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.
  • #571
jack action said:
The original version is from Tears for Fears; the original singer is Curt Smith; Gary Jules - which I prefer - is a cover.

Tears for Fears:

​


Gary Jules:

​

Nice little back story to the video

"The promotional video for "Mad World" was filmed in late summer 1982, in the grounds of Knebworth House.[12] It was Tears for Fears' first music video, and features Curt Smith staring out of a window while Roland Orzabal dances outside on a lakeside jetty. A brief party scene in the video features friends and family of the band, including Smith's mother as well as his then-wife Lynne.

According to Curt Smith, "When we made the video in a country estate on the cheap, we bussed all our friends and family up from Bath and had a fun day. The woman who's having the birthday party in the video is my mum."[13]

The music video was directed by Clive Richardson who was notable for his work at that time with Depeche Mode."
 
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  • #573
fresh_42 said:
Original:


The original is actually Little Queenie. Chuck just changed the lyrics to make Run Run Rudolf.

 
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  • #574
Close call on Do I Ever Cross Your Mind:

original:



cover:

 
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  • #575
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Jean (1983)

(1983) Moonwalk - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean - The First Moonwalk King Of Pop
3m37s

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonwalk_(dance)


(2007) Chris Cornell - Billie Jean Live @ MSN


(2010) [James Hill ukelele] Billie Jean

See also: [James Hill] Billie Jean Ukulele Tutorial (Part 1)

(2011) The Civil Wars - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)


(2013) Aloe Blacc - Billie Jean (Live at MADE Part 6/6)


(2021) Billie Jean (Cover) - Michael Jackson - RUMPUS - Family Band / Kids Band / Rock Band


Honorable mention:
(2017) Michael Jackson - Billie Jean ( cover by J.Fla )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1AdPY73qxo

(2023) Billie Jean played WAY TOO FAST! @Supatonic Funk Cover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRQ0xdyJe80
 
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  • #576


Lose the organ solo though.
 
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  • #577
Solo but it sounds so full.



The original. I've never heard this before. How is that possible? I was around in 1965, when it was a hit song.

 
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  • #578
 
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  • #579
symbolipoint said:
Whether I like or dislike any cover version will not be how another listener must react to that cover version. I would find very very little way to reason why I am correct and the other listener to be incorrect. I am trying to find a way to "judgement independent of personal taste".
Good question ,this is the Doo Wop original.
 
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  • #580
And this is a Doo Wop cover.
 
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  • #581
And this is a pop cover. Not sure this group could sing Doo Wop if they wanted to.
 
  • #583
Hornbein said:
Solo but it sounds so full.



The original. I've never heard this before. How is that possible? I was around in 1965, when it was a hit song.


Beautiful solo instrumental, thanks. I occasionally hear songs I too missed back then, and it surprises me also when that happens. Here's another cover from of it from the sixties. Chamber Brothers were great in concert.

 
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  • #585
Someone who has skill as a singer. Rarer than you might think.

 
  • #586
The original.

 
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  • #587
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  • #588
Great solo cover with guitar of Eleanor Rigby by Josh Lee Turner. Cool and creative use of harmonics at 1:26 into the video.

 
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  • #589
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_(song)

(1975) Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir" Live At Earls Court Arena, London 1975


(2016) James Hill plays 'Kashmir' on uke

See also Led Zep-Kashmir-Uke-Bartt-James Hill

(2019) Zepparella Kashmir

(2021) Marcin - Kashmir on One Guitar (Official Video) - Marcin Patrzalek


(2022) [ Nathanian Murphy zeppelinbarnatra ] Acoustic B-bender Pt 2 ~ "Kashmir"

See also tiktok:@zeppelinbarnatra
See also https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/ev...-b-bender-a-guitarists-ultimate-secret-weapon

(2022) Ask Carol - Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Cover), Live looping jam version in BUNAD
Honorable mention:

(2020) [ Chiara Kilchling ] Kashmir - Led Zeppelin cover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyKfjh2fvYE

(2023) [Brass Against] Kashmir | @ledzeppelin cover | ft. Cunio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxxAgTL70bo

(2023) “Kashmir” (Led Zeppelin) 1920s Tap Cover by Robyn Adele Anderson ft. Demi Remick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIRqmuUxdjQ
 
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  • #591
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Grave (1971)

(1974)

BLACK SABBATH - "Children of the Grave" (Live Video) - 1974 California Jam

See also BLACK SABBATH - Children of the grave - alternative lyrics

(2011) [Phil Jakes] Sabbath Children of the Grave Embryo Fingerstyle

See also (2016) [Phil Jakes] Children of the Grave and Supernaut Live [ start @ t=2m50s ]

(2016) Children of the Grave - BLACK SABBATH cover by Motion Device


(2016) Black Sabbath Symphonic Medley - Children Of The Grave, Iron Man, Paranoid and a surprise.


(2017) Brown Sabbath - Children of the Grave


(2020) [Stevie McLaughlin] Children Of The Grave


Honorable mentions:

(2021) OWL - Embryo - Children Of The Grave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsYsb0dVqag

(2020) Miss Dorothy - Children of the grave (Black Sabbath Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDiDJ41yh38

(2021) Black Sabbath - Children Of The Grave (Orchestral Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvWd-OWaTzU

(2022) Jazz Sabbath - Children of the Grave (Live in Germany)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCfSRb-HGaM
 
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  • #592
Drum covers by Yoyoka:

robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YYZ_(song) (1981)

RUSH - YYZ / 2112 / Tom Sawyer (Medley) - Live In Toronto 1984 (2021 HD Remaster 60fps)
(2020) YYZ - Rush / Covered by Yoyoka (She was 10 years old in this video.)


It turns out Yoyoka was also invited onto Ellen's show
(2019) Kid Drummer Yoyoka Soma Gets a Present She'll Never Forget [plays Queen's "Stone Cold Crazy".]


It seems she teamed up with Yuto Miyazawa, another alum from Ellen's show,
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Train
[Crazy Train] Nine-year-old Guitar Player "Yuto Miyazawa" on ellen 2009-may-11 (2009)

Later that year, BLIZZCON 09' ** Ozzy ** Crazy Train ** Featuring 9 year old guitarist Yuto Miyazawa

to cover Ozzy's "Over the Mountain"
(2023) Ozzy Osbourne - Over the Mountain (Cover) / Live Performance at YOYOKA JAPAN Tour 2023

A few days ago Yoyoka did a cover of Ozzy's "Mr Crowley" with Jack Black and others...
(2023) [Yoyoka] OZZY OSBOURNE - Mr. Crowley (Cover) with Jack Black, Roman Morello and friends



In 2020, Yoyoka covered Satriani's "Satch Boogie" with Li-sa-X ( who covered Racer-X's "Scarified" in 2013 when Li-sa X was 8 years old [Paul Gilbert's "Scarified"])
(2020) Joe Satriani - Satch Boogie / Coverd by Li-sa-X & Yoyoka

UPDATE:​
​
Her video entry to "Hit Like a Girl"​
(2018) Good Times Bad Times - LED ZEPPELIN / Cover by Yoyoka , 8 year old drummer​
 
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  • #593
Percussion covers by Louisville Leopard Percussionists
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YYZ_(song) (1981)
(2016) YYZ by Rush ~ The Louisville Leopard Percussionists


robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Train
(2018) Ozzy & Jack's World Detour ~ The Louisville Leopard Percussionists ("Crazy Train" cover)

See also their (2012) Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne ~ The Louisville Leopard Percussionists (with solos)

robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_(song)
(2014) Zeppelin! - The Louisville Leopard Percussionists (covers of "Kashmir" and more)
 
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  • #594
Ten Classic Rock Tunes On Solo Slide Guitar.

 
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  • #595
In this case, the "cover" is much better since the original was intentionally bad. The "cover" was used at the end of that movie.

original - Candice Bergen. You probably don't want to hear more than 30 seconds of this, if that. I feel sorry for the people that watched the movie and had to hear the entire song.



cover - Stephanie Mills

 
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  • #596
Honey Pie - original was by the Beatles. Fun cover by Allison Young and Josh Turner.

 
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  • #597
rcgldr said:
Honey Pie - original was by the Beatles. Fun cover by Allison Young and Josh Turner.


Well that was simply brilliant.

I assume that is a Ukulele, never played one I think tuning is different so chords are out for me.

Anyway the playing was great, did not expect him to do the bass vocally!
Some nice range on him too! Nice falsetto.

The lady also did a perfected muted trumpet.
This is in my top ten. Thanks, another YT channel to check out
 
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  • #598
Wednesday Addams dance

Orig



Cover

 
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  • #599
Emily Linge

 
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  • #600
Wednesday Addams -- Paint It Black
 
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