Covers that are better than the original songs

[dllavaneras]

I've found that sometimes a cover can improve a song, especially if it's a whole new twist.

Some songs I've found:

Lacuna Coil - "Enjoy The Silence". It's a cover of a Depeche Mode song. I first heard the cover, then the original. Lacuna Coil's version is much better both musically and vocally, IMO.

The Corrs - "Everybody Hurts". I didn't even know it was a REM song until about 2 years after I first heard it, when I saw the video on MTV. I like Andrea Corr's voice a lot better, but musically they're about the same

Sonata Arctica - "World In My Eyes". Another Depeche Mode cover. This is a thousand times better! Much richer musically, and more powerful vocally.

What covers do you like better than the original songs? It could even be a parody, like Al Yankovic's "White & Nerdy" (Chamillionaire cover) :p

[PlaceofDis]

Postal Service - Against All Odds, covering Phil Collins.
Dillinger Escape Plan - Love Like Me, covering Justin Timberlake
Deftones - No Ordinary Love, covering Sade
Tool - No Quarter, covering Led Zeppelin
Tool - You Lied, covering Peach
Staind - Comfortably Numb, covering Pink Floyd

those are just off the top of my head.

[dllavaneras]

Tool - You Lied, covering Peach
Staind - Comfortably Numb, covering Pink Floyd

Totally agreed!

And instant ban to anyone who says Britney Spears - "Can't Get No Satisfaction" covering The Rolling Stones :p

[Aaon]

"Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, covered by Johnny Cash. Simply amazing!

[®îçhå®?]

Eva Cassidy - Fields Of Gold (covering Sting)

Listen to it. I have never cried due to a song but this was the closest. Far, far better than Sting's version and he even agrees

[dopey220]

Staind - Comfortably Numb, covering Pink Floyd

^Blasphemy.

Rasputina's "Barracuda."

[PlaceofDis]

^Blasphemy.

Rasputina's "Barracuda."

give it a listen. trust me. its worth it and puts a whole new perspective on the song.

[dllavaneras]

Rasputina's "Barracuda."

Covering who?

[Osarkon]

Cradle of Filth - Temptation (Heaven 17 cover)
Disturbed and Inflames's cover of Land of Confusion - much better than the original genesis in my opinion)

Also, to my ears anyway, Cradle's cover of Hallowed Be Thy Name. Yes, I do realize I'm going to get slandered for that :p

[siurpeeman]

"blackbird" by sarah mclachlan, covering the beatles. <gasp!> a beatles cover better than the original?!

[dllavaneras]

Disturbed and Inflames's cover of Land of Confusion - much better than the original genesis in my opinion)

:eek: Land of Confusion is a cover? I should read the CD inserts more often... I'll hear the other two versions, but I doubt they rock as much a Disturbed's version :D

<gasp!> a beatles cover better than the original?!

Try hearing Rick Wakeman's "Eleanor Rigby" :)

[mac 2005]

"I Fought the Law" by The Clash

"Landslide" by the Dixie Chicks

[PlaceofDis]

"blackbird" by sarah mclachlan, covering the beatles. <gasp!> a beatles cover better than the original?!

Rufus Wainwright's cover of Across the Universe is better than the original too


"Landslide" by the Dixie Chicks

i prefer the Smashing Pumpkins version myself.

[Jaffa Cake]

"Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, covered by Johnny Cash. Simply amazing!Excellent pick. I'd also list Respect by Aretha Franklin (although the Otis Reading original is a top song too) and Mr Tambourine Man by The Byrds as versions that eclipse the originals.

I'm surprised too that the Hendrix version of All Along the Watchtower hasn't received a mention yet, given that it's often cited as the greatest cover ever in polls and the like.

[EGT]

I'm surprised too that the Hendrix version of All Along the Watchtower hasn't received a mention yet, given that it's often cited as the greatest cover ever in polls and the like.

That was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the thread title. Much respect to the original song but the Hendrix version is definitely better.

[Osarkon]

:eek: Land of Confusion is a cover? I should read the CD inserts more often... I'll hear the other two versions, but I doubt they rock as much a Disturbed's version :D





In Flames' cover is good, was around before Disturbed's. Both are good, In Flames is just heavier. :)

[dopey220]

Covering who?

Heart.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I called Walk This Way - Run DMC f. Tyler/Perry the ultimate cover song in my first post in the Recommended cover versions thread, and I stand by that... but most of the other I mentioned is also better than the original, IMO... :)

[XIII]

The Corrs - "Everybody Hurts". I didn't even know it was a REM song until about 2 years after I first heard it, when I saw the video on MTV. I like Andrea Corr's voice a lot better, but musically they're about the same

Sorry, cannot agree with that. I love R.E.M.'s version, don't really go for The Corrs cover so much. Can't really explain why - just doesn't feel right.

[SpacePup84]

Tori Amos covering Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit - absolutely beautiful version

I also love her covers of Steely Dan's "Do It Again" (sounds NOTHING like the original) and Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat"

Fiona Apple - Across the Universe (The Beatles)

The Futureheads covering Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" (although the original is amazing, I think I like the cover better)

[dukebound85]

apc with imagine.......i like this more than the original

and

apc with when the levee breaks.....ths one not as good as original but i like it alot

as you can tell, i like apc lol

[furious]

Such Great Heights - Iron and Wine. A Postal Service cover.

[balamw]

I've been meaning to make a playlist of covers I like as well or better than the originals...

Here's one: I enjoy Joe Strummer's take on Redemption Song (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=2893555&s=143441&i=2893548)

Like the Johnny Cash/NIN cover above it's a very different version. Johnny Cash's versions of "In My Life" and "Personal Jesus" on that same album are also quite refreshing.

B

[Westside guy]

Lemonheads cover of "Mrs. Robinson"

Social D's cover of almost anything :-D (e.g. "I Fought the Law", "Ring of Fire")

Gotta agree that Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" was totally amazing - likely because, moreso than Mr. Reznor, Cash has really lived that life

[ecche]

Bryan Ferry: 'Sympathy For The Devil' (covering The Rolling Stones). So suave...

[mike dunx]

Rufus Wainwright's cover of Across the Universe is better than the original too




ew no it's not

[bartelby]

Tori Amos - If 6 was 9 (Jimi Hendrix)
Metallica - Loverman (Nick Cave)
NIN - Physical (Adam Ant)
Rev. Co. - Do You Think I'm Sexy? (Rod Stewart)
Laibach - The Final Countdown (Europe)
Saint Etienne - Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Neil Young)
Rammstein - Stripped (Depeche Mode)

That's all I can think of at this time, but I know I have more....

[spicyapple]

Eva Cassidy - Fields Of Gold (covering Sting)
Beautiful song! Eva Cassidy has one of the most amazing voices ever.

Others,
Pearl Jam - Soldier of Love (The Beatles)
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland)
George Michael - Miss Sarajevo (U2)

[ecche]

Tom Waits: 'Somewhere' (from West Side Story)
Kid Creole And The Coconuts: 'Things We Said Today' (covering The Beatles)

[CanadaRAM]

Worst Cover nominee:
Clapton "I Shot the Sherrif" (Bob Marley)

[swiftaw]

Worst Cover Nominee:
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) - Rolf Harris

[Apemanblues]

Tool - No Quarter, covering Led Zeppelin
Staind - Comfortably Numb, covering Pink Floyd

Utter Blasphemy X2. A plague on your house.

'All Along the Watchtower' - Hendrix covering Dylan.

[®îçhå®?]

Beautiful song! Eva Cassidy has one of the most amazing voices ever.


I am revising that to include Somewhere Over The Rainbow too; and i am glad that you agree.

[Jasonbot]

System of a Down - Snowblind (Covering Black Sabbath)

[tobefirst]

I love Jodeci's version of "Lately." (iTunes Link (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=1609313&s=143441&i=74444697))I found that it was much better than Stevie Wonder's original. (Another iTunes Link (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=127206&s=143441&i=127174))

[chrisdazzo]

Fall Out Boy's cover of Ne-Yo's "So Sick". Patrick sure can throw down some pretty powerful vocals. :cool:

Also, I'd have to say that Anberlin's "Promise" (not sure if it is a cover, but it sounds really familiar) is pretty good. :confused:

[MattG]

Davey Ray Moor's cover of "How Deep is Your Love"

...and I don't know that it's necessarily better, but I like Dwight Yoakam's cover of "I Want You to Want Me" at least as much as the original.

[sreedy]

From the recent Radio 1 Live Lounge Album:

Hounds of Love by The Futureheads covering Kate Bush (never liked kate Bush, love this track).

Love Machine by Arctic Monkeys (Just because the Girls Aloud one was so crap this one is therefore better..... even though they are taking the p*ss)

[poopyhead]

Rasputina's cover of "wish you were here" by pink floyd

and

The bands cover of "long black veil"

[Aaon]

Another one i thought of is Sara Mclachlan's cover of "The Rainbow COnnection." While Kermit's version os good, Sara takes it to a whole new sultry level. Good stuff!

And how about "Istanbul" covered by They Might Be Giants? Far supperior to the original effort by The Four Lads.

[psychofreak]

The Ramones - Substitute, covering The Who

[devilot]

Another one i thought of is Sara Mclachlan's cover of "The Rainbow COnnection." While Kermit's version os good, Sara takes it to a whole new sultry level. Good stuff!Kermie sang that?! I actually have that McLachlan cover, had no clue it was a cover though. :o Aww, I adore Kermie. Where can I find his version? :(

[poopyhead]

pretty much the entirety of
Petra Haden's cover of
The Who Sell Out
especially mary ann with the shaky hands

[kixsand]

Couple of things....

There are certain bands/artists that hold such high stature in society that it must be considered bad form to ever say that a cover was better than the original...even if it is.

The Beatles
Led Zeppelin
Queen
U2
Pink Floyd
The Rolling Stones
Pearl Jam
Nirvana
Etc.

I also think that a person's age has a great deal to do with their impression of whether a cover is a good cover or not. I grew up with REM's Everybody Hurts so that will always be the genuine article for me. However, the Dixie Chicks introduced me to "Landslide"...I only listened to Stevie Nicks singing the original afterwards and so the Dixie Chicks version seems right to me.

How about...

Alien Ant Farm covering Michael Jackson...Smooth Criminal
Pearl Jam covering The Who...Baba O'Riley
The Beatles covering the Isley Brothers...Twist And Shout
The Ataris covering Don Henley...Boys of Summer

darren

[MacRy]

The Ramones - What A Wonderful World

[therevolution]

Goldfinger's cover of Nena's "99 Red Balloons" is great.

[decksnap]

Guns N' Roses -

Mama Kin
Ain't it Fun
Hair of the Dog

[psychofreak]

Looking through my collection and I have a few more:
Big yellow taxi by Counting crows, originally Joni Mitchell
Hey Joe, Hendrix, originally The Leaves

[jemeinc]

Tori Amos covering Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit - absolutely beautiful version




I like Tori Amos, but I wouldn't consider that to be better.. It's definitely different than the original, and it's a matter of taste, but to me, her version is a mess..

[Raid]

Goldfinger's cover of Nena's "99 Red Balloons" is great. That was on the "Not Another Teen Movie" sound track which had some other great covers (my picks just from that album would be):
Orgy doing Blue Monday (originaly New Order) Stabbing Westward doing Bizarre Love Triangle (again from New Order) Mest doing I Melt With You (originaly Modern English) Phantom Planet doing Somebody's Baby (from ? Jackson Brown?)
Pretty good sound track, if you're old enough to remember those songs. ;)

Can't think of anything else right now... maybe Johnny Cash doing Personal Jesus (by Depeche Mode) but I think I like both versions equaly.

[DavidLeblond]

Almost any band covering a Bob Dylan song.

for example:
Dave Matthews Band covering All Along the Watchtower
or even
Peter, Paul, and Mary covering Blowin' in the Wind.

[calculus]

Worst Cover Nominee:
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) - Rolf Harris

No, no, no. It's much better! Bohemian Rhapsody is so hideous that any attempt to destroy it is fine by me.

My own favourite version of it is on one of those 'Top Of The Pops' LPs they used to make in the UK - cheap and nasty cover versions of hits of the day.

[zephead]

The Boys of Summer - The Ataris (Don Henley)

The Ataris' version puts so much energy into an otherwise kinda boring song, IMO.

[SpacePup84]

I like Tori Amos, but I wouldn't consider that to be better.. It's definitely different than the original, and it's a matter of taste, but to me, her version is a mess..

hmm well to be honest, I think the versions are different enough to almost be considered different songs... but well, I guess I was never a huge Nirvana fan and well, I'm a huge tori fan so i'm not exactly impartial :P

Yes Sir I can Boogie - Goldfrapp covering Baccara

This song on the Wonderful Electric live DVD is incredible..

[angelneo]

Kermie sang that?! I actually have that McLachlan cover, had no clue it was a cover though. :o Aww, I adore Kermie. Where can I find his version? :(
Actually, considering the circumstances when Kermie sang that song, it added another layer of meaning to it which makes it even more saddening :( (if I remembered correctly)

[LethalWolfe]

In Flames' cover is good, was around before Disturbed's. Both are good, In Flames is just heavier. :)

Heavier and faster too. The Genesis and Disturbed versions are about around 4:48 long while the In Flames version is only 3:22.


Lethal

[iSaint]

I'm in love with Jimmy Buffet's Uncle John's Band. I assume that it's a Grateful Dead original.

[pigbat]

Goldfinger did the following which I really enjoyed:

Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
99 Red Balloons (Nena)
Is She Really Going Out With Him (Joe Jackson)

I also liked:

Reel Big Fish - Take On Me (Ah-ha)
Rufio - Like A Prayer (Madonna)
Showoff - Borderline (Madonna)

And

Almost everything Me First and the Gimme Gimmes have done:

Where do broken hearts go
Hello
Nothing Compares 2 U
Isn't She Lovely
I believe I can Fly

[fhqwhgads]

totally agree about "hurt". cash put all his years and life into that song and gave it a weight and intensity the original didn't have.

definitely have to say jeff buckley's version of "hallelujah" (leonard cohen). when listening to the original it almost seems like cohen didn't know what he had.

also, i really like califone's version of "the orchids", originally by psychic tv. califone really gave it the slow, aching beauty the song deserved.

[odaiwai]

'Tainted Love', covered by Soft Cell, is probably the classic "Someone else did that first?" cover.

"Superstition", originally by Stevie Wonder, covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan is excellent too.

[Westside guy]

"Turning Japanese" - covered by Tom Monroe.

:D

[zelmo]

Marilyn Manson's cover of Personal Jesus [Depeche Mode]
Devo's cover of Satisfaction [Rolling Stones]
godhead's cover of Eleanor Rigby[Beatles]

[calculus]

totally agree about "hurt". cash put all his years and life into that song and gave it a weight and intensity the original didn't have.

definitely have to say jeff buckley's version of "hallelujah" (leonard cohen). when listening to the original it almost seems like cohen didn't know what he had.


Yes and yes - these are both awesome.

'Tainted Love', covered by Soft Cell, is probably the classic "Someone else did that first?" cover.


The Gloria Jones original is a Northern Soul classic! Surely everybody knows it? If not then some history lessons are required!


Devo's cover of Satisfaction [Rolling Stones]


I love the Devo version. I am not sure if it's better than the original but they do it completely their own way so that it is almost a different song.

[aloofman]

I don't even particularly like the Indigo Girls that much, but their cover of "Romeo and Juliet" (Dire Straits) wins only because they sing better than Mark Knopfler does.

Was "Soldier of Love" even written by the Beatles? I always assumed they were covering someone, since they did a lot of covers in the early days.

[Mavimao]

Wow. Some of you people are making me feel really old.

"Land of Confusion was a cover?!" :rolleyes:

But yeah, Devo's version of '(Can't get no) Satisfaction' - the epitome of what a great cover should be.

Nirvana's version of "Where did you sleep last night?" (orignially by Leadbelly)

Red Hot Chili Peppers' version of "Higher Ground" (originally by Stevie Wonder)

[calculus]

Was "Soldier of Love" even written by the Beatles? I always assumed they were covering someone, since they did a lot of covers in the early days.

Originally by Arthur Alexander who also wrote 'Anna' as covered on the first Beatles LP.

He did some great stuff.

[MacNut]

Kermie sang that?! I actually have that McLachlan cover, had no clue it was a cover though. :o Aww, I adore Kermie. Where can I find his version? :(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thEiXbovv98

"Land of Confusion was a cover?!" :rolleyes:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56QSkTnTTDg

[aloofman]

But yeah, Devo's version of '(Can't get no) Satisfaction' - the epitome of what a great cover should be.


Otis Redding also did a pretty good version on "Live at the Whisky".

[Mavimao]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thEiXbovv98

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56QSkTnTTDg

There you go young un's the original! Now I'm off to drink some prune juice.

[mashinhead]

Good cover's are covers where the artist takes the song and makes it his own. Think:

Nothing Compares to you - Sinead o'conner
Hurt - Johnny Cash
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix

Stuff like that, they took the original song and reclaimed it as their own. Thats a good cover.

[freeny]

"Iron Man" sung by the Cardigans covering Black Sabath
"killing Me Softly" sung by Lauren Hill/Fugees covering Roberta Flack
"Landslide" sung by The Smashing Pumpkins covering Stevie Nicks
"Ramble On" sung by Train covering Led Zeppilin
"Jolene" sung by the White Stripes covering Dolly Parton

[MacNut]

"Faith" by George Michael covered by Limp Bizkit.

I agree that "All Along The Watchtower" by anyone but Bob Dylan is better.

[Dros]

Good cover's are covers where the artist takes the song and makes it his own. Think:

Nothing Compares to you - Sinead o'conner

Stuff like that, they took the original song and reclaimed it as their own. Thats a good cover.

I know Prince wrote it, and recorded a version after Sinead released her version, but wasn't Sinead's the first version? Then it wouldn't be a cover, just that someone else wrote it. Prince would have done a cover of his own song!

[MacNut]

Is it really a cover if the song writer sings it?

[calculus]

I know Prince wrote it, and recorded a version after Sinead released her version, but wasn't Sinead's the first version? Then it wouldn't be a cover, just that someone else wrote it. Prince would have done a cover of his own song!

No, Sinead's was not the first version. Prince originally wrote it for some group that he was involved with (can't remember their name offhand) and they recorded it first.

[bartelby]

Goldfinger did the following which I really enjoyed:

Just Like Heaven (The Cure)


Which reminds me:

Dinosaur Jr. - Just Like Heaven

[Jaffa Cake]

I know Prince wrote it, and recorded a version after Sinead released her version, but wasn't Sinead's the first version?Prince wrote the song originally for The Family – they recorded a version which was included on their album but never actually released it as a single. After O'Connors version stormed the charts the Purple One started performing it himself at concerts and stuff.

EDIT: It seems my post is a cover version of calculus' – the question is, is mine better than the original? ;) :D

[calculus]

EDIT: It seems my post is a cover version of calculus' – the question is, is mine better than the original? ;) :D

Well, at least you remembered the name of the band so I think of yours as a more sophisticated version of my raw original:)

[devilot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thEiXbovv98*sniff* My poor sad Kermie. :(

[MacNut]

*sniff* My poor sad Kermie. :(Don't forget about this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAxs3sWUKTY

[mashinhead]

I know Prince wrote it, and recorded a version after Sinead released her version, but wasn't Sinead's the first version? Then it wouldn't be a cover, just that someone else wrote it. Prince would have done a cover of his own song!

See that's why it's a good cover, everyone associates that song with her not prince, it's now hers. but prince recorded it first, and it sounds so different.

[Attonine]

Sonic Youth's version of "Touch Me I'm Sick" is better than the Mudhoney original. Though the Mudhoney version is pretty damn good too.


Anyone familiar with Novelle Vague who specialise is covers? Good versions of Teenage Kicks (Undertones), Too drunk to F@*% (Dead Kennedys), Love Will Tear Us appart (Joy Division), Just Can't get enough (Depeche Mode). Not sure if they are better than the originals, but well done, and in a completely different style.

[bartelby]

Sonic Youth's version of "Touch Me I'm Sick" is better than the Mudhoney original. Though the Mudhoney version is pretty damn good too.


:eek: :eek:


Mudhoney's cover of Sonic Youth's "Halloween" is good though

[MacBoobsPro]

Not sure if its been posted but I think Oasis' version of 'I am the Walrus' is better than the Beatles' version.

:eek:

[bartelby]

Not sure if its been posted but I think Oasis' version of 'I am the Walrus' is better than the Beatles' version.

:eek:

I think you may need to find a good hiding place, the Moptop fans will be hunting you down!!;)

[netdog]

Bonnie Dobson's Morning Dew, recorded in 1962.

If you don't know who covered it and made it famous, you are either in the wrong forum or too young to know.

A clue...The same band also did improved covers of Dylan's Masterpiece and Berry's Promised Land, and great covers (though how can the originals ever be topped?) of Dear Prudence, Rain, and Baba O'Reilly

[MacBoobsPro]

I think you may need to find a good hiding place, the Moptop fans will be hunting you down!!;)

I like the Beatles too. Im just saying…

*runs and hides anyway*

[mouchoir]

Jimi Hendrix's version of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower'.

Even Dylan himself commented upon hearing Hendrix's, that it was better.

[bartelby]

Bonnie Dobson's Morning Dew, recorded in 1962.

If you don't know who covered it and made it famous, you are either in the wrong forum or too young to know.

Einsturzende Neubauten?

[netdog]

Einsturzende Neubauten?

Well, okay. That qualifies too.

[true777]

Gosh, so many...

Favorites:

Telex - "On The Road Again" (Canned Heat) -- Amazing, Kraftwerk-like minimal techno version, ingenious
Jose Gonzalez - "Heartbeats" (The Knife) -- Better than original
Nouvelle Vague - "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (Bauhaus), "Dance With Me" (Cosmo Vitelli) -- The grand masters of the cover

Runners up:

Electronicat - "Amour Sale" (Soft Cell)
Dirty Sanchez - "Sex Dwarf" (Soft Cell)
Nick Cave - "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" (Gene Pitney)
Johnny Cash - "The Mercy Seat" (Nick Cave)
Laibach - "Sympathy For The Devil [Who Killed The Kennedys Mix]" (Stones)
Killdozer - "Sweet Home Alabama" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
The Jesus and Mary Chain - "Surfin USA" (Beach Boys)
Apoptygma Berzerk - "Cambodia" (Kim Wilde)
Bauhaus - "Ziggy Stardust" (Bowie)
Bauhaus - "Third Uncle" (Brian Eno)
Captain Comatose - "Baby" (Iggy Pop)
Ladytron - "Send me a Postcard" (Shocking Blue)
Queen of Japan - "I Love Rock'n Roll" (Joan Jett)
Headman - "Birth, School, Work, Death" (The Godfathers)

I'm sure there are more...

[bartelby]

Nick Cave - "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" (Gene Pitney)

Bauhaus - "Ziggy Stardust" (Bowie)


Two great choices!



Laibach - "Sympathy For The Devil [Who Killed The Kennedys Mix]" (Stones)


Another great choice, I considered putting it but I love the original too much (1 of 2 Rolling Stones songs I like)

Another:

Laibach - Geburt Einer Nation (Queen's "One Vision")

[USMaC]

Last Kiss - Pearl Jam cover of J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers
(You Were) Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson cover of Elvis Presley
I will Always Love You - Whitney Houston cover of Dolly Parton

Also, I can't say that it's better than Kermit's, but Willie Nelson's version of The Rainbow Connection is a very good variation, IMHO.

[Fiveos22]

Do Remixes count? If so, then Verve Remixed (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE57D1CD94EA57320C7943545C7BB64F302FE4BF59A1321435992B63E45910B7AE84CE58C8FB3B677AB7BACE0 2CA45A089FC2E455F9D6663B2DFC93&sql=10:3lfqoauaqijn) is among scores of electronica remixes that deserve recognition.

[netdog]

(You Were) Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson cover of Elvis Presley

Actually, it was first recorded by Brenda Lee.

[henry1421]

Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" (Big Mama Thornton).
Tricky's "Black Steel" (Public Enemy).
Cowboy Junkies' "Sweet Jane" (Velvet Underground).
REM's "Superman". I don't even know who did the original.

I am not saying these are better than the original. They are just great covers.

[ezzie]

not necessarily better, but pretty darn good:

we will become silhouettes by the postal service, covered by the shins

landslide by fleetwood mac, covered by the dixie chicks and smashing pumpkins...preferred in that order (already mentioned in previous posts)

why i cry by the magnetic fields, covered by all-time quarterback (ben gibbard of DCFC and the postal service)

my blue heaven by gene austin (1927), covered by the smashing pumpkins

that's all for now. :)

[aloofman]

Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" (Big Mama Thornton).
Tricky's "Black Steel" (Public Enemy).
Cowboy Junkies' "Sweet Jane" (Velvet Underground).
REM's "Superman". I don't even know who did the original.

I am not saying these are better than the original. They are just great covers.

I agree on "Sweet Jane". It's the only Cowboy Junkies song I even like, for some reason.

[n-abounds]

Well, it's not a cover...it's a remix. But I like Mike Shinoba's remix of "Enjoy the Silence" I can't decide if it's better than the original or not, but that's because the original is my favorite song ever. Any opinions out there?

[DISCOMUNICATION]

Have love will travel - The Black Keys version makes all the others sound corny.

[killr_b]

Guess I'm late for the party…

I saw a lot of of the covers I would choose, so I'll just add new ones.

Marilyn Manson- "Working Class Hero" originally by John Lennon.
Marilyn Manson- "Tainted Love" originally by Gloria Jones.
Marilyn Manson- "Sweet Dreams" originally by Annie Lennox.
Manowar- "Flight of the Bumblebee" originally by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Fear Factory- "Cars" originally by Gary Numan.
Slayer- "Born to be Wild" originally by Steppenwolf.
System of a Down- "The Metro" originally by Berlin
Machine Head- "Message in a Bottle" originally by The Police.

That'll do for now.:D

[henry1421]

Thought of some more that should be considered:

The Jam covering the Kinks' "David Watts"
Tina Turner covering Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary"
Creedence's "Midnight Special". Leadbelly had a notable version.
Cream covering Robert Johnson's "Crossroads"
Led Zeppelin covering Johnson's "Travelling Riverside Blues"
Elliott Smith covering Big Star's "Thirteen"

[nitynate]

Fast Car- XiuXiu

Totally owns Tracy Chapman's version.

[Motley]

Gary Jules- Mad World (originally by Tears for Fears).

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, classic.

[freeny]

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, classic.

true.

[siurpeeman]

I agree on "Sweet Jane". It's the only Cowboy Junkies song I even like, for some reason.

i think cowboy junkies' "blue moon" is much better than "sweet jane." "blue moon" itself is also kind of a cover. another cover i think that tops the original is bill frisell and petra haden's cover of coldplay's "yellow." it's sweet, and i generally can't stand chris martin's voice.

[floriflee]

Harry Nilsson's cover of "Without You." Originally performed by Badfinger, but his version completely smokes theres.

[Kashchei]

Has anyone heard Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodleoo"? The Steely Dan remake is must better!

[Fiveos22]

Metallica - Astronomy (originally Blue Oyster Cult)

[calculus]

Has anyone heard Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodleoo"? The Steely Dan remake is must better!

Hmm, this one is difficult for me as I am a huge fan of both. My money is on the Duke though, by quite a long way.

[Rush2112]

Check out the "I Am Sam" soundtrack: you'll find really great versions of some of the Beatles songs, performed by Eddie Vedder (You've Got To Hide Your Love Away), Ben Harper (Strawberry Fields), Sarah Mclachlan (Blackbird), The Wallflowers (I'm Looking Through You), The Black Crowes (Lucy in The Sky), Paul Westerberg (Nowhere Man), Nick Cave (Let It Be and Here Comes the Sun), Grandaddy (Revolution).

This is one of the best soundtracks ever (and the movie is also great too)!!:)

[devilot]

Check out the "I Am Sam" soundtrack...

This is one of the best soundtracks ever (and the movie is also great too)!!:)CD's in the deck of my car right now. ;) I love it. Thought about mentioning it but decided not to, thanks for doing it for me. :D

[andysc]

Evanescence - 4th of July Cover (Soundgarden)

[zephead]

Twist and Shout, by the Beatles. I thought the Beatles originally did it at first; I posted in the "Awful Cover Versions" thread that I didn't like the Isley Brothers' version, and found out the Topnotes originally sang it. Therefore, Twist and Shout is a cover better than the original :D.

[spicyapple]

Joni Mitchell - At Last (Ella Fitzgerald)

Nouvelle Vague - I Melt With You (Modern English)
— I'm partial to lounge, bossa nova and samba style arrangements.

[OllyW]

KLF & Extreme Noise Terror covering KLF's 3:00am Eternal :cool:

[bartelby]

KLF & Extreme Noise Terror covering KLF's 3:00am Eternal :cool:

Nice choice!!!!:D

[OllyW]

Nice choice!!!!:D

Remember the Brits in 92 :D

[mashinhead]

Joni Mitchell - At Last (Ella Fitzgerald)
[/I]

At last was originally sung by Glenn Miller, but the most noteable and best version is by Etta James, which Ella Fitzgerald covered, never heard the Joni Mitchell one.

[A-Dog]

Toots & The Maytalls: Let Down (Radiohead)

[SMM]

All along the watch tower - Dylan/Hendrix
House of the Rising Sun - Animals/Frigid Pink

[psychofreak]

Rip it up - John Lennon (covering Buddy Holly's Ready Teddy)

Can't believe that I missed that out...

[calculus]

Rip it up - John Lennon (covering Buddy Holly's Ready Teddy)

Can't believe that I missed that out...

As far as I remember Rip it up & Ready Teddy are different songs, and were by Little Richard.

[deliccato]

well, i don't know that these versions are better because the originals were so good... but this band does 3 amazing covers of Outkast's HEY YA!, Donovan's MELLOW YELLOW, and T REX's BANG A GONG. Check them out in their song section...

http://www.cavedoll.com

[Mr Skills]

These aren't exactly original, but...

Gary Jules - Mad World (originally Tears For Fears)
Johnny Cash - Hurt (originally Nine Inch Nails)
Jeff Buckley - Halleluya (originally Leonard Cohen)
Natural Woman - Carole King* (originally Aretha Franklin)

* Carole King actually wrote it, but Aretha Franklin recorded it first. So I'm not sure if it counts! But Carole's has a pathos and sense of unreality that feels richer to me.

Here's an fun sub-category: covers that are better than the original but still bad songs.
Pet Shop Boys - Go West (originally the Village People)
Phil Collins - Groovy Kind Of Love (originally the Mindbenders)

Nomination for worst cover (although it's too easy a category, really):
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (originally Dolly Parton)

Lacuna Coil - "Enjoy The Silence". It's a cover of a Depeche Mode song. I first heard the cover, then the original. Lacuna Coil's version is much better both musically and vocally, IMO.

The Corrs - "Everybody Hurts". I didn't even know it was a REM song until about 2 years after I first heard it, when I saw the video on MTV. I like Andrea Corr's voice a lot better, but musically they're about the same

Sonata Arctica - "World In My Eyes". Another Depeche Mode cover. This is a thousand times better! Much richer musically, and more powerful vocally.


I promised myself I wouldn't jump in and argue with peoples' individual tastes... but in this case I must respectfully disagree on all three counts. Three songs that I love for their stark, raw yet exilharating and unusual emotional content, and three covers that - to me - are over-performed and somewhat... obvious and unsubtle in their execution. Sorry :o

If you want a really beautiful cover of Enjoy The Silence, check out the version by Bell X1.
.

[calculus]

Nomination for worst cover (although it's too easy a category, really):
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (originally Dolly Parton)
.

...which is exactly where this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=282309) started!

[Mr Skills]

...which is exactly where this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=282309) started!

And I mentioned Phil Collins too! What are the odds? :D

[Jaffa Cake]

And I mentioned Phil Collins too! What are the odds? :DI'd say it was against all odds. ;)

69597

[Daveway]

Time After Time by Quietdrive is definitely a better/fresher song than the original.

[dogbone]

Radiohead's version of 'Wish You Were Here'.

Jimi Hendrix' version of 'Sunshine Of Your Love'

[Apple2Mac]

Magnet - Lay Lady Lay - covering Bob Dylan

[Superdrive]

Earth Wind & Fire with Kenny G covering Outkast's "The Way You Move"

iTunes Linky (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=117910932&s=143441&i=117910255)

[MacNut]

Earth Wind & Fire with Kenny G covering Outkast's "The Way You Move"

iTunes Linky (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=117910932&s=143441&i=117910255)Please don't tell me you put Kenny G and better cover in the same sentence.

[Superdrive]

Please don't tell me you put Kenny G and better cover in the same sentence.

The Earth Wind and Fire portion should have enough weight to carry the Kenny G. You listened to the sample right?

[nickweston]

Joe Cocker's "Little Help From My Friends" was even acknowledged by the Beatles themselves as a better version of their own song!!

Also-

Cocker covered U2's "One" in a pretty unbelievable way...

of course Americans have forgotten Joe, but he's huge in Europe, where they revel their aging legends.

great thread!

[iris_failsafe]

That was on the "Not Another Teen Movie" sound track which had some other great covers (my picks just from that album would be):
Orgy doing Blue Monday (originaly New Order) Stabbing Westward doing Bizarre Love Triangle (again from New Order) Mest doing I Melt With You (originaly Modern English) Phantom Planet doing Somebody's Baby (from ? Jackson Brown?)
Pretty good sound track, if you're old enough to remember those songs. ;)

Can't think of anything else right now... maybe Johnny Cash doing Personal Jesus (by Depeche Mode) but I think I like both versions equaly.

Blasphemy!!!!!
New Order is one of the most influential bands of the last 20 years, those covers totally destroy the magic of the songs...

I put the in the list of the living legends

[15danielp]

Joe Cocker's "Little Help From My Friends" was even acknowledged by the Beatles themselves as a better version of their own song!!

Also-

Cocker covered U2's "One" in a pretty unbelievable way...

of course Americans have forgotten Joe, but he's huge in Europe, where they revel their aging legends.

great thread!

Good call! Cocker's "Little Help" is one of the best covers of all time! I loved Wonder Years.

[spicyapple]

Steps' version of Bee Gee's "Tragedy" adds a fresh, playfully-updated danceable beat to a 70's classic.

Fine Young Cannibals' version of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" is another one with better vocals and production value. Eminently singable version -- this song everyone should have in their iTunes collection.

[MacNut]

Fine Young Cannibals' version of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" is another one with better vocals and production value. Eminently singable version -- this song everyone should have in their iTunes collection.I think the Elvis version is a classic. When ever anyone tries to cover Elvis they usually fail. Elvis is untouchable in my opinion.

[apple1984]

It saddens me to think that a good deal of classic songs are being casually rejected for modern, often inferior, versions of the same song. I agree completely with kixsand, these artists are untouchable. I've actually sacrificed the time from my life to listen to the cover versions that people have mentioned, and I have to say that they are absolutely atrocious, horrifically raping the original song. Absolutely disgusting. And it's not a matter of age, because I'm 14.

Some may also reject them due to production values. These songs were absolutely state-of-the-art in their time, and were hailed for their creative content and clarity. Of course, now-a-days, anyone with Audacity, a cheap analogue->digital converter, and a $50 keyboard can throw together just about anything. But back in the pinnacle of music, the '50s-'70s, it was a huge endeavour to get just a couple hours of studio time, and only the record companies could afford the technology.

Some say music has gotten better over time, but I say it has just gotten worse. :(

[21stcenturykid]

^Blasphemy.

Very true! Comfortably numb can never be beaten! Also the velvet revolver cover of money is god damn awful!

Best cover song.... easily jeff buckley- hallelujah

[MacNut]

The only reason for a cover song is that an artist can't think of anything original so they have to remake a hit from long ago and hope to make money off of it.

[epochblue]

The only reason for a cover song is that an artist can't think of anything original so they have to remake a hit from long ago and hope to make money off of it.

To some degree, I take issue with that. I think covers can also be used as a way to pay a kind of homage to the original artist. However, if someone makes a cover of a song and makes it *identical* to the original recording, I'm far less impressed.

For example, most of the songs on the I Am Sam soundtrack were nearly verbatim copies of the original Beatles songs, and the soundtrack ultimately suffered as a result. On the other hand, Marilyn Manson's cover of "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics seemed to explore an entirely different emotional area of the song, which, IMO, makes it an excellent (and still original) song.

A blanket statement like "the only reason for a cover is that an artist can't think of anything original" is a little too absolute for me.

[MacNut]

When a bands first single is a cover that tells me that they don't have anything else better to showcase.

[sonicboom]

Def Leppard recently came out with a cover album of obscure Glamband 70s songs, called "Yeah!". They did it as a tribute to the songs they loved in their youth.

There were a few standouts:

Waterloo Sunset (kinks)
No matter what (badfinger)
Hanging on the telephone (blondie)

Rock On was interesting as well.

Note: I'm a fan of the band so I may be biased, but I liked these versions better than the original (even though they stayed somewhat true to the original).

[epochblue]

When a bands first single is a cover that tells me that they don't have anything else better to showcase.

When it's their FIRST single (a la Alien Ant Farm), I tend to agree. If the best song on your first album isn't even your song, chances are your band won't go very far :)

[MacNut]

I actually like that AAF album. I think they have some good stuff, and they have proven to be a good band.

[epochblue]

I actually like that AAF album. I think they have some good stuff, and they have proven to be a good band.

Have they really? Hm....I don't really listen to the radio, so for all I know they're all the rage these days. As far as I was concerned, "Smooth Criminal" was a nice cover, but that was about all they had in 'em. Poor example, I guess :eek:

[MacNut]

I think AAF is on their 3rd album, But they don't get much radio play.

[Mr Skills]

When a bands first single is a cover that tells me that they don't have anything else better to showcase.

Well the classic on-hit-wonder formula is a band that has lucked out on one massive song, but has to resort to a cover to follow it up. Classic examples:

- Sixpense None The Richer (followed "Kiss Me" with "There She Goes")
- Wheatus (followed "Teenage Dirtbag" with "A Little Respect")

[sturigdson]

Man, this is the best music thread in MR history.

Nouvelle Vague's covers are all great- I Melt with You among them.

Also, look for Scala Choir's work - nothing better than teenage girls' choir from Belgium covering Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag and Foo Fighters' Walking After You. I'm serious. This stuff is great.

Johnny Cash doing Hurt.

For a funny set, look into Richard Cheese's lounge covers- hilarious.

But my all-time single favorite cover that sublimely reinterprets the original probably has to go to:
Travis, beautifully handling Britney Spears' crappy Hit Me Baby (One More Time). This is a must-hear.

[CDailey]

Children of Bodom - Oops! I Did It Again covering Britney Spears

Best cover song ever :D

[jayb2000]

Totally agreed!

And instant ban to anyone who says Britney Spears - "Can't Get No Satisfaction" covering The Rolling Stones :p

Satisfaction as done by Devo *** I see a few people beat me on that one***

Heartbreak Hotel as done by The Residents
Ok, maybe not better on that one, but I hate covers that just sound the same!

Thought of a few more...
Jane's Addiction doing Sympathy for the Devil - really, really, really good.
Bryan Ferry doing Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Nick Cave doing By the Time I Get To Phoenix

[emmawu]

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox vs Procol Harum

[spicyapple]

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox vs Procol Harum

Sarah Brightman's version of A Whiter Shade of Pale is my favourite. The only other ones I have are from David Lanz and Van Morrison.

[xyian]

Urge Overkill - Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon
I love Neil Diamond and all, but this is a damn good
cover.

[Skrilla™]

Sugar Ray - Spinning Away, from The Beach Soundtrack :D

[dogbone]

Sly and the Family Stone's version of You Really Got Me (Kinks)

and

Jimmy and the Boys version of I'm Not Like Everybody Else (Kinks)

[zephead]

Another one to add: This Magic Moment by Jay and the Americans. Dunno who sang it first, but the cover is way better, imo.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Patti Smith: When Doves Cry.

I think Patti Smith sings it with a much needed sourness, which fits the song perfectly. Prince never quite managed to arrange the song or even sing sounding as hurt as the lyrics call for...

[jklps]

I'm into music featuring guitar, so here goes.

Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower (Bob Dylan) [already mentioned]
Guns N' Roses - Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney and The Wings)
Foo Fighters - Baker Street (Gerry Raferty)
Van Halen - You Really Got Me (The Kinks) [This song SCORCHES]
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder) [Already Mentioned]
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Havana Affair (Ramones) [Off Dvd "Live At Slane Castle"]

And for any reggae fans

Easy Side All-Stars - "Dub Side of the Moon" - complete re-recording of Dark Side reggae style(the original album is in my top 5).

BTW I don't consider Run DMC's version of Walk This Way to be a cover, more of a re-interpretation with the main players of Aerosmith(Tyler/Perry).

[MACaBAMA]

I love Guns N Roses cover of Knockin on Heavens Door. I'm not talking about the version on the Use Your Illusion II album. The version from their 1988 Live at the Ritz show. Saw it a long time ago on MTV when they use to play music. It absolutely rocks

[spicyapple]

Like a Virgin - Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge Soundtrack) covering Madonna.

I'm serious, too.

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....Steven Wilson (from Porcupine Tree, Blackfield etc) has a series of ep's called appropriately 'cover version.' A couple of them are simply outstanding, much better than the originals....one is Abba's "The Day Before You Came" and the other is Alanis More-upset's "Thank You." Steven's versions capture the mood of the lyrics way better than the originals....oh yeah!

[dsnort]

Stevie Ray Vaughn- "VooDoo Chile" ( Jimi Hendrix )
Creedance Clearwater Revival- "Heard It Through The Grapevine" ( Marvin Gaye )
Worst ever: "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay", Michael Bolton covering Otis Redding- Blasphemy and sacriledge

[loonranger]

Joe Cocker has two in this category, both Beatle tunes: "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window", and "With a Little Help From My Friends." (Arguably, add Randy Newman's "(You Can) Leave Your Hat On" to the list of Cocker-Toppers.)

[Baron58]

The Last Town Chorus: Modern Love (David Bowie) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAypnmdiCEk
This is just absolutely beautiful.


The Sundays: Wild Horses (Rolling Stones) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_CDuyw4nRE
Also beautiful.


Sarah Brightman: Dust in the Wind (Kansas) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBr_HIhtaN0


Sarah Brightman: Il Mio Cuore Va ("my heart will go on", from Titanic, originally done by that annoying canadian twig who's name I can't bring myself to type) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN_y2GteKRU

[The Truth]

The acoustic version of the Baywatch theme song (http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=14014) is wayyy better than the original.

[ironring2006]

Probably not a popular one outside of Canada but here's my contribution:

Tweeter and the Monkey Man performed by the Headstones, covering the Traveling Wilburys.

I won't necessarily say that it is better than the original, but it is a song that was more of a B side for the original performers, given the hard rock spin, and being (relatively) more successful by the covering band. I say relative, since the Headstones popularity was mostly limited to Canada, and the Wilburys were a short lived super group of established musicians: George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan.

The original main vocals were done by Dylan, so you can add this one to the list of Dylan covers.

The main reason I like the Headstones version is that it adds a high energy adrenaline component compared to the somber-like, slower paced Wilburys version. For a song that sings about drugs, high speed car chases, and shootouts, I think it works.

Edit: Instead of double posting, I thought I'd like to add Cake's version of I Will Survive to the list (Gloria Gaynor). Another one that arguably isn't better, but significantly different and well done in its genre.

[Jasonbot]

Children of Bodom - Oops! I Did It Again covering Britney Spears

Best cover song ever :D

Wha, when did CoB do this? I haven't heard it :(

[demajr]

Love - My Little Red Book
Cover of Burt Bacharach.
Awesome.
(apologies if already mentioned, I tried to read the whole thread....)

[GenesisST]

I didn't see this mentioned:

Santana - Black Magic Woman (originally from Fleetwood Mac, pre-Buckingham and Nicks)

Yep, it's a cover. One of the few that is better than the original with Watchtower.

[FullCollapse]

a new found glory- my heart will go on

another cover that deserves mention but is not necessarily better than the original, is killswitch engage's cover of "holy diver" by dio. soooo good.

[DigitalAx]

Gary Jules- Mad World (originally by Tears for Fears).

That's the winner for me. I absolutely love Gary Jules' version, and can't stand Tears for Fears'.

[mustard]

I don't know if I would call them cover albums as much as tributes but

Meet the Smitherens - The Smithereens
Strung out on OK Computer - Section S

I wouldn't say they are better than the originals but so different that they are like a totally separate thing

[Tubekiwi]

Tiffany's remake of Tommy James & The Shondells "I Think We're Alone Now".

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Tiffany's remake of Tommy James & The Shondells "I Think We're Alone Now".Yes, but then Lene Lovich's 1978 version is so much better than Tiffany's... ;)

[bartelby]

Yes, but then Lene Lovich's 1978 version is so much better than Tiffany's... ;)

But then Snuff's version is way better than all the others!!

[polevault139]

A Perfect Circle's version of John Lenon's "Imagine" is awesome. I liked Lenon when he was in the Beatles but after that his stuff started declining.

[demajr]

Patti Smith: When Doves Cry.

I think Patti Smith sings it with a much needed sourness, which fits the song perfectly. Prince never quite managed to arrange the song or even sing sounding as hurt as the lyrics call for...

Patti Smith's version of My Generation makes the Who sound like little schoolboys... It blows the original out of the water!

[Mr. Durden]

Live and Let Die - Redone by Guns N Roses, originally performed by Paul McCartney (I think)

[steviem]

Rage Against The Machine - Kick Out The Jams (MC5)
Dashboard Confessional - Jamie (Weezer)
Gatsby's American Dream - Just Like Heaven (The Cure) Not so much better, but really different and is quite a refreshing change to the cure's version
Fall Out Boy - Roxanne (The Police) Its a quicker version and doesn't get as boring as The Police's version does, maybe Tantric songs aren't my bag yet..

[bartelby]

Rage Against The Machine - Kick Out The Jams (MC5)

:eek:

Really? I'm shocked!:)

[Baron58]

Tiffany's remake of Tommy James & The Shondells "I Think We're Alone Now".

This is 'MacRumors'.... what are you thinking? *This* is the best remake of that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY2kWyqdxOI

:apple: :D

[whooleytoo]

Brad Mehldau - Paranoid Android (Radiohead). All 17 or so minutes of it.

[DigitalAx]

Fall Out Boy - Roxanne (The Police)

Blasphemy.

[Phat Elvis]

No question:

California Girls - David Lee Roth

Not that the Beach Boys are any real competition.

Oh - and 'My Humps' by Alanis Morisette!

[kiang]

The Offspring - Video Killed The Radiostar (covering The Buggles) :p

[nadyne]

I'm in love with Jimmy Buffet's Uncle John's Band. I assume that it's a Grateful Dead original.

The Indigo Girls have a really great cover of that, too. It's on the Deadicated Grateful Dead tribute album.

Another great Dead cover from that album is Elvis Costello's version of 'Ship of Fools'.

[2pac]

I've found that sometimes a cover can improve a song, especially if it's a whole new twist.

Some songs I've found:

Lacuna Coil - "Enjoy The Silence". It's a cover of a Depeche Mode song. I first heard the cover, then the original. Lacuna Coil's version is much better both musically and vocally, IMO.

The Corrs - "Everybody Hurts". I didn't even know it was a REM song until about 2 years after I first heard it, when I saw the video on MTV. I like Andrea Corr's voice a lot better, but musically they're about the same

Sonata Arctica - "World In My Eyes". Another Depeche Mode cover. This is a thousand times better! Much richer musically, and more powerful vocally.

What covers do you like better than the original songs? It could even be a parody, like Al Yankovic's "White & Nerdy" (Chamillionaire cover) :p

I know more than 10 version of 'Enjoy the silence' but that one you mentioned was really GOOd

[Tom B.]

I know more than 10 version of 'Enjoy the silence' but that one you mentioned was really GOOd

I thought you were dead! Glad to see that isn't the case.

Anyway, i would say Alien Ant Farm's version of Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson)

[Sirus The Virus]

'Smells Like Teen Spirit' covered by Patti Smith.
I never thought that song could be so good.

[Peterkro]

"Smells like Teen Spirit" The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

[killmoms]

I think I like Rosie Thomas' (featuring Sufjan Stevens!) cover of R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" more than the original.

It doesn't quite count, 'cause I don't like it MORE than the original, but Björk's cover of Joni Mitchell's "The Boho Dance" is pretty ****ing great.

[Jaffa Cake]

"Smells like Teen Spirit" The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.They also do a rather splendid version of Miss Dynamite's Dy-Na-Mi-Tee...

[evilgEEk]

Definitely Brad Roberts' (Crash Test Dummies) cover of "Hit Me Baby, One More Time"

It's spectacular. (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=26830919&s=143441&i=26830912)