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.
  • #1,401
robphy said:
Victim of Changes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victim_of_Changes_(song) (1976)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Priest

JUDAS PRIEST šŸ¤˜ Victim of Changes ! ā€œ.. just WOW!!ā€ #1983 #HeavyMetal [HDadv Remastered - MikeNadi ]


(2017) Judas Priest - Victim of Changes - Chicago School of Rock - MidWest Concert Video


(2021) Judas Priestess: "Victim of Changes" (Judas Priest Cover) Live 11/12/21 King of Clubs, Columbus, OH


(2010) Judas Priest "victim of changes" cover Junk Priest Osaka Japan - Teruzo Iwasa


(2017) Victim Of Changes - Judas Priest cover by Bohle


(2005) Al Atkins OFFICIAL Victim Of Changes


Absolutely mental vocals on this. Great track. I will check out these versions. thanks
 
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  • #1,402
Arjan82 said:
Hmm, unfortunately she made only 8 videos :(. I like her Royal Blood cover actually.

The Jimi Hendrix song is a little bit less for me, sacrilegious! No, kidding, but in my opinion Jimi Hendrix can only be covered by Stevie Ray Vaughn for good results (at least, I like this cover):


He was a great a player and I love tribute bands, watching and playing in. What I do not get about SRV is that his thing seemed to be "he plays like Hendrix."

This was before tribute bands were a huge thing (locally- we still had Bjorn again and Bootleg Beatles)

This was him, SRV BUT direct imitation of Hendrix, neither one thing nor the other.
 
  • #1,403
robphy said:
(2017) Judas Priest - Victim of Changes - Chicago School of Rock - MidWest Concert Video
There are real Schools of Rock? That is so cool! And this bit is really impressive!
 
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  • #1,404
jack action said:
There are real Schools of Rock? That is so cool! And this bit is really impressive!
She had to go UP an octave for the middle section as it was too low for her! Ha ha! Who can say that when they are covering Judas Priest!?
She does have an advantage, she is female and she is about 11 or something!
Great, loved it.
 
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  • #1,405
pinball1970 said:
Absolutely mental vocals on this. Great track. I will check out these versions. thanks
I did not like Atkins. Octave lower and missed out...

"She was beautiful...."
 
  • #1,406
A symphony orchestra doing Little Wing. (Before the harmonica player messes it up.)

 
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  • #1,407
Wrathchild (1981)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killers_(Iron_Maiden_album)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden

(1980) Iron Maiden - Wrathchild (Live At The Rainbow)



https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/iron-maiden-wrathchild-bass-tab-s10036



(2024) IRON MAIDEN - Wrath Child (Bass Line) - EllenPaysBass



(2022) IRON MAIDEN Wrathchild Cover TGP BOYS.. (from Indonesia)




(2010) Iron Maiden Wrath child (Osusu Maiden 2010)

Osusu Maiden is Iron Maiden's tribute band in Osaka Japan.

(2024) The Iron Maidens / Ides of March / Wrathchild -5/4/2024 ā€Ŗ@theforgeliveā€¬


(2022) Iron Maiden - Wrathchild (International full band cover) TBWCC - The Beast's World Cover Collab


Honorable mentions:
 
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  • #1,408
Two lovely encounters with original artists during the recordings of two covers :smile::

Coldplay surprise Jodie Whittaker as she records Yellow for charity album | BBC Trailers


Taylor Swift SAVAGE as nervous stars cover hits for charity album - BBC​

 
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  • #1,409
The Devil Went Down to Georgia (1979)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Went_Down_to_Georgia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Daniels

(1979) The Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down to Georgia


https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/charlie-daniels-band-the-devil-went-down-to-georgia-tab-s32449t0


(2023) The Devil Went Down to Georgia (Official Video) - Mia x Ally ( Mia Asano - Ally The Piper ) -- features bagpipes



(2020) The Devil Went Down to Georgia (Feat. Peter "THE VOICE" Wilson) - MIMMOQ - Saxophone Cover



(2019) NORM - Nature Of Rebel Minds-The Devil Went Down To Georgia - they shred



(2021) Dave Martone - The Devil Went Down To Georgia (Live At Metalworks) - he shreds
start at &t=35s


(2020) El Diablo BajĆ³ a Georgia (En Vivo) - 8 SEGUNDOS



Honorable Mentions:
 
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  • #1,410
Master of Puppets (1986)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Puppets_(song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica

Metallica - Master Of Puppets [Seattle 1989] 4K 60FPS




(2024) Master Of Puppets - Metallica (Live Cover By Nene Royal) - Thailand - 13years old - sings and shreds!
(first solo &t=4m00s) - (second solo &t=6m07s)



(2019) Metallica - Master of Puppets | Mel cover ( MelSickScreamoAnnie ) - Indonesia - 5M views
(first solo &t=3m40s) - (second solo &t=5m45s)



(2022) artfrob - METALLICA - Master Of Puppets - Live by BAILEY - Cardiff - 10 (or 11) years old
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m30s)



(2018) METALLICA - MASTER OF PUPPETS [Cover by OVERDOSE] - Thailand - 9 to 15 years old - spirited!
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m40s)



(2017) Master of Puppets - Metallica (Multi-Instrumental Cover) by 13 Year Old ( Owen Davey ) - Canada
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m40s)
 
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  • #1,412


Today I learned that J Page composed this the first time he ever picked up a mandolin.
The vocal was a duet with Sandy Denny.
 
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  • #1,413
 
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  • #1,414
 
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  • #1,415
It's hard to know what already been posted?

Disturbed-Sound of Silence

 
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  • #1,416
Gamazda - The Unforgiven

 
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  • #1,417
A voice instrumental:

 
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  • #1,418
erobz said:
It's hard to know what already been posted?

Disturbed-Sound of Silence


#11 first page. I remember the first page but not much else!
 
  • #1,419
Hornbein said:


Today I learned that J Page composed this the first time he ever picked up a mandolin.
The vocal was a duet with Sandy Denny.

I thought it was Robert Plant for years! An overdub with a prettier tone!
I do not think they played with anyone else on all their records, just her.
Lovely folk voice like Maddie Pryor.
One of those 1970s rock roll deaths unfortunately.
 
  • #1,420
Orig



Cover (from Finland)



Honorable Mention

 
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  • #1,421
Hornbein said:


Today I learned that J Page composed this the first time he ever picked up a mandolin.
The vocal was a duet with Sandy Denny.

Impressive, not much in the way over dub vocals. A bit of double tracking and nice harmony. The mandolin parts are so close to the original, I can't tell if she has somehow lifted those or just copied all the parts.

Also, this is what a hippie girl looks like in 2024?
More of this and less Lady Ga Ga!
 
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  • #1,422
erobz said:
It's hard to know what already been posted?

Only if the title is entered as text in a post (not just a YouTube URL),
you can use the Search in the upper right corner
to search for (say) a title in "This Thread",
then Click "Search" (not "Advanced Search" which I tend to do since it is vertically below "This Thread")

https://www.physicsforums.com/search/16271609/?q=Sound+of+Silence&t=post&c[thread]=1050205&o=date

but since the title wasn't included in the text,
this search didn't pick up #11 that @pinball1970 recalled.
 
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  • #1,423
robphy said:
Master of Puppets (1986)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Puppets_(song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica

Metallica - Master Of Puppets [Seattle 1989] 4K 60FPS




(2024) Master Of Puppets - Metallica (Live Cover By Nene Royal) - Thailand - 13years old - sings and shreds!
(first solo &t=4m00s) - (second solo &t=6m07s)



(2019) Metallica - Master of Puppets | Mel cover ( MelSickScreamoAnnie ) - Indonesia - 5M views
(first solo &t=3m40s) - (second solo &t=5m45s)



(2022) artfrob - METALLICA - Master Of Puppets - Live by BAILEY - Cardiff - 10 (or 11) years old
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m30s)



(2018) METALLICA - MASTER OF PUPPETS [Cover by OVERDOSE] - Thailand - 9 to 15 years old - spirited!
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m40s)



(2017) Master of Puppets - Metallica (Multi-Instrumental Cover) by 13 Year Old ( Owen Davey ) - Canada
(first solo &t=3m35s) - (second solo &t=5m40s)

Artfrob is a legend, I have been checking his busking videos in Cardiff for years. Bailey the guitar player is not bad on violin too.
 
  • #1,424
erobz said:
A voice instrumental:


I would like to see that live.
Incredible!
 
  • #1,425
Helter Skelter (1968)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helter_Skelter_(song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles

(2005) Paul McCartney - Helter Skelter (Live 8 2005)


(1983) Siouxsie And The Banshees - Helter Skelter (Nocturne, Royal Albert Hall, 1983)


(2022) Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo - Rock The Beatles Helter Skelter Live


(1983) Motley Crue - Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover) (Live At Us Festival 83) - [Remastered to FullHD]


(1988) U2 - Helter Skelter [Rattle and Hum - HD]



(1999) Oasis - Helter Skelter Live @ Y100 Festival, Philadelphia 1999



Honorable Mentions:
 
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  • #1,426
Very impressed with this lady's versatility. Alyona

 
  • #1,427
 
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  • #1,428
(inspired by @Hornbein 's post on Greg Howe's cover of "Sunny")

Kick It All Over (1988)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Howe_(album)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Howe

(2014) Greg Howe - Kick it all Over





(2015) Greg Howe - Kick It All Over (cover by Shani Kimelman)


(2018) Dustin Tomsen 13 years old covers Greg Howe "Kick It All Over"


(2017) Greg Howe - Kick It All Over - Guitar Cover - Desafinados


(2017) źø°ķƒ€ ģž…ģ‹œź³” greg howe - kick it all over (Guitar Cover) - ģ§„ķ˜•ģ²  Jin HC Guitar ā€” not a straight cover
 
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  • #1,429
Off topic - one I heard today as background music in a cafe which was just awful. It seemed to be from an album of covers in a slow, relaxed style with dreamy female vocals. Not necessarily a bad thing (see the excellent cover of California Dreamin' upthread), but to my mind wildly inappropriate for Paint It Black.
 
  • #1,430
Paint It Black (1966)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_It_Black
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rolling_Stones
Rolling Stones - Paint It Black LIVE (1966)


Ibix said:
Off topic - one I heard today as background music in a cafe which was just awful. It seemed to be from an album of covers in a slow, relaxed style with dreamy female vocals. Not necessarily a bad thing (see the excellent cover of California Dreamin' upthread), but to my mind wildly inappropriate for Paint It Black.

Was it one of these?
  • (2019) Paint It Black (Epic Trailer Version) Ā· Hidden Citizens Ā· RaĢŠnya - Reawakenings Vol. 2


  • (2019) Paint It Black (Cover) - Marvel's Inhumans Soundtrack - Valerie Broussard


  • (2015) Ciara - Paint It, Black (Audio) from The Last Witch Hunter


(early in this thread #600 Wednesday Addams and your #535 Robyn Adele Anderson )
 
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  • #1,431
robphy said:
#1410
Master of Puppets (1986)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Puppets_(song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica

Metallica - Master Of Puppets [Seattle 1989] 4K 60FPS


Metallica was in town last week.
Here's someone's concert footage for Master of Puppets (at the end of a 2-hour set).
(Aug 2024) Metallica - Minneapolis MN 8-16-2024 (night 1)
[Master of Puppets at &t=1h52m]

Here's (night 2) - advertised as "No Repeat Weekend - 2 nights, 2 different sets, 2 different opening acts".

 
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  • #1,432
robphy said:
Paint It Black (1966)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_It_Black
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rolling_Stones
Rolling Stones - Paint It Black LIVE (1966)




Was it one of these?
  • (2019) Paint It Black (Epic Trailer Version) Ā· Hidden Citizens Ā· RaĢŠnya - Reawakenings Vol. 2


  • (2019) Paint It Black (Cover) - Marvel's Inhumans Soundtrack - Valerie Broussard


  • (2015) Ciara - Paint It, Black (Audio) from The Last Witch Hunter


(early in this thread #600 Wednesday Addams and your #535 Robyn Adele Anderson )

They swapped around a lot but Paint it Black was Ian Paice's drum solo for a while. 1969-70 ish.
 
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  • #1,433
 
  • #1,434
Josephine Meets The Beatles.

 
  • #1,435
Hornbein said:

Once you hear this it is not easy to unhear. It is hard to pinpoint who is most a fault as none of them can actually play.

 
  • #1,436
I think this actually worse than the Floyd one. Same band butchering Clapton this time.

 
  • #1,437
Dea Matrona -- Simon & Garfunkle's Homeward Bound

 
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  • #1,438
Get Lucky (April 19 2013)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Lucky_(Daft_Punk_song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daft_Punk

(April 12 2013) Daft Punk - Get Lucky Trailer (Long Version) @ Coachella - RAM - Nile Rodgers - Pharrell Williams



(2013) Get Lucky - KRNFX (Daft Punk ft. Pharrell) - Beatbox Cover



(2013) Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers (cover) Jess Greenberg



(2013) Get Lucky (Daft Punk's Cover) by The Russian Guard Choir

(I couldn't find the originally posted video)


(2024) Charles Berthoud - Get Lucky (Official Music Video)


(2023) Colin Sankey - Get Lucky by Daft Punk Solo Bass Arrangement



Honorable Mention:
 
  • #1,439
Hornbein said:
Dea Matrona -- Simon & Garfunkle's Homeward Bound


Hey, you got the wrong title, or the wrong video linked. (it takes you to a Crosby, Stills, and Nash) cover. Can't tell.

The girls are very talented, thanks for sharing.
 
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  • #1,440
erobz said:
Hey, you got the wrong title, or the wrong video linked. (it takes you to a Crosby, Stills, and Nash) cover. Can't tell.

The girls are very talented, thanks for sharing.
Uneditable.

 
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  • #1,441
Sam Cooke (w Levi Stubbs) Bring It On Home



 
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  • #1,443
Ibix said:
Off topic - one I heard today as background music in a cafe which was just awful. It seemed to be from an album of covers in a slow, relaxed style with dreamy female vocals. Not necessarily a bad thing (see the excellent cover of California Dreamin' upthread), but to my mind wildly inappropriate for Paint It Black.
Sounds like Elevator music. We had K-tel in the UK in the 70s who released compilation cover albums. They were awful!
 
  • #1,444
Fifty years ago I heard (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction over a PA while shopping, played by a violin soloist who had no feel for the music. This scarred me.
 
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  • #1,445
Original Spain by Return to Forever. My fave epiano solo ever.



Cover by Tori Slusher. She doesn't play the melody in order to avoid copyright.

The only person who to me has as much mastery of exotic scales as did Chick. Miles maybe, but he played notes, not scales. Pete Cosey, but he's SO out there.
 
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  • #1,446
pinball1970 said:
We had K-tel in the UK in the 70s who released compilation cover albums. They were awful!
What!!! My first album - at least, that wasn't meant for children - was K-Tel "Danser", the French Canadian version of "Dancer":

​


Boy, did I listen to that album, and yes I still have it!

How would I have appreciated Double Dutch Bus without K-Tel:

​


SSSSHH - Sugar!

To keep this post on track with the thread, here are some covers:


​
 
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  • #1,447
jack action said:
What!!! My first album - at least, that wasn't meant for children - was K-Tel "Danser", the French Canadian version of "Dancer":

​


Boy, did I listen to that album, and yes I still have it!

How would I have appreciated Double Dutch Bus without K-Tel:

​


SSSSHH - Sugar!

To keep this post on track with the thread, here are some covers:


​

I suppose it was a cheaper way back then to release albums of covers rather than have to pay to those individual artist publication, Royalty and broadcasting rights. Certainly for all the department stores who had them on loop!
 
  • #1,448
Hornbein said:
Fifty years ago I heard (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction over a PA while shopping, played by a violin soloist who had no feel for the music. This scarred me.
Probably how I felt playing the first contribution to this thread, "Satisfaction" by the Residents by non other than @Hornbein !
 
  • #1,449

XTC - The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead​



Crash Test Dummies - The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead (Official Video) ft. Ellen Reid​


 
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