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.

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  • #152
symbolipoint said:
A cover band which does covers of instrumental surf rock music is called "Huevos Rancheros".
I am not posting links to videos on YouTube; one may do a search on YouTube and find them.

Better? Worse? Good representations? My feel is that although maybe slightly different than the originals, they are good.
I'll check thanks.
 
  • #154
Trve Norwegian Black Surf Music

 
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  • #155
Hornbein said:

Wow. CSN one of my favourite bands. I loved that version thanks.
 
  • #156
Hornbein said:

Reminded me of these guys.
 
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  • #157
robphy said:
Racer X (with Paul Gilbert) (2000) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racer_X_(band)


SO over the top. Love it. Reminds me of this. Type O Negative does Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl. I like the extreme electronics on the guitar solo.



Here's a feature of that drenched guitar solo.

 
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  • #158
 
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  • #159
A whole playlist of bluegrass covers of rock tunes.
 
  • #160
Hornbein said:

Foxes and Fossils…wow. You have opened up a whole new world to me!
I absolutely love the dynamic, older guys and the young gals but what a beautiful sound?
I have checked all the live stuff too, amazing.
CSN had a unique sound, hard to pick out one line because the voices blended so perfectly but these guys do it.
Notice how the girl on the left has a constant smile on her face?
That is music is supposed to be for me, joy.
The French family I posted who do all the Beatles stuff are fantastic also, young kids with their dad, just brilliant.
Check out the drummer he looks all of ten!
 
  • #161


How beautiful can music get? The Wailing Jennys with Gillian Welch's One More Dollar.

I'm going home.
 
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  • #162
This one makes me a little sad now he has gone. It is more of a demo of what his guitar can do by changing pick ups.
A great player covering part of a classic track by the most influential guitarist of all time probably.

 
  • #163
pinball1970 said:
A great player covering part of a classic track by the most influential guitarist of all time probably.
This is gonna be off topic but I can't resist. Jimi was the kind of guy where your first thought is Wow! and your second thought is "I couldn't do that in a million years." So he isn't that influential. Tommy Iommi, now that's influence. Anyone can play guitar like that, and millions have.
 
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  • #164


A work of genius.
 
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  • #165
Hornbein said:
This is gonna be off topic but I can't resist. Jimi was the kind of guy where your first thought is Wow! and your second thought is "I couldn't do that in a million years." So he isn't that influential. Tommy Iommi, now that's influence. Anyone can play guitar like that, and millions have.
Yes I get that, I suppose Buddy Rich and Keith Moon were similar animals.
Buddy, impossible technique, outrageous today let alone in the 40s-80s.
Keith Moon a truly awful drummer. All arms, lots of unnecessary drums, one dimensional, he went out of time but....captured the imagination.
Perfect for the Who.

Anyway this post is Jimi again, a demonstration as much as a cover. Nice to see how all the parts are played.
The solo is not a collection of licks, it is a combination of little tunes to make one story. He was unique in a lot of ways but that was one of them.
 
  • #166
 
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  • #167


Steve Lukather -- Third Stone From The Sun.
 
  • #168
Frabjous said:
Depends on whom you influence.


I'm going with quantity, not quality.
 
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  • #169


The Chicago Harp Twins ply Bon Jovi's It's My Life
 
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  • #170


Kevin Gilbert -- Kashmir. Kevin plays all the instruments.

It is pretty rare that someone is sure to make it big. But Kevin died young so it didn't happen.
 
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  • #171
Original:



Cover:

 
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  • #172
Original
Cover.


Robert Plant, better than ever say I.
 
  • #173
fresh_42 said:
Original:



Cover:


I prefer the dance version. As more of a purist I should prefer the acoustic version but I like the synth sounds and her voice.
 
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  • #174
Hornbein said:


The Chicago Harp Twins ply Bon Jovi's It's My Life

Wasn't really impressed with this cover and I was sure something more impressive could have been done with harps. They did:

​
 
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  • #175
The return of the rock star. Dig the wah wah guitar solo.

 
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  • #176
jack action said:
Wasn't really impressed with this cover and I was sure something more impressive could have been done with harps. They did:

​


I used their Iron Man for this.

 
  • #177


Remarkably accurate Beatles cover. Paperback Writer.
 
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  • #178


Shawn Lane plays Let It Be.
 
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  • #179


Robert Plant and his Band of Joy cover Porter Waggoner's A Satisfied Mind
 
  • #180


Cover of "U.N. Owen Was Her"
 

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