The Official Covers vs Originals Thread

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Jesus Christos Jong! Do they give new mods ban quotas or something? This is an ingenious way to get your numbers up, but....

I play covers, but I don't play them note for note generally. If there's a signature lick, I'll make sure it's played correctly in the right place, but other than that I am playing original music within the predetermined constructs of an existing framework.

I've always played all originals - other people's originals.

[jive1]

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

It's actually a dumb topic and I'm having trouble understanding why a mod would create such a discussion, but...

The reason is in the initial post. Dumb topic, but I've seen you post in plenty of similar discussions in the past, so...............

Originally Posted by Phalex

Jesus Christos Jong! Do they give new mods ban quotas or something? This is an ingenious way to get your numbers up, but....

Hey it's the holidays and I need the extra cash............
But seriously, it's everyone's choice whether you want to be civil about it and accept other's differences.



Yes, this is a hotly contested topic. But, does it come up again and again? Definitely.
I look at it like fire. Fire is useful for cooking, providing warmth, and providing light. Fire in a stove or in a fireplace is a good thing. Fire in the middle of your living room or on your bed isn't.

I have noticed a trend where many topics, especially those related to original bands become a covers vs originals debate, which derail the thread and don't provide anything useful, especially for original bands.

So this is a fireplace, stove, whatever.

[derrico1]

And like fire, this topic quickly spreads everywhere in the band management forum.

I hope having this thread manages to keep all other threads free of the "covers-are-lame; originals-are-self-delusional" pi$$ing contest. (And if it works, I'll be first in line to nominate Jive for a long-overdue MacArthur grant.) I suspect, though, that it will prove like building a fireplace in a house that's already in flames.

[Kmonk]

I've played in cover bands and original bands. Some of the original bands I have been in did a few covers, some just did originals. I have made good money in both types of bands and enjoyed playing in all of them.

I've never understood why some people have a covers versus originals attitude. Many national acts got their first big break when they did a cover which ended up on the radio. Play whatever makes you happy and don't worry about what anyone else prefers to play.

In my opinion, there is no right or wrong.

[morgansterne]

Originally Posted by plankspanker13

There is a time in one's life to play originals, and a time to play covers. As one ages, and has a life away from music, time-management and ROI become more important, and are thus rationalizations for playing covers, not to mention the fact that the pop music machine does not care for original material emanating from someone much beyond the age of 30.

the other reason there's a lot of "old guys" playing covers is because their audience has aged as well, and is less interested in new music.

[backup]

i know quite a couple players that have been doing originals only, militantly and somewhere in between 28 and 35 they switched to covers (or standards if jazz) only. also the love for sheet music and the appreciation for other peoples music comes late with some cats. age is not the most import factor but it still is one ime

[Kmonk]

Originally Posted by plankspanker13

There is a time in one's life to play originals, and a time to play covers. As one ages, and has a life away from music, time-management and ROI become more important, and are thus rationalizations for playing covers, not to mention the fact that the pop music machine does not care for original material emanating from someone much beyond the age of 30.

Well I guess Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and every other band or musician over the age of 30 should just retire or go play covers in a local club somewhere.

I'm in my 50s and still play originals as well as covers. There is nothing wrong with doing one or the other no matter your age.
Good music is good music. I don't care if it comes from a 2 year old or an 80 year old.

[Luke19Boarder]

Every band I've played in has been primarily originals, though I don't think I've ever played a show that didn't include at least one cover.

[thudfromafar]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Would you share with us what is wrong with being in a cover band?

I certainly don't think there is anything wrong with being in an originals band.

Blue

I meant the very last sentence about being in a cover band and being happy with it. Not the sentence before that. I don't think there is anything wrong with cover bands. I just have never been happy being in one. My only gripe is when "cover band guys" bash "original band guys" and think they are somehow more talented or righteous just because they can learn other peoples' (usually easy) music. Or that they are somehow better because they get paid more, on average.

As has been stated by many, it's a matter of preference.
A good original band is better than a bad cover band.
A good cover band is better than a bad originals band.
Good cover bands and good originals bands both require varying degrees of skill, and both have their place.

But to keep this thread a little bit on topic, I just want to clarify again that I find original bands more rewarding, personally.

[plankspanker13]

Originally Posted by Kmonk

Well I guess Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and every other band or musician over the age of 30 should just retire or go play covers in a local club somewhere.

All of these artists made their bones with their original material in their 20's, thus providing them the ability to continue creating, into their 30's, and beyond. Your argument is thus without merit. Blame the construction of the OP that started the thread for poorly framing the debate. If you have built a name and a successful career for yourself, via original material, you have sufficient justification to keep on keepin' on. If you have not done so, then you must recognize when it is a good time to make the move from predominantly originals to predominantly covers. I still sneak an original into my performances, from time to time, dependent on the situation and lineup involved.

[obimark]

What new music is Led Zeppelin making currently? Does the "new" Zz Top album sound like every other zZ top album after eliminator? (Sure does to me)
Has Paul McCartney really made any "great" music since the Beatles or Wings? (NOt IMHO)

And what do these artist play for 80% of there set when they go on tour, Oh that's right, they mostly play there Older hits, why because that's what the audience knows, and in most cases there new stuff isn't as good.

I can't even begin to count the number of bands in which there first 1-2 albums were fantastic and then EVERYTHING after is not as good- Duran Duran for example.

[derrico1]

There are older songwriters still writing good songs; but Clapton, Zeppelin, the Stones—and the like—are essentially Clapton, Zep and Stones tribute bands at this stage, no?

[Bert Slide]

Originally Posted by bassbully

Blue, I beg to difer but you make have made it quite clear many times why you don't like Originals bands and prefer covers. Jive as well as I do not want this thread to go this way. You like covers Great! but this thread is about good reasons you play in an originals band not another covers v.s originals pissing contest.

HAHA! C'mon, you threw him the red meat. When I first read the thread title I thought it might as well read "Release the Kracken!".

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Bert Slide

HAHA! C'mon, you threw him the red meat. When I first read the thread title I thought it might as well read "Release the Kracken!".

No I outlined in it no flame war no covers v.s originals just good reasons you like to be in an originals band by those in them...at least I figured only those need apply.

[Spectrum]

Blue is on my ignore list, and for the very reason you guys are seeing here. Every thread has to be all about him. So whatever you thought the topic was, it's been changed to "why Bluewine thinks your ideas are stupid and demands you explain yourself immediately".

Even with the ignore list you can't get away from the effects of guys like that.

To get back on topic, I'm interested in art generally, and particularly in photography and music. Playing originals allows me to take a particular theme and handle it in more than one medium. That's one of several reasons I like it.

[DrSpunkwater]

I play originals because I like to create my own music instead of playing someone else's. I feel that in most cases, covers are best left to the bands that originally played them. So, I choose to fulfill myself artistically by doing my own thing.

[Brad Johnson]

If this topic bothers you, I mean really bother you... get a mirror. Seriously. The simple fact that some people get angry over this is telling. Okay, you got angry, now ask yourself why.

This site is full of folks who are wrong on a regular basis so if they think originals suck, why not let them? If they think covers are for old folks who gave up, cool... now what? IMO most of these opinions are born of ignorance or just an attempt to tweak people who apparently don't mind being tweaked.

Like you?


I play mainly covers. I don't have to do carbon copy arrangements. At this point in my career it pays better. Much better. There is nothing anyone can say about that that will upset me, particular if I know they're trying to upset me. That would make me stupid too... wouldn't it?


So if an adverse opinion about your choices really gets your knickers in a bunch, ask yourself why what mainly anonymous folks on the interweb think about something they know very little about... you, matters? If you find that it really is important count yourself in the minority of human beings and let me know how that ulcer works out.


The containment idea is a good one IMO, it'll be interesting if they all come here to share their wisdom. Or entertaining at the least.

[Bert Slide]

I think playing covers is really fun.

I think playing originals is really fun.

I hope y'all are having fun too, Whatever you are playing.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Spectrum

Blue is on my ignore list, and for the very reason you guys are seeing here. Every thread has to be all about him. So whatever you thought the topic was, it's been changed to "why Bluewine thinks your ideas are stupid and demands you explain yourself immediately".

Even with the ignore list you can't get away from the effects of guys like that.

To get back on topic, I'm interested in art generally, and particularly in photography and music. Playing originals allows me to take a particular theme and handle it in more than one medium. That's one of several reasons I like it.

I also feel an originals band allows you to use art and photography much more than say a covers band so that is another creative outlet and good reason.

[Bert Slide]

Originally Posted by bassbully

No I outlined in it no flame war no covers v.s originals just good reasons you like to be in an originals band by those in them...at least I figured only those need apply.

I get it and so does everyone else but you put "good" in the same sentence with "originals band". The Grinch may live way up high on a mountain in a cave but if he hears a happy Who you know he's going to come barreling down the mountain to steal Christmas!