Best Song Covers

[pshreck]

This had to be done.

OK the best is clearly "All Along the Watchtower" by Hendrix, but their are clearly some other good ones.

[DemonDeac]

"boys of summer" by the ataris

[krazyace5]

White Lion- Radar Love

Metallica- Stone Cold Crazy

These are definitly better than the originals

[Slow Play Ray]

I have a few:

Tool - "No Quarter" (Led Zeppelin)
Shinedown - "Simple Man" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Sublime - "Scarlet Begonias" (The Grateful Dead)
THE GOURDS - "Gin and Juice" (Snoop + Dr. Dre)

[Nottom]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a few:

...
Shinedown - "Simple Man" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
...

[/ QUOTE ]

Ugh, this version is completely awful.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]

THE GOURDS - "Gin and Juice" (Snoop + Dr. Dre)

[/ QUOTE ]no, the sheer novelty of this song is the only reason weak minded morons like it.

[Slow Play Ray]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

THE GOURDS - "Gin and Juice" (Snoop + Dr. Dre)

[/ QUOTE ]no, the sheer novelty of this song is the only reason weak minded morons like it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes - I am weak-minded. And a moron.

Oh, but I'm also a Bluegrass fan...so maybe that's why I like it?

Nah, you're right - I'm just a weak-minded moron.

[slickpoppa]

I don't think they ever recorded it, but Pearl Jam did a pretty sick live cover of "Baba O'Riley" at MSG (Teenage Wasteland to you noobs). Pearl Jam does some pretty sick covers in general.

I would have to say that Hendrix's cover of Watchtower is my favorite though.

[2+2 wannabe]

[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

NO

[miajag81]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

NO

[/ QUOTE ]

[DemonDeac]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

NO

[/ QUOTE ]

YES

[RacersEdge]

Guns and Roses - "Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)

[miajag81]

The White Stripes' version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" is pretty hot.

Pearl Jam does a pretty good job with Baba O'Riley live.

[Skipbidder]

Satisfaction covered by Devo. (Yes, I know it was listed in the other thread by someone else.)

There were several covers of Depeche Mode songs on a compilation (called Music for the Masses). The Cure does Depeche Mode better than Depeche Mode (World in My Eyes).

On that same CD, Rammstein sings Stripped. I find it hilarious.

Soft Cell's Tainted Love. This is my number one answer. Original Gloria Jones.

There was a collection of covers of Stairway to Heaven. One was a B-52s cover band called Rock Lobsters. A hoot.

The Ramones sang the Spiderman theme on Saturday Morning Cartoons.

Hazy Shade of Winter (originally Simon and Garfunkel) as covered by the Bangles.

I Fought the Law (originally some crappy oldies band) as covered by The Clash.

Johnny Cash covering U2's One.

[fyodor]

Frank Zappa - Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers)
Sid Vicous - My Way (Paul Anka)

[CallMeIshmael]

Mr Tambourine man - Byrds (Dylan)

FWIW, He's been mentioned 3 times already.


EDIT: This of course, excludes all along the watchtower. Otherwise, its just not fair.

[JTrout]

Willie- "you were always on my mind"

[Slow Play Ray]

[ QUOTE ]
Mr Tambourine man - Byrds (Dylan)

FWIW, He's been mentioned 3 times already.

[/ QUOTE ]

Cuz he is one of the greatest songwriters ever! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[thatpfunk]

Cash doing "Hurt" is amazing.

I like SRVs Little Wing, but in no way is it better.

[RacersEdge]

I like Clampton's "After Midnight" remake - not sure who did the original - I want to say he did in his first band(?).


<<<<<<<not a music buff

[Pocket Trips]

Cash doing "Rusty cage" by soundgarden is actually even better than hurt.. but then again I don't like country music but still think everything Cash ever did kicks ass

[razor]

Cash "Southern Accents"
Cash "Spiritual"

edit: not intending to suggest these outdo Hendrix "Watchtower"

1. "Superstar" by Luther Vandross (original by the Carpenters)

2. "It's Going to Take Some Time" by Dishwalla (also by the Carpenters)

Seriously.

Living, Laughing, Learning

Big Niss

[razor]

[ QUOTE ]
I like SRVs Little Wing, but in no way is it better.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sting's performance of "Little Wing" on SNL years ago was great as I recall (but not better).

[Pocket Trips]

While we are on the subject of Johnny Cash and covers...

Shawn Mullins does an AMAZING cover of Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

[rusellmj]

[ QUOTE ]
I like Clampton's "After Midnight" remake - not sure who did the original - I want to say he did in his first band(?).


<<<<<<<not a music buff

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be J.J. Cale.

[rusellmj]

[ QUOTE ]
Guns and Roses - "Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)

[/ QUOTE ]

G&R's version of Nice Boys by (the UK Subs?) is way better.

[DukeSucks]

Pearl Jam did Baba as the encore at the show I saw and it was awesome. Their version of Beast of Burden is good too.

I'll also vote for Ramble On by Train

[hoopsie44]

Shrek,
I think you're a dick. You say All Along The Watchtower is the best cover after saying it's the worst: what is it ?

[DemonDeac]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Mr Tambourine man - Byrds (Dylan)

FWIW, He's been mentioned 3 times already.

[/ QUOTE ]

Cuz he is one of the greatest songwriters ever! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

got that right, my friend

[bosoxfan]

Aerosmith - Train Kept Rolling
The Doors - Gloria

[ttleistdci]

[ QUOTE ]
This had to be done.

OK the best is clearly "All Along the Watchtower" by Hendrix, but their are clearly some other good ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Dave Matthews Band version of the same song is incredible too. Not sure if it's on any of their other live CDs, but the version on their Central Park CD is amazing.

[Slow Play Ray]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
This had to be done.

OK the best is clearly "All Along the Watchtower" by Hendrix, but their are clearly some other good ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Dave Matthews Band version of the same song is incredible too. Not sure if it's on any of their other live CDs, but the version on their Central Park CD is amazing.

[/ QUOTE ]

The cover with Warren Haynes of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer" on that CD is awesome too. Far cry from a "best cover" (or even the best cover of that song), but still a pretty killer tune...

[daryljobe777]

[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

Blasphemy.

[glen]

hendrix's gloria rocks too. . . .

[miajag81]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
This had to be done.

OK the best is clearly "All Along the Watchtower" by Hendrix, but their are clearly some other good ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Dave Matthews Band version of the same song is incredible too. Not sure if it's on any of their other live CDs, but the version on their Central Park CD is amazing.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't even like Dave Matthews, but I got suckered into going to one of his concerts a few years back and Ben Harper was opening for them/playing with them for some songs, including All Along The Watchtower. It kicked obscene amounts of ass.

[bort411]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Guns and Roses - "Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)

[/ QUOTE ]

G&R's version of Nice Boys by (the UK Subs?) is way better.

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe this is a cover of a song by Rose Tattoo, which was a poor man's equivalent to ACDC for a period.

[Rev. Good Will]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

NO

[/ QUOTE ]

[partygirluk]

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye by David Gray.

[Sponger15SB]

A New Found Glory - My heart will go on


hehehe

[tbach24]

[ QUOTE ]
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye by David Gray.

[/ QUOTE ]

David Gray pwns. I didn't know this was a cover, who did the original?

[Uston]

Take Me Home, Country Roads by Toots & The Maytals
House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals
Andalucia by Yo La Tengo

[cnfuzzd]

"Im on fire" by tori amos, covering either johnny cash or bruce springsteen is beautiful. In, tori covers alot of songs really, really well.

peace

john nickle

[Pocket Trips]

Tori Amos, or more specifically her sound engineer, needs to learn the meaning of the word sibilance and how to reduce it... Her songs are annoying as hell with all the popping of her P's and prolonging her S's.

[raisins]

Meatmen - "How Soon is Now"

Johnny Cash - "Solitary Man"

[Dr. StrangeloveX]

Cover of EZ E's Boys in the Hood, i forget who does it

Astronomy/metallica

Across the universe/fiona apple. I think it's better than the original. Heresy.

My dad singing /Tangled up in Blue. Man, Bob Dylan can't sing.

[CHiPS]

Yes I agree the Skynard version of Simple Man (studio + live versions) are better than Shinedown. I'm in a band that does this song.
One great remake is James Taylor "How Sweet it Is". This song had been around a while, but JT did an awesome job with it compared to earlier versions.

A good debate would be the Kinks Vs Van Halen on "You Really Got Me". The older generation might like the Kinks and the Kinks were a good band, but I'll vote Van Halen on the remake.

[nothumb]

[ QUOTE ]
Take Me Home, Country Roads by Toots & The Maytals


[/ QUOTE ]

VNH. Another good ska cover is "Suspicious Minds," I think by The Heptones. I also like the Pietasters version of "Same Old Song" (although it's hard to compare to the original Four Tops song).

Probably the best cover song ever, though, is Aretha Franklin - 'Respect.'

Since a lot of people are mentioning Cash covers, I think my favorite cover songs he did are "Mercy Seat," "Hung My Head," "Bird On a Wire," "Father and Son," or "Pocahontas." Although if you want to get technical, "Daddy Sang Bass" is a cover and that's one of my favorite songs he ever released.

Greatful Dead have done a ton of good covers. Also, Garcia, Grisman and Rice did very good acoustic versions of "House of the Rising Sun" and "Shady Grove."

I don't like most punk covers, but Leatherface has done some great ones. (I know, I beat this band to death on this board.) "Message in a Bottle," "True Colors," "Ship Song," "Knockin on Heaven's Door," etc.

SRV's Little Wing is a spectacular live version. Beats the pants off the Sting and Clapton versions.

There are a lot more I've forgotten.

NT

[beckham9]

the entire johnny cash cd (dont know the name...the last one he released which was popular) was all covers i believe, and i hadnt really heard any of the songs before. i think "hurt" was a sting remix.

[nothumb]

[ QUOTE ]
i think "hurt" was a wildly popular NIN song.

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

[ilovemyZ]

[ QUOTE ]
Cover of EZ E's Boys in the Hood, i forget who does it

[/ QUOTE ]

this was done by dynamite hack... i like this version much better than the original

[rmarotti]

[ QUOTE ]
Cover of EZ E's Boys in the Hood, i forget who does it



[/ QUOTE ]

thread over.

[blatz]

I love Hank Williams III covering Springsteens Atlantic City.

The Residents covering Hank Williams Sr's Kaw-Liga is pretty fun.

The best cover of anything is Schlong covering the entire West Side Story album. Undescribably excellent.

And Van Halen, representing everything awesome about the 70's with the Kinks You Really Got Me.

[zephed]

In My Time of Dying-Led Zeppelin.

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You-Led Zeppelin

Hard To Handle-The Black Crowes

Death Letter-The White Stripes

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself-The White Stripes

Hey Joe-Jimi Hendrix (AATW was already mentioned)

Crossroads-Cream

Hound Dog-Elvis

That's Alright Mama-Elvis

[zephed]

[ QUOTE ]
Aerosmith - Train Kept Rolling
The Doors - Gloria

[/ QUOTE ]

Well done. I can't believe I forgot that.

The Yardbirds version is good. Led Zeppelin does a pretty good live version of it too.

[hobbsmann]

first off we've got to give props to all the awesome sublime covers aside from the grateful dead one mentioned above.

sublime:

whats my number (toots)
hope (descendents)
modern man (bad religion)

[sfer]

[ QUOTE ]

Sid Vicous - My Way (Paul Anka)

[/ QUOTE ]

This is it.

[IndieMatty]

[ QUOTE ]
"boys of summer" by the ataris

[/ QUOTE ]

This is wrong. There's a better cover of this by codeseven

[IndieMatty]

Grade - Ziggy Stardust
Nirvana - Jesus Don't Wan't Me For a Sunbeam


(None hold a candle to Hendrix and Watchtower..but just throwing two good ones in there)

[istewart]

"I Heard it Through the Grapevine"
"Twist and Shout"

EDIT: These aren't the two best, just two I didn't see.

[chaas4747]

Most of mine have been taken, but I will throw out Snoop Dog's cover of Ladi Dadi (originally Slick Rick).

[swede123]

I shot the Sheriff. I really like both the original (Marley) and the remake (Clapton).

Swede

[fyodor]

[ QUOTE ]
I like Clampton's "After Midnight" remake - not sure who did the original - I want to say he did in his first band(?).

<<<<<<<not a music buff

[/ QUOTE ]I think you mean Clampet, Jed Clampet. Anyhow I believe J.J.Cale did the original

[Shajen]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
This had to be done.

OK the best is clearly "All Along the Watchtower" by Hendrix, but their are clearly some other good ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Dave Matthews Band version of the same song is incredible too. Not sure if it's on any of their other live CDs, but the version on their Central Park CD is amazing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its on the Live at Red Rocks cd set, I'm pretty sure.

[Aces McGee]

[ QUOTE ]
Cover of EZ E's Boys in the Hood, i forget who does it


[/ QUOTE ]

I think you may be thinking of a band called Dynamite Hack.

[ QUOTE ]
Astronomy/metallica


[/ QUOTE ]

This is a great answer. I head the 'tallica version first, and although I like BOC, I was a little disappointed when I heard the original.

-McGee

[steelcmg]

[ QUOTE ]
Guns and Roses - "Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)

[/ QUOTE ]


This is by far the best cover. I had a few close people in my family pass away and it seems like everytime we would be on r way to the cemetary this song would be played on the radio. So this song has a strong place in my heart.

[youtalkfunny]

I can count on one hand how many rap songs I like.

But Run DMC's "Walk This Way" is one of them.

[Uston]

I haven't thought about the Pietasters (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000000FU8/qid=1118866357/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl15/103-0104364-7246207?v=glance&s=music&n=507846) in years. Can I Change My Mind was my favorite song on that disc, although it's not as good as the original.

[Dominic]

"Funtime" by the Cars (Iggy Pop)

Outstanding cover.

[Johnny Richter]

Send Me an Angel by Thrice

[IndieMatty]

[ QUOTE ]
Send Me an Angel by Thrice

[/ QUOTE ]

this is a good one.

[Johnny Richter]

I almost forgot.

"Boys in the Hood" by Dynamite Hack

[Chairman Wood]

I like a lot of the one's mentioned, here are a few more:
Blind Melon covered "Candy Says" by the Velvet Underground. That was pretty awesome. Come to think of it there are a lot of Velvet's covers out there that are pretty good. I heard David Bowie do "I'm waiting for the man." Nirvana also did "Here She Comes Now" which is just awesome hearing Kurt Cobain's vocals on that. All for now, I'll come back with a few more

[kyro]

I already answered this in the other thread but my vote goes to Eric Cartman doing "Come Sail Away."

[tomdemaine]

Feeling good - Muse
House of th rising sun - Muse
I believe i can fly - me first and the gimmie gimmies

[mmbt0ne]

I don't know if Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" counts, but it's really good.

Howie Day - Africa

I'm sure I know some more that haven't been listed yet that are good.

[durron597]

Personal Jesus by Marilyn Manson

Which is funny because I'm not normally a Marilyn Manson fan.

[mmbt0ne]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">En réponse à:</font><hr />
I believe i can fly - me first and the gimmie gimmies

[/ QUOTE ]

Dude, they have so many better cover songs. Mandy, and Me &amp; Julio Down by the Schoolyard come to mind first.

[ijwaef]

"The Metro" by System of a Down (originally The Bangles)

[Uston]

[ QUOTE ]
I like a lot of the one's mentioned, here are a few more:
Blind Melon covered "Candy Says" by the Velvet Underground. That was pretty awesome. Come to think of it there are a lot of Velvet's covers out there that are pretty good. I heard David Bowie do "I'm waiting for the man." Nirvana also did "Here She Comes Now" which is just awesome hearing Kurt Cobain's vocals on that. All for now, I'll come back with a few more

[/ QUOTE ]

This (http://www.xnet2.com/neslon/music/faves/covers.html) is a good link. I've been looking for a great cover of I'll Be Your Mirror for years. I think it's the best song Lou Reed ever wrote. Nico butchered the studio version so badly and the Live At Max's Kansas City version is of such poor quality. The version by Rainy Day isn't great but it's the best I've found.

[Chairman Wood]

[ QUOTE ]
This is a good link. I've been looking for a great cover of I'll Be Your Mirror for years. I think it's the best song Lou Reed ever wrote. Nico butchered the studio version so badly and the Live At Max's Kansas City version is of such poor quality. The version by Rainy Day isn't great but it's the best I've found.

[/ QUOTE ]
Awesome thanks. I have never heard a good cover of Heroin although a lot of people have taken a crack at it. I'll keep an eye out for I'll be your Mirror.

[wayabvpar]

A couple of favs that I haven't seen mentioned yet-

Cruel To Be Kind- Letters to Cleo (Nick Lowe did the original, AFAIK)

Come On Eileen- Save Ferris (Dexy's Midnight Runners)

[WEASEL45]

AFI - halloween

[Amid Cent]

Either I missed it, or I'm completely shocked nobody has said Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner. Not only is the cover great, but the original is pretty damned good as well.

Denim = Groo = Amid

[Monkeyslacks]

Two good covers:

Annie Lennox: "Don't let it Bring You Down" (originally Neil Diamond, on American Beauty Sndtrk)
Alanis Morrisette: "King of Pain" (Unplugged album)

No, I'm not gay.

[Sponger15SB]

[ QUOTE ]
Come On Eileen- Save Ferris (Dexy's Midnight Runners)

[/ QUOTE ]

ooooo good choice.

Save Ferris was/is a pretty good band

[billyjex]

i have an MP3 of some punk band doing Hotel California. I like it. The title says Pennywise but it doesn't really sound like them..

[M2d]

Wild World by Maxi Priest. much better than the original

[Sponger15SB]

[ QUOTE ]
i have an MP3 of some punk band doing Hotel California. I like it. The title says Pennywise but it doesn't really sound like them..

[/ QUOTE ]

A lot of bands do covers of this song. I wouldn't have been suprised to see this song on the "worst covers list" either.

[billyjex]

yeah well it's not exactly like punk music is really popular so I'm sure people wouldn't like it for that reason alone.

[The Stranger]

[ QUOTE ]
While we are on the subject of Johnny Cash and covers...

Shawn Mullins does an AMAZING cover of Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

[/ QUOTE ]

which was a cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

[Irieguy]

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Leif Garrett.

Instant classic.

Irieguy

[The Stranger]

The correct answer is "Crazy" by Pasty Cline.

(Willie Nelson was the original)

[Golden_Rhino]

paint it black by the Tea Party

[Golden_Rhino]

[ QUOTE ]
Cash doing "Hurt" is amazing.

[lastcoyote]

Not sure how this hasn't been mentioned yet:

"Blinded By The Light" - Manfred Mann (Bruce Springsteen)

I like these also:

"The Ghost of Tom Joad" - Rage Against the Machine (Bruce Springsteen)
"Signs" - Tesla (Five Man Electical Band)

The Dynamite Hack version of "Boyz-N-The-Hood" (NWA) was mentioned but it always gives me a smile when I hear it (or even think about it) for some reason.

I read Ray Davies believes the VH version of "You Really Got Me" is better than The Kinks.

I think most of Led Zeppelin's first album consisted of both credited covers and uncredited swipes from old Blues musicians. I think I read that in Hammer of the Gods but it's been a while since I read that. Album totally rocks though and is one of my top all time favorites.

[Oski]

[ QUOTE ]
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Leif Garrett.

Instant classic.

Irieguy

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the Melvins with Leif Garrett singing lead vocals. Give Buzzo some credit for coming up with that one. (Which is especially funny considering Cobain used to be a roadie for the Melvins).

[Uston]

I have never heard a good cover of Heroin although a lot of people have taken a crack at it.

Maybe they shouldn't have bothered. I honestly can't see any way that a band would be able to improve the VU version.

[KJS]

Angel of Death (Slayer) by Monstrosity
Whiplash (Metallica) by Crematorium
In the Meantime (Helmet) by Pig Destroyer
The IVth Crusade (Bolt Thrower) by Heaven Shall Burn

KJS

[jcx]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
While we are on the subject of Johnny Cash and covers...

Shawn Mullins does an AMAZING cover of Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

[/ QUOTE ]

which was a cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

[/ QUOTE ]

Kristofferson can't sing for sh*t, but is a great songwriter. Another example (and my pick): Me and Bobby McGee, as covered by Janis Joplin.

[CCass]

[ QUOTE ]
I can count on one hand how many rap songs I like.

But Run DMC's "Walk This Way" is one of them.

[/ QUOTE ]

VNH.

Also, I like Joan Jett's version of Crimson and Clover.

[wuwei]

[ QUOTE ]
I like SRVs Little Wing, but in no way is it better.

[/ QUOTE ]

For a definitive Little Wing cover, you need to look at Steve Kimock. I highly recommend the one from this show. (http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=1215)

[ijwaef]

[ QUOTE ]
i have an MP3 of some punk band doing Hotel California. I like it. The title says Pennywise but it doesn't really sound like them..

[/ QUOTE ]

You may be listening to this band: SkaDaddyZ. Great cover of Hotel California, took me forever to find out who did this. I orignally had it labeled as done by Reel Big Fish

[nothumb]

[ QUOTE ]
paint it black by Earth Crisis

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

NT

[hobbsmann]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Send Me an Angel by Thrice

[/ QUOTE ]

this is a good one.

[/ QUOTE ]

If we're going with thrice covers the elenor rigby cover is far superior.

[wayabvpar]

Whiskey in the Jar- Metallica

I have always liked the folk version of this song; Metallica took Thin Lizzy's cover and 'Metallica-ized' it. Good stuff- and I am anything but a Metallica fan.