Music Cover songs versus the original track, which ones are better?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pinball1970
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Track
AI Thread Summary
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.
  • #951
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #952
 
  • #953
DennisN said:
I recently stumbled upon an impressive cover of ABBAs awesome song "Lay All Your Love On Me"...

DennisN said:
Oh, by the way, I heard this cover yesterday... U2 covers ABBA:s SOS

Here is another ABBA cover I heard recently which I very much enjoyed:

(Why ABBA again? Well, I've been listening to ABBA covers on youtube recently because I haven't heard so many covers of them... and I thought it was interesting to hear interpretations, and particularly, good interpretations IMO)

This one is majestic, unusual and spot on in my opinion, since there I think there is a classical feel in the original even though it's in disco style.

The choir intro is simply gorgeous and sends shivers down my spine... and the bridge and chorus are great too (though I personally don't like the arrangement in the verse as much, but hey, it's subjective...).

Lay All Your Love on Me - "MUSICAL!" - Chansonchor Gymnasium Kirchenfeld 2019
"Aus dem Musical "Mamma Mia"
Musik und Text: Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus
Arrangement & Leitung: Ben Vatter"




Edit, oh I forgot to link to the original...

Original: ABBA - Lay All Your Love On Me
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #954
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Since_You_Been_Gone


[1976] Russ Ballard - Since You've Been Gone (Supersonic, 1976) FAMILIAR ???



[1978] Head East - Since You Been Gone
(2014) Head East - Since You've Been Gone - Live @ Ribco



[1979] Rainbow [with Graham Bonnet]- Since You've Been Gone



[1984] Since You've Been Gone | Alcatrazz [with Graham Bonnet and Yngwie Malmsteen] 1984



[2018] Since You've Been Gone - Rainbow (Alyona & Andrei Cerbu) ( good covers )



[2022] SINCE YOU BEEN GONE (Rainbow) Band Cover by KNULP ( good covers - plays multiple instruments, with solos )



Honorable mention:
[2022] Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - Since You've Been Gone (Cover)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #955
Up From The Skies

jimi hendrix (Mitch Mitchell : great)



Rickie Lee Jones
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #956
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #957
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #958
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #959
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #960
 
  • Love
Likes pinball1970
  • #961
morrobay said:

Congratulations to arranger Andrei Cerbu who singlehandedly has made Iasi, Romania a musical center. A talented and versatile guy.

 
  • Informative
  • Like
Likes pinball1970 and morrobay
  • #962
Though I think his band sounds even better with the pitch lowered four steps.

 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #963
I favor pitch at this step. And that Romanian/English
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #964
After watching the Iron Cross video from @Hornbein , I found this one interesting:



 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970 and Hornbein
  • #965
Let It Go in Arabic.



I saw Frozen when it first came out. I thought this scene was pretty cool but had no idea the phenomenon that was to follow.
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #966

Dove Cameron - Genie in a Bottle​



Maybe not a great cover, but when was the last time you heard a pop song that featured the bass saxophone?

 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #967

Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want)​


The orig.

 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #968
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #969
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #970
Orig BREAK OUT!, featuring Marty Feldman, former lead guitarist of Metallica. To keep off drugs during touring he studied Japanese instead then quit Metallica and moved to Japan. There he has a TV show, Rock Fujiyama.



Cover by GARNiDELiA

 
  • #971
 
  • #972
 
  • #973
KNULP https://www.youtube.com/@knulp. . (there's a period (%2E) at the end of the URL)
has some very nice covers,
with nice videography and attention to detail.
The "KNULP One Man Band" playlist is impressive.

Earlier I posted in #964 and #966 [i added solo links here]
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Since_You_Been_Gone

[2022] SINCE YOU BEEN GONE (Rainbow) Band Cover by KNULP ( good covers - plays multiple instruments, with solos )
(solo @t=1m53s ; solo at @t=2m42s)

robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Rhapsody

(2023) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (Queen) One Man Band Cover by KNULP (there's a period in the URL, but somehow is omitted here) ( good covers - plays multiple instruments, with solos )
(12-string guitar solo @t=2m36s) (solo @t=4m39s)


Here is
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (Led Zeppelin) Band Cover by KNULP
(solo @t=5m35s)


EYE OF THE TIGER (Survivor) Band Cover by KNULP


GOODBYE TO ROMANCE (Ozzy Osbourne) Full Band Cover by KNULP 밴드커버
(solo @t=2m34s)


... and if you want to learn the song, there is also
KNULP'S TAB - [SLOWTAB] Tutorial - Goodbye to Romance /Play Along
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Likes pinball1970
  • #974
 
  • #975
Original
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #976
Featuring singer Benji Mauer.

 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #977
Nice voice girl - you should have been in the foreground
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #978
Live your dreams.

She says this was extremely hard to do.

 
  • Like
Likes robphy and pinball1970
  • #979
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #980
morrobay said:

You don't see brushes these days.
 
  • #981
pinball1970 said:
You don't see brushes these days.
What was the last use of brushes in rock? Maybe Mitch Mitchell on Up From The Skies.
 
  • #982
Ok I'm cheating here, an excuse to hear some nice brush work. I associate this song with Nat King Cole but it's actually from Brigadoon a 1947 musical.

Playing starts at 3.40ish.

 
  • #983
Hornbein said:
What was the last use of brushes in rock? Maybe Mitch Mitchell on Up From The Skies.
Wonderwall Oasis?
 
  • #984
pinball1970 said:
Ok I'm cheating here, an excuse to hear some nice brush work. I associate this song with Nat King Cole but it's actually from Brigadoon a 1947 musical.

Playing starts at 3.40ish.


I once witnessed Elvin Jones playing brushes. He pressed down the brush on the snare so hard that it bent 90 degrees then sort of stirred it around.
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970 and difalcojr
  • #985
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #986
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Wire_(Mötley_Crüe_song)

(1982) Mötley Crüe - Live Wire (Official Music Video)


I saw this video on a late night show featuring rock videos (on a UHF channel in New York)
and I said to myself... this band is going to break-out.
Soon after, Motley Crue released https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shout_at_the_Devil and got big.




Vamps - Live Wire (LIVE Tour 2010 CHILE) 1080p60

see also (2015) Nikki Sixx + VAMPS + SADS "Motley Crue / LIVE WIRE"

(2019) Live Wire - Meghan Kabir ( https://ultimateclassicrock.com/meghan-kabir-live-wire/ )



(2022) Live Wire (Mötley Crüe); by The Iron Cross ( Andrei Cerbu )

see also Cerbu in #964 (Since You Been Gone)
see also Iron Cross in #971 (Radar Love) posted by @Hornbein and #974 (Let it Go) posted by @jack action .

(2023) Mötley Crüe - Live Wire [live acoustic session on BBC Introducing] Ben Owen

see also Ben Owen's Mötley Crüe - Live Wire [full band cover]
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #987
Pythagorean said:

I hated that song when it came out because she had that ridiculous voice synth effect. That's a nice version, his voice is good.
 
  • #988
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Wire_(Mötley_Crüe_song)

(1982) Mötley Crüe - Live Wire (Official Music Video)


I saw this video on a late night show featuring rock videos (on a UHF channel in New York)
and I said to myself... this band is going to break-out.
Soon after, Motley Crue released https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shout_at_the_Devil and got big.




Vamps - Live Wire (LIVE Tour 2010 CHILE) 1080p60

see also (2015) Nikki Sixx + VAMPS + SADS "Motley Crue / LIVE WIRE"

(2019) Live Wire - Meghan Kabir ( https://ultimateclassicrock.com/meghan-kabir-live-wire/ )



(2022) Live Wire (Mötley Crüe); by The Iron Cross ( Andrei Cerbu )

see also Cerbu in #964 (Since You Been Gone)

(2023) Mötley Crüe - Live Wire [live acoustic session on BBC Introducing] Ben Owen

see also Ben Owen's Mötley Crüe - Live Wire [full band cover]

I like the Megan Kabir version best! Nice selection.
 
  • #989
pinball1970 said:
You don't see brushes these days.
My son's school has a jazz band. At the last end-of-term concert his music teacher commented that he was really looking forward to this because he got to fulfill a life-long dream of being the cool jazz drummer stroking the cymbals with brushes. 😁
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #990
What a voice.Maybe a little too much guitar in back half
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #991
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satch_Boogie (1986)

(2012 performance) Joe Satriani "Satch Boogie" At: Guitar Center

see also Joe Satriani plays Satch Boogie on a Les Paul! No whammy bar! | Les Paul Tribute



Covers by kids (up to age 19).

(2023) JayBird shreds 'Satch Boogie' (Joe Satriani)

see also (2023) Satch Boogie By Joe Satriani (Cover by JayBird Byrne)

(2023) Joe Satriani - Satch Boogie (Cover by Abim Finger)


(2009) Satch Boogie by Joe Satriani / Performed by Kids! ( O'Keefe Music Foundation )



(2021) Joe Satriani - Satch boogie / YOYOKA's 12th Birthday Session (Yoyoka on drums; Li-Sa-X on guitar)

see also Joe Satriani - Satch Boogie / Coverd by Li-sa X & Yoyoka (linked in #592 Yoyoka covers)


Not kids:

Satch Boogie (Joe Satriani Surfing With The Alien Album) ( Steackmike One Man Band covers)



Honorable Mention:

Satch boogie acoustic - Ant Foote ( Ant Foote )
 
Last edited:
  • #992
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Likes robphy, pinball1970 and jack action
  • #993
How beautiful.

 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #994
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Night (1985)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_(band)

Loudness - Crazy Nights (HD)

M.Z.A.
Vocalist Minoru Niihara: "Actually it does not have any meaning. When we were doing pre-production for the Thunder in the East album, I did not have any lyrics for Crazy Night then, so I sung total nonsense as a guide vocal for the demo recording. I sung 'M.Z.A' by accident and the producer Max Norman liked the line, even though that did not have any meaning. We were trying to create some cool line but we could not beat 'M.Z.A'. Max ended up deciding to use 'M.Z.A' for the real take".
(solo clip) LOUDNESS live at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN 1985


(2016) Stormwolf - Crazy Nights (Loudness Cover)


(2019) LOUDNESSのCRAZY NIGHTS叩いてみた!【ラウドネス】【DrumCover】 - AozoraFumi【DurumCover】


Loudness - Crazy Nights ( guitar cover w/ tabs) (nazareth40)


(2014) SHOW-YA - CRAZY NIGHT (LOUDNESS) @ Live『GLAMOROUS SHOW追加公演』


(1999) Therion - crazy nights (sub.español) [audio]


 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #995
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970
  • #996
robphy said:
M.Z.A.
Vocalist Minoru Niihara: "Actually it does not have any meaning. When we were doing pre-production for the Thunder in the East album, I did not have any lyrics for Crazy Night then, so I sung total nonsense as a guide vocal for the demo recording. I sung 'M.Z.A' by accident and the producer Max Norman liked the line, even though that did not have any meaning. We were trying to create some cool line but we could not beat 'M.Z.A'. Max ended up deciding to use 'M.Z.A' for the real take".
That reminded me of the origin of the band name X Japan. It seems Japanese bands do not give too much importance to the meaning of words.

They just couldn't come up with a name when they began performing at local contests or events, so they just put an "X" on the entry form. The name stayed and, as worldwide fame arose, they later on changed it to "X Japan" to not get confused with an American band with the same name.
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970 and robphy
  • #997
 
  • Love
Likes pinball1970
  • #998
jack action said:
That reminded me of the origin of the band name X Japan. It seems Japanese bands do not give too much importance to the meaning of words.

They just couldn't come up with a name when they began performing at local contests or events, so they just put an "X" on the entry form. The name stayed and, as worldwide fame arose, they later on changed it to "X Japan" to not get confused with an American band with the same name.
When I first flew to Japan the seat next to me was occupied by a lady who in her youth had hung out with X. "I was drunk all the time." She said they were nice guys, very polite. These days she's one of those people who have an in with an airline and fly all over the place.
 
  • Informative
Likes pinball1970
  • #999
Frabjous said:

That was great, put a huge smile on face. I did not go to enough festivals when I was younger, that is a band I would have liked to have stumbled on in the woods!
 
  • #1,000
Hornbein said:

I think these guys could do pretty much anything musically. I like the way they want to show all the parts in the split screen.
 
Back
Top