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Most hacked covers

LiquidMidnight

LiquidMidnight

Dec 25, 2000
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#1
What do you believe are some of the most universally hacked covers that you've seen local bands perform?

I've yet to see a band really do an outstanding job with Man in the Box by AIC. Most bands don't nail the vocal harmonies, and often the bassist and guitarist are on different pages when playing the pre-chorus riff. Yet, just about every modern rock band around does it.

Sweet Child O' Mine by GNR - I've seen a lot of singers who don't have the range attempt this song. Also, a lot of drummers seem to have their own ideas about how to groove the pocket on this one. I don't understand why either; it's not like it's some crazy pocket in 4/7 time or anything.

What are some covers that you see a lot of bands attempt when they shouldn't?
 
#5
jive1 said:
+1

Not even Robert Plant can do those vocals anymore.

Similarly, any Journey covers. Steve Perry has such a high range that most vocalist can't come close.
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I've seen a female do a decent(not perfect, but close) job with quite a few Journey songs. She actually sounded like him too, it was pretty cool.
 
#7
I know this is the opposite to what you asked, but several years ago I was in a bar in Atlanta, and the house band did an absolutley fantastic "Bohemian Rhapsody." I had never heard a band try that cover, but this band did it, and did it right. Ihad always thought that song would be the last song I would ever hear done by a cover band.

Re: "Immigrant Song." How about Ann Wilson of Heart? Every time I saw them, they did a couple of Led Zepplin songs, and her vocals were perfect for covering them. Anyone ever hear her do that song?
 
#8
O.k., let's see here:

"8675309, Jenny, Jenny" - Everyone plays it, nobody does it well. Every band I have ever seen do this song (including most of the ones I have been in) butchers it

"Can't Get Enough of Your Love" - The song makes blood squirt from my eyes. Way too many bands make it sound like a lounge act

"Bobby McGee (or however you spell it)" - Every female vocalist wanna-bee dashes against the rocks of despair with this one

"Born to Be Wild" - Every drunk idiot's one shot at fame
 
#9
"Back in Black"
"You Shook Me All Night Long"
"The Immigrant Song"

On the flip side - my close friend/guitar player (male) used to do an amazing job on Four Non-Blonde's "What's Up?" as well as some really amazingly believeable renditions of Rush's catalog (Anthem, 2112, Temples of Cyrinx, et al...) Ah, but those days are fading...
 
#11
Folmeister said:
"Bobby McGee (or however you spell it)" - Every female vocalist wanna-bee dashes against the rocks of despair with this one
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Along with "Summer Time". When you're in a Blues band you are bound to run into a wannabe singer who wants to sit in with your band, and this song seems to be the one they choose to butcher.
 
#12
sb69coupe said:
Sweet Home Alabama. Without a doubt one of the most butchered songs around. I've never seen a band cover it properly, with the piano, overlaid guitar parts, and backup vocals. Seems like every one guitar, bass, and drums classic rock band thinks they can pull this one off.
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What's worse is that most audiences think a band can pull this off. Why do people always request this song?
 
#17
Smoke On The Water is a bit tougher than most people give it credit for. To nail the rhythm and "chug" isn't as simple as playing the well known riff.

On a related note, I get really frustrated when audience requests are for songs that clearly aren't suited to the band. We get asked for some bizarre tunes - we're a three piece! we got asked for some Queen one night!
 
#18
Peter Squire said:
Smoke On The Water is a bit tougher than most people give it credit for. To nail the rhythm and "chug" isn't as simple as playing the well known riff.

On a related note, I get really frustrated when audience requests are for songs that clearly aren't suited to the band. We get asked for some bizarre tunes - we're a three piece! we got asked for some Queen one night!
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oh i was chugging :)
 
#19
Man Smoke on The Water Bass it´s really hard to play, I Had Learn it once and the solo part really make work.
I quite agree on zeppelin
Also Black Sabbath Those vocals are really hard, And the instruments evev harder.
But the most hacked cover ever made I think it´s Judas Priest´s Painkiller Come on why do they think they can pulll that one.
 
#20
sb69coupe said:
Sweet Home Alabama. Without a doubt one of the most butchered songs around. I've never seen a band cover it properly, with the piano, overlaid guitar parts, and backup vocals. Seems like every one guitar, bass, and drums classic rock band thinks they can pull this one off.
Click to expand...

And if you are in a trio or quartet, what do you expect to be done about the piano, 3 guitars, and multiple harmonies?
We play it and the crowd enjoys it every time. No, make that Every Time.
 

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