:
Linda Ronstadt -- Crazy He Calls Me
I know of no other artist who improved so radically in the course of their career.
I have to agree with you on that. I really liked her first folk, bluegrass and country song singing too.
 
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  • #1,061
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(Main_Title)

John Williams & Wiener Philharmoniker – "Main Title" from "Star Wars: A New Hope"


robphy said:


Star Wars Main Theme - Single by Galactic Empire

see also Galactic Empire - Star Wars - The Imperial March

Star Wars Theme Medley BLUEGRASS cover by samuraiguitarist


Star Wars theme (acapella) by MayTree



 
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  • #1,062
Hornbein said:
Jon Anderson used to be such a good poet. Nowadays his lyrics are New Age lectures. This was the start of that.



Another Andrei Cerbu production. The guy's talented.

I always heard it as "owner of a '63 Dodge Dart."

Chris Squire's bass playing went from maximal there to minimal here. Why not.

It appears she now records under the name of Rockmina. Here covering Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name.

 
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  • #1,063
This song was a big hit in the UK in 1981 for Kim Wilde. Catchy. Fine singer and composer. I however the production on the orig is too cheesy for me. So here's a cover.


 
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  • #1,064
Today, I became aware of the 50-yr anniversary performances of various Mike Oldfield masterpieces, done in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra(!) in 2022. I'm not sure if this counts as a "cover", but they sure deserve a mention. I'm still listening this version of Ommadawn Pt 1 and it's bringing me to tears...



Their rendition of Tubular Bells Pt 1 is pretty damn amazing too...

 
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  • #1,065
Green Day does Kim Wilde's Kids In America

 
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  • #1,066
The Wonders - That Thing You Do


Cover by Shakalabbits.
 
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  • #1,067
Hornbein said:
This song was a big hit in the UK in 1981 for Kim Wilde. Catchy. Fine singer and composer. I however the production on the orig is too cheesy for me. So here's a cover.
  • (broken YouTube link to No Secrets cover?)

No Secrets - Kids In America - Live Kids Choice Awards 2002


Hornbein said:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kids_in_America

(1981) Kim Wilde - Kids In America (Official Music Video)




(1981) Kaupungin lapset - Mona Carita


(1993) Nirvana - Kids in America (LIVE Sao Paulo Hollywood Rock 93)


(2007) Jonas Brothers - Kids of the Future


(2018) The Anchor | - Kids in America (Kim Wilde Cover) - metalcore
 
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  • #1,068
Two Tom Petty covers by the Jambaritos Band. The first is great while the second he sings awfully flat. Huh.



Notice that at this point he forgets the lyrics and mumbles something plausible. I've been told singers call this "watermeloning." I bet you didn't notice it first time around.

 
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  • #1,069
Original of Mercy Mercy by Don Covay. Guitar is allegedly Jimi Hendrix. Sounds just like him.



Cover by The Rolling Stones.

 
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  • #1,070
Orig.



 
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  • #1,071
Orig Hoochie Couchie Man by Muddy Waters



Cover by Shoka Okuba. She also plays drums and does fashion modelling. Let's see Muddy do that.

 
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  • #1,072
Orig : Roger Miller -- King of The Road



Cover



His name really is Roger Miller.
 
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  • #1,073
Mikaela Davis harp solo on The Grateful Dead's The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)



If all their stuff were this good they could go places. It might happen.
 
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  • #1,074
Frabjous said:

That was stunning. I love the vocal versions I have heard by some of the most iconic voices in jazz but that was great. I like the fact they swapped solos and backing.
Frabulous!
 
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  • #1,075

Madison Cunningham - In My Life (The Beatles Cover)​

 
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  • #1,076
Orig Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden. Grotesque video.



Black Hole Sun on a cross strung harp. They say the harp is the most beautiful instrument. They were right.

 
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  • #1,077
Hornbein said:

Madison Cunningham - In My Life (The Beatles Cover)​


Wrong note at 2.20!

She powered on through though.

I learned it on piano and could never get the solo right, I would always hit a duff note without the trills in.

Really nice harmony on that version.

In My Life is Rubber Soul and for me the Beatles did not really kick in till Revolver.

McCartney says he sees those two albums together, I disagree (what does he know)

Some great songs on there but Revolver goes a step higher for me and Pepper came after which is another planet.

Anyway..
 
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  • #1,078
Kirsty MacColl - They Don't Know



Cover by Susannah Hoffs

 
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  • #1,079
Orig Ripple by The Grateful Dead



Cover. The pedal steel guitar solo is out of this world.

 
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  • #1,080

No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed -- Richie Havens​




Cover by Yes

 

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