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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative quality of cover songs versus their original versions. Participants explore which covers are considered better or worse, including both singles and album tracks, and express personal opinions on various songs and their interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the quality of a cover depends on personal judgment and taste, while others argue for an independent standard of "better."
  • Several examples of covers and originals are presented, with participants expressing preferences and discussing the emotional impact of different versions.
  • There are claims that some covers add new interpretations or arrangements, while others feel certain covers do not justify their existence compared to the originals.
  • Participants mention specific songs and artists, such as "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails and Johnny Cash, and "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, highlighting varying opinions on their respective covers.
  • Some participants express a desire for arguments or reasoning behind preferences, while others emphasize the subjective nature of musical appreciation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the criteria for evaluating covers versus originals. Multiple competing views remain regarding the subjective nature of musical quality and the validity of personal taste in judgments.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include references to specific songs and artists without resolving the subjective interpretations or emotional responses elicited by different versions. The conversation reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences, which may not align universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Music enthusiasts, fans of specific artists, and those interested in the dynamics of musical interpretation and cover songs may find this discussion engaging.

  • #2,371


That drummer is the star for me. The original Alex part is one of my faves.
 
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  • #2,372
 
  • #2,373
AlexB23 said:
What songs do you want covered? Would be nice if someone could cover Goldie - Making Up Again.
There you go :smile::




​
 
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  • #2,374
 
  • #2,375
jack action said:
There you go :smile::




​

Nice. The song might be not available in the US as much.
 
  • #2,376
robphy said:
robphy said:
War Ensemble (1990)
is the first track on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasons_in_the_Abyss
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slayer

(1990) Slayer - War Ensemble
drum fill &t=2m22s

(2026) Maya Neelakantan (12 years old) - War Ensemble — Slayer | Guitar Riffs + Jeff Hanneman Solo Tribute




(2026) audrey123talks - #Slayer - War Ensemble cover guitar and lefty bass +#スレイヤー

[You can hear the bass more clearly in the Mar 2025 version .]
They have many versions of audrey123talks playing War Ensemble, starting with them playing Rocksmith.

(more Kate and Audrey: audrey123talk on PF )

Maya's cover was from Jan 31 and Kate-and-Audrey's is Feb 1.
Maya says it's a birthday tribute to Slayer's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hanneman .
Kate-and-Audrey make no mention this.
... but everybody is having a great time!
 
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  • #2,378
 
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  • #2,379
24 and 29 seconds, the same ornament. Awful cover

 
  • #2,380
Perhaps Maria Carey started it and they all just started copying her? 43 seconds in.
A truly hideous version.

 
  • #2,381
This is garbage of the highest level. How to take a beautiful, timeless tune, that you did not write arrange or produce and murder it in cold blood.

I think @fresh_42 likes her and that other woman from Canada, she assassinated it as well. When you come back Fresh we are going to have to discuss matey.

 
  • #2,382
I found the woman from Canada, it's not the song I thought it was but she pretty much dropped napalm on this piece.

The ornaments are there and she does what over inflated egos do, she sang it like it's hers, it's not, you incinerated it.

 
  • #2,383
The original is by Rosie and the Originals. This cover: A Doo Wop classic. This is a cult style still popular with the lowriders
 
  • #2,384
The Lion Sleeps Tonight from 1939,
 
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  • #2,385
 
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  • #2,387
Point Conception said:
The original is by Rosie and the Originals. This cover: A Doo Wop classic. This is a cult style still popular with the lowriders

Frank Zappa and Art Tripp loved this style of music.
 
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  • #2,388


The arrangement is really good.
 
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  • #2,389


The singer's tone is on the weak side. I wish that fabulous flute player had had the melody.
 
  • #2,390
Hornbein said:

Most skilled heavy metal guitarist ever if you ask me. So precise and detailed! The singer is real good and the drummer is showy. They do however rely on overdubbing so they can't duplicate this live. For the real thing gotta go with Bandmaid.
 
  • #2,391
 
  • #2,392


Not impressed by the singer but Skunk is rockin out on them there gitar. That's a solid state amp modeling a tuber. Sounds to me like they've got it. Had to happen sooner or later.
 
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  • #2,394
A singer that I like.

 
  • #2,395


Sakura Yoshida, the final boss.
 
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  • #2,396
Hornbein said:
Most skilled heavy metal guitarist ever if you ask me. So precise and detailed! The singer is real good and the drummer is showy. They do however rely on overdubbing so they can't duplicate this live. For the real thing gotta go with Bandmaid.
Heavy metal - There is not enough aspirin in the world
 
  • #2,397
 
  • #2,398
The much misunderstood power of the Dark Side.

 
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  • #2,399
Hornbein said:


Sakura Yoshida, the final boss.

My favorite is Sakura's cover of #1,036 Don't Tell Me You Love Me .
I'm glad she got her band together.


Hornbein said:
Hornbein said:

Most skilled heavy metal guitarist ever if you ask me. So precise and detailed! The singer is real good and the drummer is showy. They do however rely on overdubbing so they can't duplicate this live. For the real thing gotta go with Bandmaid.


I forgot about this early cover
(2018) Sakura Yoshida ELECTRIC EYE　中３　ギター
 
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