Original vs. Cover

bassman03 · #1 03-05-2009, 06:36 PM

Are there any songs out there in which you think the cover version was better than the original? If i had to chose two of them i'd say that Metallica's version of "Turn The Page" was better than Bob Segar's, and i also think Guns "N Roses' version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was better.

Anyone else got any opinions? (key word - opinions)

Amitio · #2 03-05-2009, 06:42 PM

Muse - House of the Rising Sun/Please let me get what i want/Cant take my eyes off you.

Just love muse really, and i do like all the original versions of the songs, but bellamys voice is my ears soul mate

BigMac5 · #3 03-05-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman03

Are there any songs out there in which you think the cover version was better than the original? If i had to chose two of them i'd say that Metallica's version of "Turn The Page" was better than Bob Segar's, and i also think Guns "N Roses' version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was better.

Anyone else got any opinions? (key word - opinions)

I agree, I also like Metallica's version of Wiskey in the Jar.

PBass101 · #4 03-05-2009, 06:45 PM

The Who rocked Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright".

Gasman · #5 03-05-2009, 06:49 PM

Marilyn Manson's "Sweet Dreams"- maybe not better, but much creepier.
Tool's version of "No Quarter"- awesome
Power Station "Bang a Gong"
Anthrax w/Public Enemy- "Bring the Noize"- I guess technically not a cover since PE did the song, but it is great.
Cream- "Crossroads"- probably the best cover ever

Beyer160 · #6 03-05-2009, 06:55 PM

The definitive cover has got to be Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower", although Bobby Z's original is a fine song (just completely different).

Strongly disagree about Metallica's hamhanded massacre of "Whiskey In The Jar", though- the original Irish folk tune is a beautiful song, and Thin Lizzy's version kept the feel of the original while updating it to a rock context. Metallica could have been playing anything while James sang the phone book. Eh, horses for courses, etc.

steamthief · #7 03-05-2009, 07:03 PM

In no particular order, the Stones version of (Just My) Imagination, The Ataris doing Boys of Summer, The Doors cover of Gloria, Judas Priest rocking out Diamonds and Rust, and a slew of Ramones' versions of 50's and 60's hits.

Sifl · #8 03-05-2009, 07:05 PM

This Is Hell covering Fight For Your Right.
blink 182 doing Dancing With Myself.
Unwritten Law doing Goody Two Shoes.
My band covering Take Me Home Tonight?
My other band doing One Of Us by Joan Osborne?
Actually most 80's or 90's songs covered by punk bands!

BassistFreak416 · #9 03-05-2009, 07:09 PM

i actually heard the original version of turn the page on the radio, and it was good, though i would take metallica any day. same with guns n roses, they made it perfect!

Roadman · #10 03-05-2009, 07:26 PM

+1 for The Doors "Gloria". At the risk of blasphemy, I really love SRV's version of "Voodoo Chile". I also like Clapton's re-make of "After Midnight" a lot. But the best cover ever is the Chili Peppers version of "Higher Ground".

Great songs, by great artists, covered by other great artists in a fresh new way, with respect for the originals, not just a rip off. That's what makes a great cover tune.

BigMac5 · #11 03-05-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyer160

The definitive cover has got to be Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower",

I can't believe I forgot about that one.

Mike Shevlin · #12 03-05-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyer160

The definitive cover has got to be Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower".

& Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

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

alembicguy · #13 03-05-2009, 08:13 PM

Hendrix-All along the watchtower
Cake-Paranoid
NickleBack-Saturday nights all right for a fight
Pat Travers-Born under a bad sign

Mikio · #14 03-05-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMac5

I agree, I also like Metallica's version of Wiskey in the Jar.

and Die, Die My Darling... and Crash Course in Brain Surgery XD

tom e smith · #15 03-05-2009, 08:17 PM

Incubus' version of Turning Japanese and Frampton's version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps (mostly bcause of the lead guitar work).

adge · #16 03-05-2009, 08:19 PM

i cant believe no one's mentioned Johnny Cash- Hurt - originally by Trent Reznor (not sure if it's actually a NIN song) not only do i think that version is better as far as the performance is concerned, the recording itself is incredible!! the way the mic is distorting towards the end as Johnny starts to get louder just makes it perfect!!

dazzzed78 · #17 03-05-2009, 08:29 PM

this is all I've gotta say
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLjNGcd1whQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ3M7DgBqA0

and that's it. i hope you like

ugly_bassplayer · #18 03-05-2009, 08:32 PM

not better but still kicks ass.....Axis bold as love john mayer

JimK · #19 03-06-2009, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBass101

The Who rocked Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright".

...and I liked Elton's cover of The Who's "Pinball Wizard"...mostly for the outro.

Kink Rimson · #20 03-06-2009, 06:22 AM

'With A Little Help from My Friends' and 'Every Little Thing', by Joe Cocker and Yes respectively, both Beatles songs. Two cheery little pop songs transformed into Colossi.