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.

  • #1,471
Orig



Cover



 
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Science news on Phys.org
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  • #1,473
 
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  • #1,474

Train - Hey, Soul Sister​


Dang that guy's a soprano.



Their vocal blend is magical. That sort of thing is luck. Either it happens or it doesn't.



As a bonus, an Andrei Cerbu guitar solo that I think is great.
 
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  • #1,475
Hornbein said:
Orig
The girl in the third video is a quite good bass player.
 
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  • #1,477
Not sure if this counts here (might be more a parody than a cover), but I enjoyed it. Original:

Cover:

An interesting point about this is that the Dr Who theme was originally composed by Ron Grainer on paper (on holiday in Spain, if memory serves) and air mailed to the BBC, where Delia Derbyshire and the Radiophonic Workshop did the arrangement and recording as posted above. Many years later, when electronic music was a much easier proposition than it was in the 1960s, Grainer released an arrangement of the theme more or less as he'd envisaged it when writing it. It's... um... not quite what the Radiophonic Workshop came out with. So here's the original composer covering the BBC's original version of his original tune:
 
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  • #1,478
 
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  • #1,479


 
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  • #1,482
Gabriella Quevedo outdoes herself.

 
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  • #1,483
  • #1,484
Most covers of this song fail to get the vocal harmony. That's the best part.

 
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  • #1,485
 
  • #1,486
We're All Alone by Boz Scaggs is my favorite ballad. He said he wrote it on the way to the studio. The backup band later made it big as most of Toto.



When I was playing ebass in Roxbury, The Three Degrees had a breathy hit song called When Will I See You Again. I had no idea they could sing with power.



This one is a real exhibition of power singing. Too much for this song, but you've gotta be impressed.

 
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  • #1,487
Orig. Not that exciting.



Cover by Asterism. The guitar is double tracked.



Here's another song that sounds pretty similar.

 
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  • #1,488
 
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  • #1,489


 
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  • #1,490
 
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  • #1,492
 
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  • #1,494
She is a great singer but the drums are wrong here.

 
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  • #1,495
Guys, I am an old soul, but also like new stuff, so when there is a new cover that faithfully keeps to the old-school, but makes it modern without AutoTune, it is the best of both worlds. And I have not seen "Grease" yet, but that can be added to my movie watch list.


Cover (2010s) [Indie Pop]:


John Travolta's Original (1970s) [Soft Rock], due to copyright, video is only available on YouTube:
 
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  • #1,496
AlexB23 said:
I have not seen "Grease" yet, but that can be added to my movie watch list.
It's great fun. "Hopelessly devoted to you" is a nice track.
 
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  • #1,497
pinball1970 said:
It's great fun. "Hopelessly devoted to you" is a nice track.
I can check that one out as well. Thank you for recommending "Grease". :)
 
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  • #1,498
The trooper - Renaissance style:



The original by Iron Maiden:

 
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  • #1,499
In @robphy 's style, here are multiple covers of a single song: Chop Suey! Never seen so many good versions in so many different styles and arrangements.

The original:



Let's start on a high note:



Jazz:



Rock orchestra:



Asian folk metal:



Metalcore by Ankor:



"Way Too Happy" acoustic cover:
Classical piano:
Epic piano:
Vocal ensemble:
Classical orchestra:
Kid's Christian Metal:
And because ... on the Internet ... there's everything ... I love it when people have fun!

20 style cover:

A Latin version?

Commuting:
And a ... speed bag cover!
 
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  • #1,500
Speaking of Ankor, I thought I posted it before but I cannot find it. At the risk of repeating myself:

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish:



The cover by Ankor:

 
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