Saturday, November 26, 2011

15 COMMANDING COVER SONGS

 I was inspired to write this post after sitting through one song on the new reality competition show Cover Me Canada. Skillfully utilizing an instrument is truthfully a talent, but If we're being honest American Idol and similar programs are simply glorified karaoke.

 I'm not saying cover songs can't be musical marvels in their own right. Yet I don't think you'll hear many awe inspiring parallel performances from someone who stood in line for five days in an attempt to impress Steven Tyler.

 In some cases covers can eclipse the original version, as Jimi Hendrix's take on Bob Dylan's All Along The Watchtower did. Hendrix, who closes out this post with a different cover, interpreted Dylan's song to such amazing effect that it reached the Top 10 in 1968 and ranked at #48 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, making it perhaps the most successful replicated rendition.

 Here are fifteen of my favourite cover songs, which you probably will never hear celebrity judges critique different versions of; well maybe Lovesong or Use Somebody.

 As a side note, I really wanted to start this post with Alkaline Trio's cover of The Muppets' Movin' Right Along as Henson's puppets are currently relevant once more with the new movie and all. Sadly the YouTube video of this fuzzy, feel good song was recently removed.

About a Girl
Cibo Matto
Originally recorded by Nirvana 




Crazy in Love
Snow Patrol
Beyoncé




Lovesong
Adele
The Cure




Use Somebody
Matisyahu
Kings of Leon




Tighten Up
The Watson Twins
The Black Keys




Wide River
Sahara Hotnights
Steve Miller




Everybody Wants To Rule the World 
Patti Smith
Tears For Fears




Head On 
Pixies
The Jesus & Mary Chain




Beat My Guest
Epoxies
Adam & The Ants




Candy Says 
Blind Melon
Velvet Underground




Knock Loud 
Neko Case
Sook Yin Lee




Kick Out The Jams
Rage Against the Machine
MC5




Crimson & Clover
Joan Jett
Tommy James & The Shondells




Hurt
Johnny Cash
Nine Inch Nails




Hey Joe
Jimi Hendrix
The Leaves

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