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.

  • #1,291
morrobay said:
Ya all up for an off shoot: Songs that are un - coverable , like Forgetaboutit.

It was because of records like this that Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones signed with Ahmet Ertegün's Atlantic.
 
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  • #1,292
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cum_On_Feel_the_Noize
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slade

(1973) Slade - Cum On Feel The Noize • TopPop




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_Riot
helped carry the album Metal Health to the top of Billboard album chart, making it the first American heavy metal debut album to reach No. 1 in the United States.

They Were the #1 Rock Band in the WORLD...1 Interview RUINED Them OVERNIGHT! | Professor of Rock
@2m40s - 7m46 discusses how Quiet Riot was convinced to record this song

(1983) Quiet Riot - Cum On Feel The Noize (Video Version)





(2024) Cum on Feel the Noize (Slade Cover) - Christian Casagrande


(2012) The Imagined Village - Cum on feel the noize (Lea/Holder) - Songs From The Shed Session


(2009) TWIN -'Cum On Feel The Noize'


(1995) Oasis - Cum On Feel The Noize (Live on Later... 1995) *Remastered Audio*
 
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  • #1,293
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cum_On_Feel_the_Noize
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slade

(1973) Slade - Cum On Feel The Noize • TopPop












(1995) Oasis - Cum On Feel The Noize (Live on Later... 1995) *Remastered Audio*

I have to jump in, cannot help it sorry!
Such good memories with Oasis.
Every one was talking about them 94/95 and I just kept saying, "who the hell are Oasis!?"
A friend pointed out a track, "Live forever," which I heard before and liked very much without realising it was them.
After listening to the first two albums over and over and bought the chord book for "Morning Glory" totally hooked.

I saw them in 1996 at Knebworth and again in Manchester 2002 ISH with the same gf at Old Trafford Cricket Club (Liam and Noel insisted the words "Old Trafford" were not on the tickets, LCC)

My gf complained about the plastic pot throwing by drunken elements of the crowd, covering her in "beer."

I explained that some of it was probably beer, when we got back to the hotel and there was a bath meters away.
 
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  • #1,294
robphy said:
(1983) Quiet Riot - Cum On Feel The Noize (Video Version)
Why is this version age-restricted on YouTube!?

robphy said:
(2009) TWIN -'Cum On Feel The Noize'
Loved the energy in that one.
 
  • #1,295
This could go in the Bob Newhart thread, the jazz thread or arguably the fusion thread.



And for @ZapperZ , Bergeron works for Disney.
 
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  • #1,296
Vanadium 50 said:
This could go in the Bob Newhart thread, the jazz thread or arguably the fusion thread.



And for @ZapperZ , Bergeron works for Disney.

Very smooth. Note the extreme stereo on the electric piano. Each note is in a different place.
 
  • #1,297
Original:




Cover:



Why?
 
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  • #1,298
fresh_42 said:
Original:




Cover:



Why?

I remember the song, liked it, no idea it was called that. In terms of the cover?
If you have to keep flicking between the two spot the differences like I did then it's basically a carbon copy.
Snare is a bit higher on the original and the sax a bit softer in the cover, not sure could be lower in the mix? I'm not a sax player.

Only very small differences.
 
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  • #1,299
Original.



Cover.

 
  • #1,300
Let's get smooth.

Orig



Cover from Thailand. Wonderful arrangement.



The electric "piano" must be the most successful invented instrument since trap drums. Though it has been almost replaced by more practical electronic copies, I say that still counts.

Varitda Bhirombhakdi appears to be from Bangkok and popular in Japan but her English and jazz are both perfect.



As a bonus the pianist is terrific.
 
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  • #1,301
The Shirelles




Amy Winehouse version.

 
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  • #1,302
pinball1970 said:
Original.



Cover.


What a gas. They made so much out of what could have been a boring scene. And the Dixieland version is really cool.

The tune is familiar but I would have thought it was Tchaikovsky or Bizet.
 
  • #1,303
pinball1970 said:
The Shirelles




Amy Winehouse version.


That fake LP crackling is a big turnoff. Way too much of it.
 
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  • #1,304
Hornbein said:
The electric "piano" must be the most successful invented instrument since trap drums.
One of my favourite instruments.
 
  • #1,305
Hornbein said:
That fake LP crackling is a big turnoff. Way too much of it.
Never noticed that! I do miss vinyl.

Ok here is the song writer.

 
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  • #1,306

Orig : Glen Campbell - Gentle on My Mind​




Roger Miller's take w. his own lyrics.

 
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  • #1,307
Greate cover of The Chain by Josh Turner and friends:

 
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  • #1,308
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'm_Just_Ken (2023) ( from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_the_Album )
by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Gosling

Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, Slash & The Kens - I'm Just Ken (Live From The Oscars 2024)




(Feb 2024) I'm Just Ken - acoustic Barbie/Ryan Gosling cover - Mike Massé


(Nov 2023) I'm Just Ken - Saxophone Cover (Barbie Movie) - Gary Honor


(Dec 2023) Simu Liu - I’m Just Ken (from Barbie) live


(Sep 2023) Ryan Gosling - I'm Just Ken - Barbie Soundtrack | Metal Cover | Aiden Malacaria


(July 2024) GWAR cover "I'm Just Ken" (from 'Barbie The Album') by Ryan Gosling - A.V.Club
[some strong language]

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwar - see also the GWAR Tiny Desk Concert @ NPR
 
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  • #1,309
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Oddity (1969)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie ( see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_Tom )

David Bowie - Space Oddity, Live, 1969



(2017) Space Oddity (David Bowie Cover) - Alexa Melo


(2023) Honeysuckle - "Space Oddity" (David Bowie)


(2017) Space Oddity acapella cover [MUST SEE! INTERNET'S BEST ACAPELLA VERSION OF SPACE ODDITY!!!]


(2013) The Smashing Pumpkins "Space Oddity" Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV


(2013) Space Oddity - Rare Earth
"A revised version of David Bowie's Space Oddity, recorded by Commander Chris Hadfield on board the International Space Station."

- Astronaut Chris Hadfield Breaks Down His 'Space Oddity' Video | Ars Technica


honorable mentions:
 
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  • #1,310
Orig : Cranberries -- Zombie



The Rock Orchestra --

 
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  • #1,311
Orig :: The Vapors - Turning Japanese



Cover by Kirsten Dunst.

 
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  • #1,312
The original was by Chuck Berry.
 
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  • #1,313
 
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  • #1,314
Original: (you missed my heart-mark kozelek)

Cover: (you missed my heart-phoebe bridgers)


I dont think the original does it a lot of justice. However the live version by mark is phenomenal.

 
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  • #1,315
morrobay said:

 
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  • #1,316
In the exact covers category,

Ramble On (Led Zeppelin) | Lexington Lab Band​




I figure this was where the double lead guitar thing was invented. George Harrison did it first on Your Bird Can Sing but in a way that didn't catch on.
 
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  • #1,317
 
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  • #1,318
One day in the Ann Arbor of 1970 a friend who worked at The Canterbury House almost begged me to come hear a band called Little Feat. I went mostly to see ebassist Roy Estrada whom I recognized from the Mothers of Invention. There were but three people in the audience, of whom I was one. No wonder he begged me. Three is a lot better than zero. Lowell George sang Willin', making an impression on me that persists to this day. They had it already on their album but it's a failure. By the time it got to Ann Arbor it was more like what we may enjoy today.

Orig: (not good)


They tried it again on the second album. Getting there. Pretty close. Too fast though.

They finally got it right on the Waiting For Columbus allegedly live album. Wonderful harmony, not much presence, phony applause. Then there was a version on German television which has presence -- a beautiful piano solo as a bonus -- but short on that wonderful harmony. So I thinks to meself, how about putting two and two together to make four?



Little Feat broke up when the keyboard player got tired of so much saloon-style piano and included a fusion number in their set. Lowell George is an earth and water guy. He couldn't stand the fire and air of fusion, not even a small amount, so he quit. Or maybe he was fired for being an obese drug-soaked slob. He regretted the band's agreement on democracy and intended to restart the group with himself solely in charge, but died in early middle age when his unhealthy habits caught up with him.
 
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  • #1,319
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_(Deep_Purple_song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Purple

Deep Purple - Burn (Live, California, 1974) [at The California Jam 1974]
1722143434584.png



"Burn" around the world

(2014, Slovenia) Deep Purple - Burn (cover) - HeavyRockTunes



(2017, Finland) Netta Laurenne Official - Deep Purple's "Burn" with Run for Cover Band



(2024, Thailand) Burn 4สาวพันธุ์ร็อค น้องเพชร Petch. & Band #pettyrock สยามสแควร์ - PettyRock

see also: #1138 Morning Star (by Vinnie Moore)


(2022, Indonesia) Burn - Deep Purple\ Mr. BIG (LIVE Cover by. Jewel Box)

see also: #493 YYZ , #500 Welcome to the Jungle , #538 Back in Black, #1187 Smells Like Teen Spirit


(2021, Japan) Deep Purple - Burn / YOYOKA's 12th Birthday Session

@IanPaiceDrumtribe
2 years ago
Hi Yoyoka, I saw you just had your 12th birthday and played this (Burn) and Mistreated with your friends. Now that is a truly great way to celebrate!
As usual you did a wonderful job.
Stay safe and well, and keep drumming,
Ian


(2022, India, USA, Finland, Singapore) Deep Purple - Burn w/ Mohini Dey, Girish Pradhan, Rowan Robertson, Chrism, Raz Azraai, Brandon Khoo

 
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  • #1,320
Mohini Dey eh?

Time Traveler



DarWin -- The Soul Police



The other 21st century ebass player contending for Best In World is Mononeon. He seems to be concentrating on vocals and composing these days.

 
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