| Author | Message | ||
     Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Ok, so Des's recent thread about tribute bands got me to thinking about song covers that are or may be better than the originals. Debs is away at her mum's for a few days, so I took it upon myself to listen to the three Hendrix albums on my music centre* and I'm still unsure about "All Along the Watchtower" as I love the original a lot, but I can see why folk would like Hendrix's version. Three covers that I think are a powerful improvement on the originals (sorry, all from the same singer) are Johnny Cash's versions of "Hurt", "I Hung My Head" - a very much simplified version of Sting's original without the original's unusual 9/8 time signature but with a powerful vocal that adds so much, and "I See a Darkness" - Cash delivers so much weight to the words, whereas I always felt Will Oldham's version to be plodding. I guess I could also add Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" but whenever I hear the original; I'm usually swayed back again! Oh, and I love Blondie's "Denis" even though the Randy & The Rainbows version is ok... *approved by musician and singer/songwriter GCW | ||
| Simon_b (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
The Sisters of Mercy version of 'Emma' by Hot Chocolate. Eva Cassidy's version of 'Fields of Gold'. Her version of 'Autumn Leaves' is amazing, too. | ||
| Simon_b (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
And just so folks can judge for themselves... Eva Cassidy here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=K7-haKkFnT8 The Sisters of Mercy here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PCzgOwrHedg&feature=related | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 218.168.177.62 |
Hendrix's 'All Along the Watchtower'. Curve's version of 'I Feel Love' by Donna Summer is brilliant, and an improvement on the original, in my book. I like Siouxsie and the Banshees version of Iggy Pop's 'The Passenger' too, though I wouldn't say it's better than the original. Mick, I'm with you on the Johnny Cash versions of those songs. I've been listening to the American Recordings a lot lately, and the Unearthed box set, which is just magic. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
Scissor Sisters Comfortably Numb? Mike Flowers Pops Wonder Wall? | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
Fuck. Some doofus (  ) told me the apostrophe only went in to shorten 'It is'. Quick; give me an illustrated lesson. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Scissor Sisters Comfortably Numb? Mike Flowers Pops Wonder Wall? Not really! They're fun versions, but better? The first loses out at least for changing one word to make a lyric meaningless, but the second scores points for a good idea, 'specially as a lot of folk thought it was real. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
Yeah, these were sort of lighthearted suggestions. What line was changed in SS? I remember one guy telling all these people at work that the Flowers Pop song was the original, that Oasis had covered it. He was deadly serious. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.242.126 |
Cash's HURT is the greatest cover version I've ever heard. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
I've just heard that It's not Unusual was written for Sandie Shaw, but that when she heard the demo of it Tom Jones had sang she said 'It's his song.' I made his career. Er, or even 'it' did. | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
Scissor sisters didn't just murder comfortably numb, they massacred it. They lured it into a back alley and hacked it to death with blunted spoons. | ||
| Simon_b (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
Weber, I totally agree. I ran screaming from the record shop where I first heard that bloody abomination,vowing total extermination on all responsible. No, no, and no. It's just wrong. Funnily enough, though, there's a quite decent cover of this by the Sisters of Mercy too... not as good as the original though. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
You see I've never heard the original, and thought it sounded sort of creepy. And surely it was better than something slavish? | ||
| Simon Strantzas (Nomis) Username: Nomis Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 99.225.111.224 |
Fuck. Some doofus () told me the apostrophe only went in to shorten 'It is'. Quick; give me an illustrated lesson. Am I missing the joke here? If so I apologise. But, yes, "it's" is used only as a contraction of "it is". No other way. | ||
| Simon Strantzas (Nomis) Username: Nomis Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 99.225.111.224 |
And I just have to add that I don't agree Cash's version of "Hurt" is better than the original. It's great, but so is the NIN version. They are two different animals. In fact, I think it's amazing that the same song can take on two completely different and powerful meanings. And my contribution to "better than the original" is "Sex I'm a ..." by Lovage. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
But 'Jack's books'. Isn't that right? Someone said it was, then not. I tried, say, 'Jacks books' but it never looked right. I really stink at grammar, you know. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
I've decided I like covers - of films, or songs. It's educational. I'd even welcome covers of books, if folk felt like it. It's all art. | ||
| Ramsey Campbell (Ramsey) Username: Ramsey Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.93.21.74 |
Jack's books, yes. The apostrophe denotes possession or the omission of a letter or letters. Mind you, on that basis "can't" really should be "ca'n't" and originally was. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
Ramsey; you have given me all the help I have ever needed in clearing that up. A medal is on 'it's' way. That or the ownership of my chocolate factory, anyway, you decide. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
And 'Haven't' - that always to me feels as though it should read 'Have n't'. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.219.8.243 |
Everything I Do (I Do it For You) by the Fatima Mansions is an extraordinary cover version, taking Bryan Adams' syrupy original and making it into something dark, sinister, and overtly sexual. The Manic Street Preachers version of Suicide is Painless is superb. | ||
| Simon_b (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
Marilyn Manson's version of Sweet Dreams? | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
No!!!! | ||
| Simon_b (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
Sorry, Tony. I knew that might be a controversial choice... | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 85.158.137.195 |
What line was changed in SS? The original lyric is:- "...you are receding, a distant ship's smoke on the horizon" which makes sense. SS changed it to:- "...you are receding, a distant ship floats on the horizon" which is nonsense. However, much as I love the original, the SS one is a laugh and it doesn't bother me that they did it. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 218.168.177.62 |
Zed, I agree wholeheartedly about the Manics' cover of 'Suicide is Painless'. They do a mean version of 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head' too. Not to mention 'Can't Keep My Eyes Off You' and 'Bright Eyes'. ;-) Mick, I haven't heard that 'Comfortably Numb' cover, and after reading your (and Weber's) comments on it, I don't think I want to... I liked The Clash's version of 'Police and Thieves' and 'I Fought the Law', and Stiff Little Fingers did a great cover of 'Johnny Was'. Another good Cash cover version is 'Redemption Song', which he did with Joe Strummer shortly before they both died. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
? They've done something diffeent with it, something that brings something new. Fools! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ONr5fl-0liQ | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.129.21.168 |
BTW any of you people know SS are really into their horror, both literary and filmic? As much as me and thee, in fact. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
They've done something diffeent with it, something that brings something new. What, turning the lyrics into nonsense? | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 75.5.8.58 |
The Residents, "Satisfaction" [rubs hands] tee-hee - I will make some ears bleed today | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 75.5.8.58 |
And "ain't" is short for...? | ||
| Barbara Roden (Nebuly) Username: Nebuly Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 142.179.20.218 |
Ry Cooder's version of 'Get Rhythm'. If you get a chance to see the video (featuring Harry Dean Stanton in a non-singing part) then watch it; brilliant. | ||
| Simon Strantzas (Nomis) Username: Nomis Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 38.113.181.169 |
Tony, do you get the difference with its/it's now, as well as possessives? | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
I liked Marilyn Manson's Sweet dreams. he managed to change the entire meaning of the song without changing a single lyric. And it was a cool tune. But me like that sort of thing anyway. Disturbed do a great version of Tears for Fears' Shout. Kidneythieves do the best ever version of Willie Nelson/Patsy Klines Crazy. | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
The Kidneythieves track is heard briefly in Bride of Chucky - IMHO one of the better Episode 4 in a horror film series | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
The Step kings do a good cover of Another Brick in the wall - but whether it's better than the original is difficult to say. | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 75.5.8.58 |
Simon: what's a repossessive? | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
Actually, Manics also do a brilliant version of Rhianna's Umbrella which is far better than the original | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 218.168.177.62 |
Doing something 'new' with something isn't necessarily a good thing, and surely isn't in itself justification for instant praise (as in the example Mick provided: if changing the lyrics to make them stupid is to be commended simply because it's 'doing something new', then, frankly, I'm all for just keeping the old). How many remakes or cover versions are actually any damn good? Very few, in my opinion. For every Carpenter's The Thing there are dozens of atrocities like de Bont's The Haunting. | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
Or Michael Bay's the Birds - not to prejudge the talentless shite's next effort. Did I get the use of the apostrophe right there? | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.168.4.179 |
I'm saying I like remakes/covers because they make you assess things - even when they're bad. For me C. Numb by SS is the first version I heard, and so for me it was fine. As someone said, how often does Shakespeare get done? I do feel sad when I hear a remake is going to be made, because I do feel sad another 'new' movie isn't being made, but I don't ignore it, either. Growth comes from unexpected sources. Also - 'Smokes' and 'floats'? Explain to me the meaning lost! | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.168.4.179 |
Also - the old thing is not lost or tarnished in any way. | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
I should be commenting like hell on this - but my brain is dead! Erm..."We Had It All" by Green On Red..If you don't know it you should. Hurt of course, as covered by Cash...That said, it has opened a door for anyone to take a 'left of centre' song and cover it, thus rejuvenating career.... gcw | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
The memory of a great can be tarnished by bad covers. Will Young's Light My Fire was so so bad it made me cringe when I heard the original for a long time. "There is no pain, tyou are rteceding, a distant ship's smoke on the horizon" is a poetic comparison that the person is like a receding smoke of the ship as it vanishes. "A distant ship floats" doesn't carry the same sense of receding with it and is a nonsense lyric. In a rubbish version of a once great song. | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
....I note Mick was listening to Hendrix while Debs was 'away'! Is there a woman ANYWHERE who recognises the genius of Jimi Hendrix.. Please...Speak to me! gcw | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.168.4.179 |
Yes, that is nicer. Maybe SS meant to boat going away was like that. No, not as good, that bit. Maybe, on the tarnishing thing, but I'm not sure. | ||
| Mark_lynch (Mark_lynch) Username: Mark_lynch Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 212.74.96.200 |
Glen Campbell's songs on SING are all better than the originals. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Also - 'Smokes' and 'floats'? Explain to me the meaning lost! In the original version the metaphor is someone receded similar to the smoke from a ship far away. The floating bit means nowt. I reckon they just misread/misheard the lyric but it bugs me. And I've seen SS live! And Pink Floyd, and live at least, the Floyd version is thumbs (and every other body part) down the best. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
...I would consider adding the Stones' version of Little Red Rooster; even though it's a blues classic, their version is still very good. | ||
| Hubert (Hubert) Username: Hubert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 78.22.224.78 |
Deep Purple's version of Donovan's "Lalena". | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.209.220.3 |
U2 do a powerful cover of 'Everlasting Love'. Matt Monroe's version of 'Unchained Melody' knocks the Righteous Brothers into a cocked hat. Now I'm showing my age... 'Hurt', as well as being probably one of the best covers, is DEFINITELY the greatest video ever. | ||
| Protodroid (Protodroid) Username: Protodroid Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 78.152.198.34 |
The new Star Trek film looks crass beyond all expectation. Things exploding. People having sex. People having sex, then exploding. | ||
| Tony (Tony) Username: Tony Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.168.4.179 |
I've seen that trailer, too. It looks more juvenile than the series. Like one of those teen films of the fifties, or that Lost in Space film from a few years back. After the subtlety of the teaser trailer it now looks really shit. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
I thought Nirvana's thrash metal version of 'Agadoo' was great. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.219.8.243 |
Tori Amos actually did a superb slow-tempo version of Smells Like Teen Spirit. | ||
| Jonathan (Jonathan) Username: Jonathan Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 91.143.178.131 |
I've always thought Star Trek was crass and heavy handed anyway. Favourite cover version? - The Cowboy Junkies' version of Blue Moon or Sweet Jane, I'd have to say. I love The Cowboy Junkies | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
If anyone thinks Joe Cocker's version of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' is better than the original, then they need shooting. Give me Ringo's daft voice any day - anything's better than all that pseudo-intense warbling. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.219.8.243 |
So shoot me...I think Cocker's version is immense. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
It is? Last time I heard it, he sounded like he needed the lavatory. No, what I really mean is that he appears to wring every ounce of juice out of it right from the start. Way OTT. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 213.219.8.243 |
nah. he turns a lightweight pop song into something truly emotional. It actually starts quite low-key and builds to a crescendo. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
Over-egger of the pudding: that's Cocker. His version is like trying to get a Ford Escort up to 170mph. Just screech and leaks. | ||
| Stu (Stu) Username: Stu Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 86.29.110.223 |
>>The new Star Trek film looks crass beyond all expectation. Things exploding. People having sex. People having sex, then exploding. At least they drew the line at people exploding and then having sex. As for covers, imho Aretha Franklin improved on Otis Redding's 'Respect.' But I feel Redding improved on Sam Cooke's version of 'A Change is Gonna Come.' Although to be fair I've only heard the Cooke version once. | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
I like the cocker version of WALHFMF as well. Much better than the wimpy original | ||
| Hubert (Hubert) Username: Hubert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 78.22.224.78 |
But look at how nicely it sits between "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". You couldn't do that with Cocker's version, the momentum would be lost. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
True, but then Cocker's version is a standalone. Plus he wasn't in the Beatles. :-) 'nother vote fer Joe here! | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
Iggy Pop's bravura version of 'Louie Louie' on American Caesar - he even turns it into a political song. Plus it has one of the best guitar solos I've ever heard, courtesy of a certain Eric Schemerhorn. Good old Ig. gcw | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Ah yes, Louie Louie - I'll put in a vote for the version by the brilliant Toots & the Maytals - my favouritest reggae band ever; their version is preferable to The Kingsmen's version so far as I'm concerned, although I'm pretty sure the latter version wasn't the original either. | ||
| Jamie Rosen (Jamie) Username: Jamie Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 192.26.212.72 |
No votes for Korn's version of "Word Up" by Cameo? It exceeds the original simply because you expect that sort of song from Cameo, but not out of one of the founding fathers of "nu metal." I was keen on Korn, feeling they were very overhyped and one-dimensional, so hearing such a spot-on cover made me see them in a new light. A lot of the catalogue of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, a punk novelty supergroup, consists of covers that exceed the original. The rest consists of covers that don't. | ||
| Simon Bestwick (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.165.182 |
Anti Nowhere League's version of 'Streets of London'. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Yep, Jamie - "Word Up" is another good'un... | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
Ah Mick, you gotta love The Kingsmen's slobbering letching 'Louie Louie'. The Trashmen 'Surfin'Bird' - sublimely moronic  gcw | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
You guys are worse than the film mob. You're just making all these bands up, aren't you? Trying to fox me with your wiles. You know I've been 55 since I was 15. | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
C'mon Mr Fry...you MUST know Louie Louie...Its gorgeous. Three chords over n' over.... Heaven. gcw | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
Is it performed on a harpsichord? | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
It could be mate. It could be. It's the bedrock of Rock music, musicians know it even if they don't know the song. gcw | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.3.65.135 |
The sound of a harpsichord: two skeletons copulating on a corrugated roof in a hailstorm. | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.209.220.3 |
What about 'Blue Moon' by The Marcels? Surely the best version ever of that song? I bet you're all thinking of American Werewolf in London now... | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
A bit of useless information. I can now play the mandola..(sort of!) gcw | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
Blue Moon is a lovely song. gcw | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Ah Mick, you gotta love The Kingsmen's slobbering letching 'Louie Louie'. Well, of course, and used to great effect in ANIMAL HOUSE! The Trashmen 'Surfin'Bird' - sublimely moronic "Well ev'rybody's heard, about the bird..."! I have this on a green LP of Kenny Everett's World's Worst Record Show! | ||
| Gcw (Gcw) Username: Gcw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 217.43.119.113 |
..Has it also got...The Bloody Red Baron on it...? "The Bloody Red Baron was running up the score..!" gcw | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
No, but it does have Jess Conrad's "This Pullover", Jimmy Cross's "I Want My Baby Back" ("hot dang; paydirt!") and "Paralysed" by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy! I'll play it to you next time you're down... | ||
| Jamie Rosen (Jamie) Username: Jamie Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 99.240.155.122 |
I would say Devo's renditions of "Girl U Want" and "Satisfaction" exceed the originals. They might now sound like novelty tracks, but for their time they're subversive and challenging. | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.159.141.80 |
Devo, yes - "babybabybabybabybabybaby..."! I still prefer the original of Satisfaction but the Devo cover is good. | ||
| Weber_gregston (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 83.98.9.4 |
Big Black's cover of Kraftwerk's The Model Rips that tune to shreds and reconstitutes it as a fucking awesome punk track and that's putting it politely. Even though it's done on punk power chords you can still recognise it instantly. Pitchshifter do a cover of MudHoney's Touch me I'm Sick that has to be heard to be truly appreciated. |