Covers Better Than The Original

[Mugre]

Well I haven't read the whole thread so I'll probably get the stink eye from KBD but I'm going to add most of Emotive by Perfect Circle with a special mention for their HEAVY version of Freedom of Choice and a haunting take on Imagine, a song I would have sworn was untouchable.

 

[Aqualung60]

I still get goosebumps when I hear this.

 

[desertrider71]

It's close......I'll give Simon and Garfunkel the vocal harmony, but the drums, bass, and lead on this version are incredible.

 

[bass4more]

 

[desertrider71]

“Insert band/artist here” version of “insert Bob Dylan song here” is much better than Dylan’s original

Funny! And absolutely true.

You are so right, but w/o Bob, there would be no Mr. Tambourine Man or My Back Pages by The Byrds. Dylan knew he was a poet that was "fair to middlin'" in composition, which is why he hooked up with The Band, Knopfler, Traveling Wilburys....and let so many other bands do covers and make money....without suing them. He was and is satisfied with what he has done.

 

[Nedmundo]

I love Rush's version of the Yardbirds' "Heart Full of Soul" (on Feedback), which Geddy apparently thinks is one of their best recordings. It towers miles above the original.

But my favorite is probably Jason & The Scorchers' blistering version of John Denver's "Take Me Home (Country Roads)" (on A Blazing Grace). It just rips. A few years ago, my band shared a bill with a band that played Jason's version of "Country Roads," and they were shocked I recognized it. They clearly hoped folks would think it was their own adaptation, but Warner Hodges's guitar intro gives it away.

Also Roxy Music's version of Dylan's "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall." I love Bob Dylan's version, but Bryan & Co. did wonders with it.

Though I won't say it's better than the original, I love Phish's live version of the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I prefer SRV's version.

I prefer this one.

 

[Frampton]

I prefer this one.

So good. And Hendrix really was a genius.

 

[TOOL460002]

Placebo - Running Up That Hill is better IMHO than Kate Bush's original. Great song.

Throwdown - Baby Got Back is a sweet metal cover of the beloved original. It's got good energy and it makes me laugh.

 

[Jeff Scott]

These are pretty good, too.

 

[AztecViking]

Judas Priest's version of Green Manalishi was a nice variation on the Fleetwood Mac original.

And why did this seemingly popular post mysteriously suddenly disappear from the front page?

Somebody knows and won't say a word about it!!!!

The talkbass autocracy!

 

[Bob_Ross]

Anything by Postmodern Jukebox, Mothers of Modern Science and Walk off the Earth.

My sister turned me on to Walk off the Earth; their videos are incredible!

 

[Bob_Ross]

Bill Frisell's cover of Madonna's "Live To Tell"

 

[Michael Simpson]

Killswitch Engage's cover of Dio's "Holy Diver" is simply awesome in my opinion.

 

[Spent]

Not necessarily better, but very good...

 

[the harp unstrung]

 

[Dabndug]

Note: Guitarist is Rick Springfield, bassist is Beeb Birtles, later guitar/vocalist/songwriter for LRB

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Sly turns a Doris Day song into the blues.

 

[the harp unstrung]

Seriously...this cover opened up the entire history of American Roots music for me.

 

[whatizitman]

Mentioned several times. But here it is. Best version. By far.