The most overplayed cover tune EVER.

[Stdjazz4]

There are unimaginative covers that may not play well. Tired, as some would put it here. But, they are crowd favorites for a reason. What is really interesting is when a band has an unique take on an old favorite. I keep a play list of interesting remakes that I listen to regularly; it contains over 70 songs, including such tired old songs as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Sharp Dressed Man, Freebird, and a couple of versions of Smoke on the Water.

I've heard that done to "Can't get next to you" and "Viva Las Vegas"

 

[socialleper]

But, they are crowd favorites for a reason.

1.) Nostalgia- People have trouble adapting to new music and cling to things that are comfortable. They let their ears get "old." I'm constantly looking for new music so this doesn't happen to me.
2.) Earworms- What made a song popular in the first place is how catchy it is. If its the first time you hear something, its going to stick. But like anything, whatever it was that drew you into it will make you hate it. Who didn't like Kokomo when it was first released? I was like 12, but I liked it. Now I want to bludgeon people when I hear it; preferably who every is playing it. Its the same reason I despise Christmas music. Familiarity breeds contempt.

 

[jalapejoe]

The Knack - My Sharona

 

[Hahaha]

I've had to play Stormy Monday a zillion times.

 

[Thumpinshelton]

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone, Play that funky music, and Brick house

 

[stringthrough]

Doors - Roadhouse Blues . . . . . Hearing it too often lately

 

[gelinas666]

Rock'n'Roll All Night and Rocky Mountain Way..

 

[Stifffingers]

What, no one plays Hang on Sloopy any more?

 

[Hahaha]

I think Folsom Prison Blues deserves honorable mention. I prefer the Martha Stewart version.

Wholesome Prison Blues

When I was just a baby
My momma told me hon'
Always be a good girl and
Don't ever swallow gum

 

[Scott C.]

I can't argue with that. But, it will fade. Here are some that I think held that prestigious position in the past:
Wipe Out
Johnny B. Goode
Proud Mary
Freebird
Brown Eyed Girl

I gotta say I like Johnny B. Goode. Especially if the the guitarist can do it justice and not completely blow it.

 

[logicman69]

Freebird, Sweet Home Alabama, and Mustang Sally...

 

[Slevage]

Smoke on the Water (just the guitar lick, not the whole song).

 

[Joebone]

I think this is just a Canadian thing but "Rockin' in the Free World" by Neil Old/Young is played at pretty much every cover gig. It is also one of the most commonly played songs at a jam with new players when somebody says "well, what do you know?"

Now there's one I can get behind!

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I gotta say I like Johnny B. Goode. Especially if the the guitarist can do it justice and not completely blow it.

agreed, but if you listen to the Chuck Berry original, the guitar part isn't really all that hard. Most guitar players put way too much into it. They are wanting to do the Back to the Future version.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you're talking international, then it's definitely "Hotel California", and the second one is "Stairway to Heaven".
I've been all over the world & always managed to hear "Hotel California" by cover bands, and once witnessed a band who could really nail Stairway, but none of them spoke English very well, even the singer.
The best bands that can cover tunes to sheer perfection, IMHO, are Pinoy.
They don't get hired in hotels all around the world for no reason.

 

[whitedk57]

Judging from threads here on TB, it seems as though Mustang Sally is the clear and definitive winner.

What say you, O Cover Band Gods???

Mustang Sally fer sur! Here's a question you can ask any person in your audience...

"Name a musician or band that put 'Mustang Sally' on their album"... few will know...

 

[Jeff K]

I have to agree with this in general.
I tend to avoid live bands at bars, fairs, and car shows because they all have the same tired playlist for octogenarian Boomers that think music stopped in 1979. They might throw the occasionally gag-worthy 90s Aerosmith cover in there, but that just makes me hate them more.

But then again, you ARE a social leper. And a hater at that... (And yes, as a not-quite octogenarian Boomer, I DO actually like a lot of them!)

 

[Scott C.]

agreed, but if you listen to the Chuck Berry original, the guitar part isn't really all that hard. Most guitar players put way too much into it. They are wanting to do the Back to the Future version.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I've always liked Chuck Berry. He makes the guitar part groove and feel good. Didn't try to turn it into metal.

 

[climber]

the problem with Mustang Sally is that most cover bands don't play it well. they often play it too fast and don't get the groove right. the Pickett version is slower than you would think, which is what makes it a great dance tune. the bass & drums lock up so well that when I play it with my drummer I could play that groove forever. I have a horn band, trumpet and alto, and the horn lines are fantastic. on the rare occasion I go to an open mic or jam I dread playing it 'cause it's never a real groove.

 

[alack]

.

I've had to play Stormy Monday a zillion times.

Oh, but what great changes! And with players that can make it their own, blues heaven!