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Author Topic: Cover songs better than their original  (Read 97168 times)
halblaineisgood
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« Reply #75 on: March 22, 2014, 12:10:17 AM »

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« Reply #76 on: March 22, 2014, 06:07:08 AM »

Superior cover of a song first done by The Monkees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWesbFa5hk
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« Reply #77 on: March 22, 2014, 06:42:48 AM »

A lot of Bob Dylan covers mentioned here, but there's actually a song that Dylan covered that I like a lot. "Lily Of The West" is one of my favorite Dylan songs; I think it's underrated, maybe because of the album it appeared on. I don't even know who recorded the original version.
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« Reply #78 on: March 22, 2014, 06:45:49 AM »

Superior cover of a song first done by The Monkees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWesbFa5hk

Actually, first recorded by The Liverpool Five and then Paul Revere & The Raiders.
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« Reply #79 on: March 22, 2014, 01:44:45 PM »

John Cale's version of "Hallelujah" just blows Leonard Cohen's away, I think.

Aside from the lyrics, Cale made it his own song entirely.

Jeff Buckley's version is great too, but he's clearly doing Cale's version.
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« Reply #80 on: March 22, 2014, 02:34:22 PM »

Jackson 5's version of "Who's Loving You"
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« Reply #81 on: March 22, 2014, 05:36:42 PM »

Superior cover of a song first done by The Monkees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWesbFa5hk

Actually, first recorded by The Liverpool Five and then Paul Revere & The Raiders.
I stand corrected----although it seems it's debatable which of these two versions came first...
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« Reply #82 on: March 23, 2014, 04:50:47 AM »

Superior cover of a song first done by The Monkees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWesbFa5hk

Actually, first recorded by The Liverpool Five and then Paul Revere & The Raiders.
I stand corrected----although it seems it's debatable which of these two versions came first...
I didn't realize just how many people had recorded it!

http://garagetapes.blogspot.nl/2011/12/tape-no89-im-not-your-stepping-stone_07.html

I'll list them here in case the link gets broken. This "Garage Tape" claims that all 28 are covers of the song:


Tape No89 - (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone

A-Side
01 - Paul Revere & The Raiders - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (1966 US)
02 - The Monkees  -  I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (live version) (1967 US)
03 - The Flies - I'm Not Your Stepping Stone (1966 UK)
04 - Les Corduroy - Je T'Aime Trop (196? CA)
05 - The Bachs - (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone (1967 US)
06 - Choab - I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (196? US)
07 - Hoppi & The Beau Heems - I'm Not Your Stepping Stone (196? US)
08 - The 2 x 2 - I'm Not Your Steppin Stone (1967 CA)
09 - Liverpool Five - I'm Not Your Stepping Stone (1966 UK)
10 - Los Monjes - No Te Burles Mas (196? MX)
11 - Los Monkys - Triste Estoy (1967 MX)
12 - So On And So Forth - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (1967 UK)
13 - Spider & The Crabs - I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (1967 US)
14 - Teddy Robin & The Playboys - I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (196? HK)

B-Side
01 - The Alliance - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (1967 US)
02 - The Dynamic Distortions - (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone (1967 US)
03 - The Gyrations - Steppin' Stone (196? US)
04 - The Morning Dew - Steppin' Stone (1968 US)
05 - The Outer Limits - (I'm Not) You're Stepping Stone (1968 UK)
06 - The Phantom Raiders - (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (1967 US)
07 - The Possums - Steppin' Stone (1966 US)
08 - The Rebounds - Steppin' Stone (196? US)
09 - The Stillroven - I'm Not Your Stepping Stone (1966 US)
10 - The Trashmen - I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone (196? US)
11 - W.C. Fields Memorial Electric Band - (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone (1966 US)
12 - Los York's - Solo Estoy (1968 PE)
13 - The Pivots (Feminine Complex) - (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone (1967 US)
14 - The Other Half - The Girl With The Long Black Hair (1967 US)
 
« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 04:53:12 AM by john k » Logged

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« Reply #83 on: March 23, 2014, 11:54:42 AM »

Alright!  I got one. 

"Crystal Blue Persusasion" the famous version of course is by Tommy James and the Shondells.  I have nothing bur respect for them of course, they are excellent and the song is excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2821Jvnaeg8

That came out in 1969.

---------------------------------------------------------

Joe Bataan's version from 1972 .... in my opinion, even better.  This is the best type of cover.  They took a great song, and a great recording, and did it in their own style, showing the song the respect it deserves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18GLgSghXZ8

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« Reply #84 on: March 24, 2014, 03:41:35 AM »

Alright!  I got one. 

"Crystal Blue Persusasion" the famous version of course is by Tommy James and the Shondells.  I have nothing bur respect for them of course, they are excellent and the song is excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2821Jvnaeg8

That came out in 1969.

---------------------------------------------------------

Joe Bataan's version from 1972 .... in my opinion, even better.  This is the best type of cover.  They took a great song, and a great recording, and did it in their own style, showing the song the respect it deserves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18GLgSghXZ8
Agreed, on every count. TJ's version sounds fresh, a foray into new territory, and Joe's has the authority of an inveterate (Latin) soul singer. Or something. Like 'em both. 
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« Reply #85 on: March 24, 2014, 11:34:51 PM »

Recently I remembered 1 song I never got to hear which was mentioned here many times - "Eve of Destruction". Because I like to compare all things-music, I went to listen to variety of covers & came to thinking that most of those beat the original. Especially The Grass Roots, I so liked their version I didn't even mind dylanesque intonations of the lead singer. Though "Eve of Destruction" is good regardless of who performs it. The melody may sound generic, but I ignore this flaw as long as I enjoy the song, more so if it has catchy chorus.
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« Reply #86 on: March 25, 2014, 01:49:24 AM »

Harry Nilsson's "Without You" is hands down better than the Badfinger original. Harry made it his own!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bQGRRolrg0

I have always loved "The Last Thing on My Mind" version by the Move. Their version is from one of my all time favorite albums - "Shazam"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xl3WBZ3Trs

All the Three Dog Night hits were covers. Speaking of Harry, their cover of "One" was great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiKcd7yPLdU
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« Reply #87 on: March 25, 2014, 09:39:06 AM »

Recently I remembered 1 song I never got to hear which was mentioned here many times - "Eve of Destruction". Because I like to compare all things-music, I went to listen to variety of covers & came to thinking that most of those beat the original. Especially The Grass Roots, I so liked their version I didn't even mind dylanesque intonations of the lead singer. Though "Eve of Destruction" is good regardless of who performs it. The melody may sound generic, but I ignore this flaw as long as I enjoy the song, more so if it has catchy chorus.
Did you ever hear this rather strange answer record to "EOD"? It even made the US top ten...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkGZKOgfOi4
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« Reply #88 on: March 26, 2014, 08:01:18 AM »

I've recently heard what seem to be several different versions of Gypsy Woman.  At least two seem to involve the Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, and Major Lance.  Anyone care to elaborate or expand on the history of this song and the artists involved over the years?
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« Reply #89 on: March 27, 2014, 03:13:38 AM »

I've recently heard what seem to be several different versions of Gypsy Woman.  At least two seem to involve the Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, and Major Lance.  Anyone care to elaborate or expand on the history of this song and the artists involved over the years?
I found this list of versions of the Curtis Mayfield composition: http://www.secondhandsongs.com/work/13188/versions  
Oh, and this list----http://www.coverinfo.de/start.php?wert=12&lang=2&suchbegriff=%22Gypsy+Woman%22&sort=2&suchenach=title&tabelle=1&suchebemerkung=&suchoption=xsearch&seite=1&xpert=0----but some are different songs of that name, at least three others judging from the composer credits.
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« Reply #90 on: March 27, 2014, 08:54:01 AM »

I'm sure everybody knows this one, but it's very arguable that UB40 actually bested Elvis's version of "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You".  Same scenario, took a great song, did it their own way, kind of made it even better.



Elvis - "Can't Help Falling In Love With You"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqhMopq5r6I

----------------------------------------------------------------

UB40 - "Can't Help Falling In Love With You"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajp0Uaw4rqo



Elvis's version is smokey and probably one of the most beautiful things he ever did in his entire life... but UB40's version somehow is even more beautiful, I think it has something to do with how joyous it sounds.  Instead of being just a private song from 1 person to another, it's a proclamation, out loud, about his love for this girl. 


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« Reply #91 on: April 01, 2014, 03:33:17 AM »

Devo - Satisfaction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jadvt7CbH1o

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Day Tripper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ViU_WM0lKg

The Sonics - Money (That's What I Want)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKI6c6BYbp0

The Residents - Jailhouse Rock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zwmt7hdaHw

Julia Holter - Hello Stranger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TrX9_qaN9M



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« Reply #92 on: June 09, 2014, 09:33:54 PM »

Did you ever hear this rather strange answer record to "EOD"? It even made the US top ten...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkGZKOgfOi4
In some ways, "Dawn..." outdid "Eve..."; better vocal.

I'm sure everybody knows this one, but it's very arguable that UB40 actually bested Elvis's version of "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You".  Same scenario, took a great song, did it their own way, kind of made it even better.
You just reminded me Jan., 2006. That was the 1st time I heard the song on AM radio "Mayak" (great station, btw). Not knowing it's an Elvis cover, I instantly liked the song thinking what a cool band this is. Then, year later I hear the original & not impressed at all. I shall (possibly) never get the universal appeal to Elvis's voice. So, right, the UB40 v-n is greater.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Just listened to The Explorers Club's "We've Only Just Begun" on Soundcloud & gotta say, in spite of my admiration for Karen Carpenter, the guys did fantastic job on covering this "wedding song". Beautiful arrangements, lead vocs & stuff. In the original, Richard's voice kind of lets the whole thing down for me.
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« Reply #93 on: July 10, 2014, 08:16:19 PM »

I was watching the Buddy Holly: Listen to Me concert & the title song sung by Raul Malo was easily the highlight for me. I never heard of this singer before, he has incredibly beautiful voice, just wow. Very seamless high tone. Blows the original outta the water, & that's my favorite Buddy number.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWVkaP6edPw

Other goodies were Stevie Nicks' "Not Fade Away", Chris Isaak's "Crying, Waiting, Hoping", Boz Scaggs' "Maybe Baby", Shawn Colvin's "Learning the Game" & the final singalong of "That'll Be the Day". 1st 2 names are in my Top-30 singers definitely.

While we're at it, "Everyday" by Luther is the best cover of that song among custom Youtubers or biggies.
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« Reply #94 on: July 10, 2014, 11:30:33 PM »

Raul Malo's pretty damn good and i'm not even into that hipster sh*t.

Cover songs better than the original...

It gets kind of complicated if you list stuff from the 50's and 60's, because you had so many instances of songs kind of being 'standards', that everybody would record.  so it wouldn't be strange to have 10 different people do the same song, and if the 1st version wasn't the best, there you go.

One i'll mention, though, is this awesome song.  The original was recorded by Gene Pitney, written by Burt Bacharach.

Gene Pitney - 24 Hours from Tulsa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmvnTqrm-_o

What a great song, so well written, and I always loved Gene Pitney. 



But then a year later (1964) the incredible, incomparable Dusty Springfield did her version.  Far Far Far superior just because she's so perfect.

Dusty Springfield - 24 Hours from Tulsa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9UuzivW1A

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« Reply #95 on: July 11, 2014, 05:42:11 AM »

While we're at it, "Everyday" by Luther is the best cover of that song among custom Youtubers or biggies.

Thanks, that's nice of you to say.
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« Reply #96 on: July 28, 2014, 05:30:33 AM »

But then a year later (1964) the incredible, incomparable Dusty Springfield did her version.  Far Far Far superior just because she's so perfect.

Dusty Springfield - 24 Hours from Tulsa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9UuzivW1A
Talking of Dusty, her take on "Am I The Same Girl" knocks spots off Barbara Acklin's original and Swing Out Sister's cover as well as Young-Holt Unlimited's instrumental cover (retitled "Soulful Strut").

Another cover song I feel is better than the original (by Seals and Croft) is The Isley Brothers' "Summer Breeze". Ernie's guitar takes it to another place and that three-note banjo (?) figure eats itself into your brain...
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« Reply #97 on: July 28, 2014, 06:00:12 AM »

We know that black singers have very soulful & strong voices - however, I'm gonna say that no Wade Flemons can beat The Rip Chords' "Here I Stand". Jus' listen to the drums & twangy guitar that goes along the melody in the back - fantastic! And the fact that the same guy is on lead as in "She Thinks I Still Care" - Ernie  Bringas - gives an edge. I assume both songs were recorded the same day, they even share similar arr., only this one were added piano (before the verse kicks in).
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« Reply #98 on: October 25, 2014, 05:40:50 AM »

Burt Bacharach singing "Alfie" live. This is my 1st acquaintance with the song, & the best one. Everything after - Dionne Warwick, Barbara Streisand, Cilla Black - seemed pale in comparison. Of course, no one would say that Burt is a good singer - hey, he's not a singer at all - but that's what made it, effortlessness, the fact that he didn't take himself seriously, thus pointing, "I'll try do it justice." The piano, it's beautiful, even elegant. I liked the crescendo/diminuendo moments throughout. So yes, amazing version indeed.

Post scriptum. the lyrics are really good too. My favorite line is "[And] the life belongs only to the strong [, Alfie]". Very hopeful.

Another thing occurred: the more I listen to all these covers, the more I start to think the song doesn't fit for female voice. It doesn't get the same vibe as when hearing boys. F. ex., I enjoyed Stevie Wonder's performance & I'm not even a fan.*

*except his version of "Christmas Song". to these ears, it's better than the Nat King Cole classic.
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« Reply #99 on: October 25, 2014, 05:49:25 PM »

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore by The Walker Brothers (1966) is waaaaay better than the original Frankie Valli version (1965). Heck, until recently I thought that the Walker Brothers version WAS the original, but nope. Anyway, Valli's version just lacks the drama and dynamics of the Walker's, which is strange, because when I think of Valli, I don't think  "subdued". I've always loved that Walker Brothers record though.
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