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.
  • #1,861
robphy said:
#489

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

BLACK SABBATH - "War Pigs" (1970)

robphy said:
#1834

(2025) uKanDanZ - WAR PIGS (Official Music Video)

(1972) Van Halen Brothers cover Black Sabbath's War Pigs | 1972 rare Mammoth song ( The Tapes Archive )

- Van Halen Opened for Black Sabbath in 1978
(followup to Ozzy Reminisces About Van Halen & Randy Rhoads Rivalry)



(2007) Cake - War Pigs [fan-made video contest entry]

(2017) Black Sabbath "War Pigs" (Larkin Poe Cover) [search Larkin]


(2017) Dirty Revival - "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath LIVE at Waterfront Blues Fest


(2022) Puddles Pity Party - WAR PIGS (Black Sabbath Cover) [search Puddles]
 
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Science news on Phys.org
  • #1,862
pinball1970 said:
A Gibbo SG??
Hey Hendrix play'ed 'em in his bluer moods.
 
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  • #1,863
The orig was The Stones' first hit record.

 
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  • #1,866
jimi lives.

 
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  • #1,867
Orig Use Me



That singing is hard to match, but maybe it can be done.

 
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  • #1,868
The Vengaboys with their monster hit.



(In eastern Asia this dancing would be thought very sloppy.)

Take it away, Romanians.

 
  • #1,869
Orig



Cover by The Byrds

 
  • #1,870
Orig



Cover by Keith Richards and Nora Jones



Took him 60+ years with an example constantly before him to learn to sing like that. Well, whatever it takes. Better late than never, eh? Congratulations Mr. Richards. I hereby honor you with the title of True Artist. Once bestowed, this can never be rescinded.
 
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Encore! The best version of this song.

 
  • #1,874
Hornbein said:
The Vengaboys with their monster hit.



(In eastern Asia this dancing would be thought very sloppy.)

Take it away, Romanians.


I didn't know that song, but when I read "Shalala Lala", I was thinking about Jersey Girl from Tom Waits, which is so extraordinary with the rich voice of Holly Cole. THIS is how you sing "Shalala lala":



Which I already shared a live version of in a previous post:
jack action said:
I love Holly Cole. Her voice just melts my heart every time. She made a lot of covers, here are a few of my favorites:

[...]

Original (Jersey girl):



Cover:



[...]
 
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  • #1,875
Orig Green Tambourine by the Lemon Pipers



Semi-cover by the Bangles. Many of their songs remind me of something prior. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I kind of like it. I'm sure it's deliberate. That Echoplex thing is a dead giveaway. There are also hints of Say You Love Me, Incense and Peppermint, Raspberry Beret.



I'm listening to the whole Bangles back catalog. I haven't done that for many, many moons. 50 years?
 
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  • #1,876
jack action said:
I didn't know that song, but when I read "Shalala Lala", I was thinking about Jersey Girl from Tom Waits, which is so extraordinary with the rich voice of Holly Cole. THIS is how you sing "Shalala lala":



Which I already shared a live version of in a previous post:


One man's shalala is another man's lala sha.

Reminds of Brenda Lee's Fever.
 
  • #1,877
Here's another good Use Me courtesy Teddy Swims.

 
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  • #1,878


Mary N could never make it as a session man. It would be way too distracting.
 
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  • #1,879
Orig. Pretty nice.



After the Shakalabbits every other cover sounds wrong.

 
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  • #1,880

The Dukes of September - Hey Nineteen (Live)​




Now dat's some groove son.
 
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  • #1,881
Orig



Cover. I like those two-beat measures you sometimes got in country music.

 
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  • #1,882
Parrot sings Here Comes The Sun.



Improvising melodically, on pitch and in rhythm. Can't beat that.
 
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  • #1,883
1969 cool.



1980s typical talentless garbage.

 
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  • #1,884
fresh_42 said:
The composer said (I quote by memory) that he loves all three of them. He has been lucky to have created a song that was sung differently by 3 artists, but all were very good.

I love that songwriter is diplomatic and appreciative. I think Cyndi Lauper and Roy Orbison are best... they both sound steamy and intense and desperate like maybe they really drove all night.
 
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  • #1,888
Hornbein said:
Parrot sings Here Comes The Sun.



Improvising melodically, on pitch and in rhythm. Can't beat that.

The parrot hits the "little darlin" but holds the third and wacks a load of vibrato on that note, the owner notices this and smiles. Even extant, dinosaur descendants love the Beatles.
 
  • #1,889
Orig



Recording very low budget. The drum part is primitive.

Cover by a family band from Atlanta. They are going to be touring eastern Europe (!).



I'm not wild about this cover but you can hear how good the ebass part is.

 
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  • #1,890
Hornbein said:
Orig



Recording very low budget. The drum part is primitive.

Cover by a family band from Atlanta. They are going to be touring eastern Europe (!).



I'm not wild about this cover but you can hear how good the ebass part is.


I adore that song. I like the band in the woods better than Atlanta, her voice is more similar.
 

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