Music 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.

  • #481
difalcojr said:
Like Butterfield's blues version better. Pop is OK, but doesn't have Michael Bloomfield. Think the Monkees learned to play the musical instruments only after they started their band, if I remember right. "East/West" isn't really a blues song, too. It was like one of a kind. Too bad they all did not stay together longer as a band.
They were all were all musical but they were put together for the TV show. Not much live footage of them playing live unfortunately.
Hendrix supported them at one point? That was a weird combo!
Did not last.
 
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  • #482
difalcojr said:
Which version do you like best? The Buddy Holly original?



Or this cover by Blind Faith with Stevie Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker:



Or this Santana cover?


Sorry but that is a very awkward style and a mistake for Buddy Holly. As well as the covers. Peggy Sue is Buddy Holly.
 
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  • #483
Buddy Holly, although definitely not one of my favorite songs. My favorite song is, esp. for its punctured rhythm


And I want to mention this hommage to Buddy Holly by my favorite Punk (!) band:
 
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  • #484
' On a crowded avenue' Oh how I miss New York City
 
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  • #485
This claimed cover of the Doo Wop song above, by the Skyliners sounds exactly the same?
 
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  • #486
morrobay said:
Sorry but that is a very awkward style and a mistake for Buddy Holly. As well as the covers. Peggy Sue is Buddy Holly.
Sounds good to me, anyway, all his songs. Peggy Sue, especially, good video, thks. Remember that the Flamingo's song was very good for slow dancing. Cover does sound just the same. Cows in New York City?!
How about this old original with three somewhat different covers? I like them all.







 
  • #487
. Not bad for a white boy
 
  • #488
 
  • #489
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Pigs

BLACK SABBATH - "War Pigs" (1970)


Faith No More - War Pigs Live at Brixton Academy (1990)


War Pigs - Black Sabbath Cover on Ukulele (2010)


Jack Black singing War Pigs | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2011)


Apocalyptica - "War Pigs" [Black Sabbath cover] (Live in Santa Ana 10-2-22)


T-Pain - War Pigs (Live in Detroit) (2023)
 
  • #490
 
  • #491
difalcojr said:
Which version do you like best? The Buddy Holly original?



Or this cover by Blind Faith with Stevie Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker:



Or this Santana cover?


Blind Faith, speaking of:

 
  • #492
 
  • #493
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  • #494
 
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  • #495
 
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  • #496
Here is Led Zepellin's Rock and Roll song with Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth dancing to it.

 
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  • #497
BillTre said:
Here is Led Zepellin's Rock and Roll song with Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth dancing to it.


Ha ha that made my day. Rita Hayworth and John Bonham, I think they would have got on.
Fred Astaire is iconic to a certain age in the UK. Rock and Roll Led Zep though?
Brilliant just brilliant. Thanks Bill.
 
  • #498
This floored me @robphy To see you youngsters playing Rush is something, YYZ? Not the easiest.
They don't look at each other! Am I taken aback because they are young, girls AND from Indonesia? Yes! I just didn't think that sort of music was a thing in that neck of the woods.

 
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  • #499
And Led Zep. This is one of my favourite tracks

 
  • #500
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_the_Jungle

Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle (1987)


2CELLOS - Welcome To The Jungle [OFFICIAL VIDEO] (2013)


Welcome To The Jungle - Vintage Orchestral Guns 'n' Roses Cover ft. Daniela Andrade (2015)


(Guns N' Roses) Welcome To The Jungle - Fingerstyle Guitar Cover | Josephine Alexandra (2021)


Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle (Gamazda Cover) (2021)


Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N' Roses (LIVE Cover by. Jewel Box) (2022)
 
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  • #501
I think these boys bested the original. And when they arrived in the U.S a lot of bands (Doo Wop) ... we're looking for work.
 
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  • #502
 
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  • #503
Is it totally awful that, when my kid was doing a report on Michael Jackson in high school, we listened to various versions of "Man in the Mirror" and... we liked the "Glee" version better than the original? o:)
 
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  • #504
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  • #505
 
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  • #506
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimme_Chocolate!!

BABYMETAL - ギミチョコ!!- Gimme chocolate!! (OFFICIAL) (2014)
181M views


See also BABYMETAL - Gimme Chocolate!! (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) (2016)



One-Man BABYMETAL Cover by 66Samus of Decrepit Birth (w/ guitar solo) | MetalSucks (2015)


BABYMETAL - Gimme chocolate!! (Full Cover By Piotr Galiński) ギミチョコ!! (2016)


BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate!! [Cover mix](English Vocal) #2 (2016)


Gimme Chocolate - Babymetal (1920s Jazz Cover) ft. Tara Louise (2017)


Gimme chocolate!! BABYMETAL - ギミチョコ!!- cover (audrey123talks) (2018)

See also BABYMETAL - Gimme Chocolate!! - #ギミチョコ!! guitar cover (audrey123talks) (2022)
 
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  • #507
e_jane said:
Is it totally awful that, when my kid was doing a report on Michael Jackson in high school, we listened to various versions of "Man in the Mirror" and... we liked the "Glee" version better than the original? o:)
As a kid I loved "Fame" American TV series in the 1980s. Pretty sure they did a lot of covers.
When I saw what the format of Glee actually was, I thought cheerleading? Really?
It's Fame though 2.0, my niece loved it. So, fair enough!
 
  • #508
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimme_Chocolate!!

BABYMETAL - ギミチョコ!!- Gimme chocolate!! (OFFICIAL) (2014)
181M views


See also BABYMETAL - Gimme Chocolate!! (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) (2016)



One-Man BABYMETAL Cover by 66Samus of Decrepit Birth (w/ guitar solo) | MetalSucks (2015)


BABYMETAL - Gimme chocolate!! (Full Cover By Piotr Galiński) ギミチョコ!! (2016)


BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate!! [Cover mix](English Vocal) #2 (2016)


Gimme Chocolate - Babymetal (1920s Jazz Cover) ft. Tara Louise (2017)


Gimme chocolate!! BABYMETAL - ギミチョコ!!- cover (audrey123talks) (2018)

See also BABYMETAL - Gimme Chocolate!! - #ギミチョコ!! guitar cover (audrey123talks) (2022)

Er ok. The YT images look pretty weird but I will give them a go!
 
  • #509


Boston's More Than A Feeling, from Finland
 
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  • #510
Hank Ballard was original
 

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