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.

  • #1,501
jack action said:
Speaking of Ankor, I thought I posted it before but I cannot find it. At the risk of repeating myself:

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish:



The cover by Ankor:


Yours is the 1500th post on this thread. It's a nice round number.
 
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  • #1,502
Some highlights? Josh Turner/ and friends are brilliant, just so natural, mature and trying to emulate great music.
Foxes and Fossils, incredible.
All the Japanese guys co @Hornbein are crazy, jazz, fazz fusion, technique I dream of.
Female guitar players who done everything, tune, chords bass. If I would have met them at 16 I would have sold my guitar for a few beers.
This lady. Not the greatest recording, slick and cinematic BUT she chooses such crazy songs. Kate Bush!? Who does that? Even Kate Bush did not want to do that after 1979.



 
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  • #1,503
And a snippet from a UK DP tribute

We were aiming for Made in Japan

 
  • #1,504
I know it is not Halloween yet but here are some Chrismas songs from Lyric Noel that kind of mix the two holidays:

Carol of the Bells:



Silent Night:

 
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  • #1,505
Slade were a UK rock pop band in 1970s. Unique voice and really good song writers. This is a live concert and the last track is "born to to wild," at 22.50

 
  • #1,506
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  • #1,507
 
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  • #1,508
  • #1,509
 
  • #1,510
 
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  • #1,511
Hornbein said:

A shuffle! Different
 
  • #1,512
Actually three versions of increasing amazingness.



I wish she would collaborate with others. Surely this is possible so evidently she doesn't feel like it. I wonder how many people there are like this in this world, playing amazing music in their bedrooms only for themselves. Could be a lot.
 
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  • #1,513
A bluegrass version of The Monkees' hit, done as a ballad.



They say they got the idea from Shrek. Is that Eddie Murphy singing?

 
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  • #1,514
Foxes and Fossils live. CSN

 
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  • #1,515
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_of_Destruction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megadeth - https://www.megadeth.com/







(2023) Symphony of Destruction (Cover) - Megadeth - RUMPUS - Family Band / Kids Band / Rock Band


(2008) Hellsongs - Symphony Of Destruction (OFFICIAL VIDEO)


(2018) VERSUS playing MEGADETH - Symphony of destruction (Cover)


(2019) Symphony Of Destruction. (Bluegrass Cover of Megadeth) - DD and the Butterlovers


(2017) Tengger Cavalry - Symphony of Destruction (Megadeth Cover)



Honorable mention
(2024) Aixa y Nirvana tocan Symphony of Destruction de MEGADETH
(2019) School of Rock Students Perform "Symphony of Destruction'" by Megadeth
(2015) Megadeth - Symphony of Destruction - Guitar performance by Cesar Huesca
(2023) SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION - Megadeth | Guitar Cover by Sophie Burrell
(2012) Mellowdeth - Symphony Of Destruction
 
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  • #1,516
The orig, an anime theme song on NHK (Japan TV). I greatly like some anime theme songs. They can be quite complicated. Jazz bands often cover them. Even shows for girls have music like this.

I never watched the show. It's something about fighting down giant robots while clothed in a black and red string bikini.

Today there is a real honest-to-god sixty(!) foot tall robot that I have seen. It doesn't walk or move a lot but it sure is big.

In my estimation this version is even more badasss.



Rhythm guitar is a lot more developed in Japan. Except for Eddie, but no one seems able to copy his rhythm playing so it wasn't that influential.
 
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  • #1,517
I think I prefer her on her own

 
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  • #1,518
Jan Hammer/Jeff Beck Blue Wind



Rie. Bail out though once it gets to the drum solo.



As far as I know she only plays at Blue Mood, a club that holds 50 people. And it doesn't sell out. Such is the world in which we live.
 
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  • #1,519
Duran Duran Ordinary World



Not exactly a cover but it's a lot better than the hit version. This song cried out for vocal harmony, here supplied by Anna Ross.

This song attracts good singers so there are several very good covers. This is the only one with vocal harmony.



There was no such doubt about the WORST cover.
 
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  • #1,520
Hornbein said:
There was no such doubt about the WORST cover.
What the hell!?
 
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  • #1,521
Original by "Illusion" beautiful track.



This cover by one of my favourites on YT


 
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  • #1,522
Orig by Sam Cooke, Yeah Man



Plagiarized by Arthur Conley and Otis Redding. Big hit in 1967. Better than the orig, if you ask me.



Cover by The Time Bandits

 
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  • #1,523
Orig Sam Cooke



Sam and Dave



Sam Cooke is Keith Richards' favorite artist.
 
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  • #1,524
Orig by Joe South



Cover by Deep Purple. Way better than their hit. Can't beat Steve Morse.

 
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  • #1,525
and Mark one. Richie actually smiling and having fun???

 
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  • #1,526
A truly inexhaustible topic.

For a smorgasbord of highly enjoyable and oxymoronically 'original' covers, look no further than the 1997 album Five O'Clock Shadow by Frank Bennet (the performing name of Australian artist David Henry Wray) which provides a rather obvious clue as to what style of music the songs have been carefully and often ingeniously reworked into.

Grab a free listen at bandcamp[dot]com. 'Top Tip' for first time listeners: have someone else play you the tracks and see how long it takes you to recognise the songs.
 
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  • #1,527
brigman said:
A truly inexhaustible topic.

For a smorgasbord of highly enjoyable and oxymoronically 'original' covers, look no further than the 1997 album Five O'Clock Shadow by Frank Bennet (the performing name of Australian artist David Henry Wray) which provides a rather obvious clue as to what style of music the songs have been carefully and often ingeniously reworked into.

Grab a free listen at bandcamp[dot]com. 'Top Tip' for first time listeners: have someone else play you the tracks and see how long it takes you to recognise the songs.
The only song I was familiar with was this one.



He sounds just like Frankie.

Tony Bennett did a similar thing with Smells Like Teen Spirit.
 
  • #1,528
Rockin' in Germany.



Acoustic 370 bass amplifier, fifty years old.
 
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  • #1,529
The late Melanie sings Purple Haze, posthumously backed up by Cactus(!).

 
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  • #1,530
She cut the chorus.

 
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