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.

  • #91
pinball1970 said:
Speaking of jazz....


Kids these days don't know what real entertainment is.
 
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  • #92


Josephine Alexandra -- Sweet Child of Mine
 
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  • #93
Hornbein said:


Josephine Alexandra -- Sweet Child of Mine

That goes right into the "better than original" category. Brilliant.
 
  • #94
Y'all seem to be searching for a definition of jazz. This is as close as I can come. Count Basie Big Band with Arthur Prysock.



I used to hang out in the Usenet jazz guitar group. It included some famous players. They were a very tough audience, extremely critical. Jazz guitarists have a hard life. I claimed this was the ultimate in swing and defied them all to exceed it. No one even tried.

The band said the key to their swing was Freddy Green, the almost inaudible guitar player.
 
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  • #95
 
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  • #96
Hornbein said:
Y'all seem to be searching for a definition of jazz. This is as close as I can come. Count Basie Big Band with Arthur Prysock.



I used to hang out in the Usenet jazz guitar group. It included some famous players. They were a very tough audience, extremely critical. Jazz guitarists have a hard life. I claimed this was the ultimate in swing and defied them all to exceed it. No one even tried.

The band said the key to their swing was Freddy Green, the almost inaudible guitar player.


Everything in Jazz flows from Pops

 
  • #97
White people can make great jazz too.



But swing like Basie? Nah...

Clint Eastwood was asked if he intended to learn to play sax like Charlie Parker. Clint replied, "a man's got to know his limitations."
 
  • #98
Hornbein said:
White people can make great jazz too.



But swing like Basie? Nah...

Clint Eastwood was asked if he intended to learn to play sax like Charlie Parker. Clint replied, "a man's got to know his limitations."

A myth. Buddy Rich, Stephan Grappelli, Joe Pass, Jaco Pastorius and Glen miller one of the fathers of swing all the absolute all time greats.
Charlie Parker, Duke, Charlie Parker, Dizzy, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis all icons..... however..
You have posted good links on Asian jazz and fusion players.
 
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  • #99
pinball1970 said:
When someone says Jazz it has connotations to it but really it is like saying "classical"
There is a world of difference between Stravinsky and Mozart. They both use an orchest
Ok, it is no cover, but after all these discussions about Jazz, I have to post it:



And more "jazzy" in its modern interpretation

 
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  • #100
pinball1970 said:
Speaking of jazz....


It's good, but I find myself distracted trying to work out if the lead singer is convincing CGI or a real person with enough hairspray to sink a battleship.
 
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  • #101
Ibix said:
It's good, but I find myself distracted trying to work out if the lead singer is convincing CGI or a real person with enough hairspray to sink a battleship.
The thing with this song is that 'tongue in cheek' does not cover it and yet it's great! The arrangement, the clever change of the rhythm and chords.
The story goes that Liam Gallagher heard this in a department store and confronted Noel to ask him if he had stolen it. He thought it was a genuine 50s/early 60s jazz track!
I hope it is true.
Anyway, this it just to give you the live version. TOTP did do some live stuff then, vocals at least.

 
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  • #102
I did not expect to find this.
 
  • #103
I do not like this. I don't hate it because they have attempted to do A version not simply copy it or completely murder it.

 
  • #104
I hated this when I first heard it now I really like it. Very Stranglers, listen to the bass! Has to be a Ricky to sound that dirty, lots of top end. Anyway.

 
  • #105
Lady A did the original. This is truly awful just because of her voice. Not a fan of boy bands but Gary Barlow can sing and write, he saved the day.

Cheryl Cole goes sharp, then flat, has horrible tone, zero production and is too breathy almost like she caricaturing an actual singer. Imagine being the sound guy trying to make it sound ok? Not enough effects on the planet.

 
  • #106
This is sneaky of me as strictly speaking this is not a cover, it's an old standard. The range, power and beautiful tone is just incredible. Ear bleach after Kayne West and Cheryl Cole.

 
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  • #107
Jeff Healey's cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps is incredible. George Harrison plays acoustic and sings backing vocals.

 
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  • #108


Cover by Unlucky Morpheus. It appears they have an entire album like this. Dream Theater, Steve Vai....

Japanese community orchestras are almost as good as the pros. There is such an excess of violinists and ballerinas that they are being exported to Europe.
 
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  • #109
 
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  • #110
Hornbein said:


Cover by Unlucky Morpheus. It appears they have an entire album like this. Dream Theater, Steve Vai....

Japanese community orchestras are almost as good as the pros. There is such an excess of violinists and ballerinas that they are being exported to Europe.

The violin really brings home what a crappy pastiche Yngwie's music is.

This is a better cover of JS Bach

 
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  • #111
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau covers Yes

 
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  • #112
BWV said:
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau covers Yes


That's is one of my favourite Yes songs (from many) Absolutely loved it. The voice is angelic.
 
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  • #113
pinball1970 said:
That's is one of my favourite Yes songs (from many) Absolutely loved it. The voice is angelic.
he covers Rush and Gentle Giant on the album as well



 
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  • #114
BWV said:
The violin really brings home what a crappy pastiche Yngwie's music is.

This is a better cover of JS Bach


Shunske Sato is among the elite of baroque violin players; next to Giuliano Carmignola and Gottfried von der Goltz, they truly are the Holy Trinity of baroque violin at this moment.

On the other hand, I once read a comment about Ywgwie's obnoxious playing that went something like that: "Malmsteem shreds utter shite over Bach's perfect composition". While those aren't my words, I can't say I disagree a single iota with them honestly. To each their own I guess, but Bach is waaaaaaaaaaaay more than ridiculous self serving riffs.

And the Netherlands Bach Society is a most glorious ensemble. Along with Pichon and Pygmalion, and Solomon's Knot, they make me recover my faith in humankind among the atrocious celebration of mediocrity that seems to be the norm these days.
 
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  • #115
 
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  • #116


Kent Nishimura - Lady Madonna [The Beatles]
 
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  • #117


Riyoko Takagi - Round Midnight [Thelonius Monk]
 
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  • #118
 
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  • #119
Hornbein said:


Kent Nishimura - Lady Madonna [The Beatles]

This style is very difficult, bass chords and tune all together. Very impressive.
 
  • #120
This is another sneaky entry as the post is because of their M.O. not the actual track.
They are Dutch, not important but I only found out ten minutes ago getting info on them and I had not noticed an accent listening to them.
They "The analogues" recreate whole Beatles Albums live, meaning they put absolutely every tiny detail in astonishing accuracy from the album recording.

 
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