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.

  • #1,321
 
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Science news on Phys.org
  • #1,322
Hornbein said:

That was....... brilliant. Young kids!
 
  • #1,323
Hornbein said:
Mohini Dey eh?

Time Traveler



DarWin -- The Soul Police



The other 21st century ebass player contending for Best In World is Mononeon. He seems to be concentrating on vocals and composing these days.


If someone did that to my bass, my five string left handed bass, I would not be happy.
 
  • #1,324
pinball1970 said:
If someone did that to my bass, my five string left handed bass, I would not be happy.
I someone played my bass like that, I'd...genuflect seven times maybe.

 
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  • #1,325
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.I.B.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath

(1970) BLACK SABBATH - "N.I.B." (Live Video)




audio only:
N.I.B. - Primus (with Ozzy Osbourne)

(2021) N.I.B. - Black Sabbath (Cover) | Rock Kids | Curitiba 2021 - Academia do Rock


(2012) Nightwitches - NIB


(2015) N.I.B. - Black Sabbath Cover by Riley Pinkerton - acoustic cover


(2014) BLACK SABBATH - N.I.B. (Cover) - Chris Legge - acoustic cover


(1998) Black Sabbath/N.I.B.(Cover)-Ningen Isu




Interesting:
  • The following video is titled "0T2A0311" with 7 views, published on July 19, 2024.
    (The content creator) Youra Demshin has 2 subscribers.
    The video description says "just practice".
    There is nothing in the title or description that says "N.I.B." or "Black Sabbath" to me.
    It auto-generated some but not many captions.
    Did YouTube match some words or study the melody?

    0T2A0311 - Youra Demshin
 
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  • #1,326
  • #1,327
Hornbein said:
I someone played my bass like that, I'd...genuflect seven times maybe.


He has a yellow sock on his head stock!
 
  • #1,328
pinball1970 said:
He has a yellow sock on his head stock!
By God you're right. Do think it would help if I did it too?
 
  • #1,329
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band_on_the_Run (1973)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_McCartney_and_Wings

(1976, Rockshow) Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run [Rockshow]




(2020) REO Brothers - Band On The Run | Paul McCartney & Wings


(2013) Band on the Run - Paul McCartney and Wings - Cover by Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers - Van Session 24


Band On The Run - DreamingWalrus (Paul McCartney & Wings Band Cover)


"Band on the run" Paul McCartney & Wings (acoustic guitar cover) - joehlers



(2010) McCartney @ The White House 2010 - Dave Grohl: BAND ON THE RUN

 
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  • #1,330
robphy said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band_on_the_Run (1973)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_McCartney_and_Wings

(1976, Rockshow) Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run [Rockshow]




(2020) REO Brothers - Band On The Run | Paul McCartney & Wings


(2013) Band on the Run - Paul McCartney and Wings - Cover by Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers - Van Session 24


Band On The Run - DreamingWalrus (Paul McCartney & Wings Band Cover)


"Band on the run" Paul McCartney & Wings (acoustic guitar cover) - joehlers



(2010) McCartney @ The White House 2010 - Dave Grohl: BAND ON THE RUN


Bit of a mixture there!
Those guys in the van/Camper van! Love to be picked up them hitch hiking.

"Going to Cali?"

"Yes you're on bass."
 
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  • #1,331
this one blew my mind ...

Blind Willie Johnson​

Original



Depeche Mode​


Cover
 
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  • #1,332
Another amazing cover ...

Johnny Cash

Big River - Original



The Secret Sisters (With Jack White)

Cover

 
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  • #1,333
Some covers are completely different from the original ...like this one ...

Neil Young - Heart of Gold

Original​




Tori Amos Cover
 
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  • #1,334
Some covers elevate the song to new sonic heights ...like this one

The Seeker by The Who

Original



Rush Covered it!
 
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  • #1,335
Some covers are very different BUT both versions are fantastic!

Sam & Dave "I Thank You"​

Original​


ZZ Top​

Cover​

 
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  • #1,336
A lot of covers are simply better than the original ...like this one

Britney Spears - Toxic
Original ...not too bad


Now listen to the Local H version
Cover



This cover is a lot of fun ...​


Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra
Cover

 
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  • #1,337
OK ...last one (for now)

Willie's haunting cover of a Dave Matthew tune is just soooo good...

Dave Matthews - Gravedigger
Original



Willie Nelson's Cover

 
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  • #1,338
An extremely interesting topic.

I was a singer songwriter for over a decade and far preferred composing my own pieces as opposed to playing existing records even by artists that I idolised.

‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers is an amazing piece of music and you experience the work of a heartfelt wordsmith upon every single revisit.

However Zakk Wylde of BLS fame did a haunting rendition that I would strongly recommend if you haven’t had the privilege.

Zakk is naturally at home with hard rock and metal stonkers but strips all the overdrive and other effects you have come to associate with him as a performer and delivers a haunting stripped back acoustic cover.
 
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  • #1,339
 
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  • #1,340
Original:



Cover: close but also completely different (and does anyone know that language? Romanes?)



I'm not sure which one I like better.
 
  • #1,341
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_of_Spades_(song) (1980)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motörhead


Motörhead – Ace Of Spades (Official Video)
1722470194837.png

https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/motorhead-ace-of-spades-tab-s335


audio only: (2020) Ace of Spades IceT/Body Count


(2024) PettyRock-Ace Of Spades ( Cover petch ) #เสียง The Rock
- PettyRock ( @PettyRockVimolwanSaisathit ) is about 14 years old here.
Start at @2m05s



(2019) Motorbäbe - Ace of Spades (Motörhead tribute)



(2020) ACE OF SPADES - Motorhead (rockabilly cover by Mosh Lab)



(2022) “Ace of Spades” (Motörhead) 1920s Jazz Cover by Robyn Adele Anderson




(2017) Ace of Spades cover Motörhead by Carre-court



mashup : (2017) Motörhead Ace of Spades Vs Notorious B.I.G. Juicy - Lewis Floyd Henry Cover (Brick Lane London 2017)



Honorable Mentions:

Update:
 
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  • #1,342
Ok this is a stretch.

There was, in my eyes, an iconic song created but in a TV scenario.

The creation was via two catholic priests fitting a former failed Eurovision song B side to their words for a new Eurovision entry.

It counts as it's a song and there is a cover
 
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  • #1,343
pinball1970 said:
Ok this is a stretch.

There was, in my eyes, an iconic song created but in a TV scenario.

The creation was via two catholic priests fitting a former failed Eurovision song B side to their words.

It counts as it's a song and there is a cover

Creation.




After they stole a Scandinavian entry from the 1970s to fit the lyrics.



The cover. Two guys.

 
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  • #1,344
 
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  • #1,345
These guys are phenomenal. Leonid and friends (lots of friends!)

 
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  • #1,346
The bass player is the star for me. Loose and solid at the same time. Few can ever do that. Note how prominent in the mix. That hardly ever happens for a bass player. Maybe the trick is to key off of the singer.



Tom Scholz's bass playing is really good. Also Steven Stills and Jimi Hendrix.
 
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  • #1,347
They rock too,

 
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  • #1,348
CDMartini said:
Some covers are completely different from the original ...like this one ...

Neil Young - Heart of Gold​

Original​




Tori Amos Cover

That bass line is from the stooges' I Want To Be Your Dog. I bet that was the model.
 
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  • #1,349
  • #1,350
Reading this line:
robphy said:
NEW HD: Blue Öyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper (Live) 10/9/1981 [2021 Digital Restoration]
Me in my head: The Reaper ... Don't Fear The Reaper ... Tonk, Tonk, Tonk, ... Where did I hear this? ... What does it remind me of?
robphy said:
More Cowbell - SNL
There it is!
 
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