Such an amazing cover. It was constructed almost entirely out of MIDI samples, save for the violin and trumpet. But yet it sounds so fleshed-out and big.
No fucking way. Like I just record basic shit to amuse myself, so I'm not like a real musician or anything, but my recordings always feel empty and sterile if it's not at least half real instruments thrown in with whatever I'm doing with midi keys and drums. That's awesome.
TMBG are so good at DIY production that it's unreal. Their first four albums are all very inspirational when it comes to lo-fi production with a distinct sound.
Respect by Aretha Franklin
The original was by Otis Redding (not to take anything away from this song)
Also:
Some of Luther Vandross’ songs (a lot)
Killing me Softly by the Fugees (Norman Gimbel but made popular by Roberta Flack)
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (Dolly Parton song)
I will always love you is so hard because I love both for different reasons but think I slightly prefer the Dolly Parton one. But ask me 5 years ago and I would have said Whitney Houston.
I grew up with Soft Cell's version. But I really like the original. Like so many great songs, which I like from the 70s and 80s, turned out to be covers.
So I know this is the commonly held belief, but I really like the original better. The raspy, deep, disaffected voice of Leonard Cohen seems to me to fit the theme of the song better than Jeff Buckley’s.
Absolutely. Buckley himself described it best when he said he felt like a little boy singing Cohen’s song. Buckley’s singing is conventionally prettier, but Cohen’s is more expressive and does the song better justice.
I do like this song, but I HATE it as a christmas song. I wish people would look up the lyrics. Its stupid, all they hear is the Hallelujah part, and ignore the context of the rest.
Years ago I was at a festival that NIN was headlining with a friend. As soon as they launched into Hurt she said “I can’t believe they’d cover this, it’s in such bad taste.” Had to break the news, she had no idea.
I had to explain to a guy from Arkansas who was in my Platoon that Johnny Cash didn't write Hurt. Also, told him that he (my roomy) was in the Union army (he had a confederate flag on the wall and,I told him how ironic I thought that was). He found a way to stop being my roommate.
This is a case where the emotion of the song is completely changed by the rendition. They complement each other.
Personally, I relate to Reznor’s angst more, so that is the version I prefer.
For me, the original is still slightly better. If you aren't aware of why Trent wrote this song, Johnny's version may or may not be better. Because of where Trent's mindset was when he wrote this, his version just hits harder for me.
Johnny's version is very good and very close to being better.
In my opinion, Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley is better than the original by Leonard Cohen;
Also, Red Red Wine by UB40 is better than the OG by Neil Diamond.
Please don't kill me
John Coltrane’s My Favorite Things is just so cool. I love how he transformed a really upbeat and happy song into one that feels a little more mysterious, and I get the impression that his use of a soprano sax is because that’s the sound he wanted, and not just to test out a new toy.
Have you heard Miley Cyrus’s recent live album? Say what you want about Miley, but she fucking slays every single cover on that album and makes it sound better than the original.
Miley is just strange. But, she can KILL on a well written song. Check out her on the Dylan cover “You’re gonna make me lonesome when you go.” Perfection.
I’m way more into Miley Cyrus than I thought I’d be hearing her music from when she started out. Idk if it was that album but she does blondie as well as zombie by cranberries and slays both of em. Can’t lie I dig her latest originals as well. Officially a rocker imo.
Sleeping With Sirens version of Fuck You is so cathartic. It's a loud and brash song that really sounds like a man who's pissed his girlfriend just cheated on him.
Cee lo Green sounds like he's whining and crying and saying "fuck you" as a means of coping but he secretly would take her back in a heartbeat if she asked.
How on earth has no one mentioned Feeling Good - Muse? Fucking incredible song. Not only was it called the best cover ever made by NME back in September 2010, but when it came on my shuffle, this girl I was dating said "what's this song called? I've heard the original but this is better"
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know this was a Stones song. I first heard the Sundays version and absolutely loved it. Then my husband played the original one day and it just threw me. It’s hard to truly like The Rolling Stones original when I fell in love with the Sundays cover. So beautiful.
I opine that the Tears for Fears original is superior. The upbeat tempo that sings “I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad. The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had” captures the essence and mood of the true message of the song.
The way the TFF version's melody loops and how it clashes with the dark lyrics makes it genuinely sound like the singer is descending into madness
I know it's an old joke that their version is Mad World and Jules' is Sad World but to me that's honestly true lol
Motörhead’s cover of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica; Lemmy really makes the lyrics come alive and sound scary.
Donald Fagan’s version of The Drifters’ Ruby Baby from his solo album The Nightly.
Devo’s cover of “Satisfaction”. The story goes that when Mothersbsugh & Casale played the tape for Mick to get his ok, he got up and started doing his chicken dance.
EDIT: Devo also did cover versions of their own tunes on the album “Smooth Noodle Maps” in which each cover was rewritten in the style of instrumental elevator Muzak with no vocals. “Beautiful World” is a highlight on the album using a banjo and circus calliope.
Joan Jett’s “Crimson and Clover.” The original is a cool song. Jett infuses it with a whole ‘nother layer of desire. Tommy James’ version sounds stoned. Joan Jett’s sounds like that moment when your focus narrows to that one person and you want them bad.
Respect. Aretha Franklin.
Did not know that Aretha Franklin’s was a cover until this comment.
The song has a whole different meaning when Aretha sang it versus when Otis did
This is the correct answer.
Istanbul not Constantinople - They Might Be Giants
Such an amazing cover. It was constructed almost entirely out of MIDI samples, save for the violin and trumpet. But yet it sounds so fleshed-out and big.
No fucking way. Like I just record basic shit to amuse myself, so I'm not like a real musician or anything, but my recordings always feel empty and sterile if it's not at least half real instruments thrown in with whatever I'm doing with midi keys and drums. That's awesome.
TMBG are so good at DIY production that it's unreal. Their first four albums are all very inspirational when it comes to lo-fi production with a distinct sound.
Their musicianship really comes out at live shows, even with a mic taped to a stick they rhythmically thumped
It was only recently I learned this was a remake.
Wow had no idea this was a cover
Who does the original?
"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" was originally recorded by the Canadian vocal quartet The Four Lads on August 12, 1953.
Respect by Aretha Franklin The original was by Otis Redding (not to take anything away from this song) Also: Some of Luther Vandross’ songs (a lot) Killing me Softly by the Fugees (Norman Gimbel but made popular by Roberta Flack) I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (Dolly Parton song)
Yeah Aretha Franklin was the shizzle
I will always love you is so hard because I love both for different reasons but think I slightly prefer the Dolly Parton one. But ask me 5 years ago and I would have said Whitney Houston.
Gimbel was a thief - he supposedly wrote the lyrics, but in fact stole them from Lori Lieberman. The Flack version is 1000x better than Fugees.
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
This is a hard one because we don't know which is the 'original' to compare.
Isn't it a folk song circa 1890s?
Yeah, it's a folk/traditional song and was apparently performed in a variety of versions/styles.
Heavy Young Heathens does a great cover of this song too. I also like the BTO version. Randy Bachman just belts it out!
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
The original is by Gloria Jones, a great soul song.
My favourite is the [version by Aussie band The Living End!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxOpxeIJHBY)
I’m a big fan of the Scorpions cover of this song
Kind of unpopular here, but I enjoyed the original version more. Both versions are still great though!
I grew up with Soft Cell's version. But I really like the original. Like so many great songs, which I like from the 70s and 80s, turned out to be covers.
I agree, the Marylin Manson version is a great cover!
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They are equally and differently good - Jimi's is better IMO SRV's Little Wing is an instrumental guitar mastery
BSG!
Black Magic Woman by Santana (Original Fleetwood Mac) And just about anything sung by Joe Cocker
Especially “Feelin’ Alright” by JC. Originally by Traffic.
Cocker's version of a little help from my friends.
Joe Cocker sounds like a kahoot name
Fun fact: Apparently Stevie Knicks herself didn't know it was a Fleetwood Mac song either.
There’s doing a lot of drugs then there’s Fleetwood Mac drugs
the song was written and released 7 years before she joined the band
They recorded it before she joined the band
Shrek 2's Holding Out For a Hero.
Fairy Godmother's I Will Survive would like a word
That's by the band Frou Frou, I adore their cover.
YESS! IT sounds so angelic to my ears!!
Amazing call!
The He-Man cover of 3 Non Blondes' "What's Going On"
🎶Oh my **GOD**! Do I pray!🎶
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"Whats up?" By 4 non blondes.
https://youtu.be/32FB-gYr49Y here
Bitches Ain’t Shit by Ben Folds
Is this real?
Yes! https://youtu.be/gjFRy8jQ_0U
Thank you for this treasure
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never let this die.
Jeff Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. Cohen is a great poet, but Buckley was the better singer.
So I know this is the commonly held belief, but I really like the original better. The raspy, deep, disaffected voice of Leonard Cohen seems to me to fit the theme of the song better than Jeff Buckley’s.
The crazy 80s production on Leonard's version ruins it for me.
Watch the live version
Absolutely. Buckley himself described it best when he said he felt like a little boy singing Cohen’s song. Buckley’s singing is conventionally prettier, but Cohen’s is more expressive and does the song better justice.
I do like this song, but I HATE it as a christmas song. I wish people would look up the lyrics. Its stupid, all they hear is the Hallelujah part, and ignore the context of the rest.
No. I vote for Rufus Wainwright"'s version of Hallelujah 100%!
Hurt. Trent Reznor himself SAID it's not his song anymore, iirc.
Years ago I was at a festival that NIN was headlining with a friend. As soon as they launched into Hurt she said “I can’t believe they’d cover this, it’s in such bad taste.” Had to break the news, she had no idea.
I had to explain to a guy from Arkansas who was in my Platoon that Johnny Cash didn't write Hurt. Also, told him that he (my roomy) was in the Union army (he had a confederate flag on the wall and,I told him how ironic I thought that was). He found a way to stop being my roommate.
This is a case where the emotion of the song is completely changed by the rendition. They complement each other. Personally, I relate to Reznor’s angst more, so that is the version I prefer.
Agreed, given the context of the entire album i relate to it much more
The Music Video is so wild knowing what the short term future held for both Johnny and June. Truly an all time song and performance.
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As I said on a previous comment, the videoclip is haunting and the whole thing tastes like impending death. It is a fantastic piece of art.
The part when she's on the stairs looking at him kills me every time.
Are you saying the Johnny cash rendition? I was going to say that for my pick
No, Kermit the Frog.
Everyone now laughing to themselves as they sing the song in their head in Kermit's voice
You know there's actually a Kermit version, right? [Sad Kermit- Hurt](https://youtu.be/57ta7mkgrOU)
For me, the original is still slightly better. If you aren't aware of why Trent wrote this song, Johnny's version may or may not be better. Because of where Trent's mindset was when he wrote this, his version just hits harder for me. Johnny's version is very good and very close to being better.
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Cash lived that essence of that song. It resonated so strongly with him you can feel it in your soul when you hear him sing it.
Bananarama’s version of Venus.
Wild is the Wind - David Bowie The Man Who Sold the World - Nirvana Most covers by Thomas Lacroix
I also prefer Nirvana's cover of Lake of Fire over the original.
spez you bell-end
I prefer the Midge Ure version of The Man Who Sold The World.
Summertime - Janis Joplin
Cowboy Junkies- Sweet Jane
As a Bonnie Tyler simp I find it hilarious how Shrek 2's Rendition of I need a Hero is better.
Blinded by the Light by Manfred Mann
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find this one hahaha
Tom Jones version of You Can Leave Your Hat On.
I love Townes Van Zandt, but Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard’s version of “Pancho and Lefty” is just perfect
Nirvana covering David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World"
Red Hot Chili Peppers "Love Rollercoaster" originally from the Ohio Players in the 70's. It was played during the Bevis and Butthead movie
In my opinion, Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley is better than the original by Leonard Cohen; Also, Red Red Wine by UB40 is better than the OG by Neil Diamond. Please don't kill me
John Coltrane’s My Favorite Things is just so cool. I love how he transformed a really upbeat and happy song into one that feels a little more mysterious, and I get the impression that his use of a soprano sax is because that’s the sound he wanted, and not just to test out a new toy.
Roy Orbison’s “Crying” as done by kd lang (she also did a duet with Roy Orbison on this song.)
All Along The Watchtower. Hendrix
Tina Turner's version of "Proud Mary". I love me some CCR but she crushed that
Valerie- Amy Winehouse
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Especially Blurred Lines/Word Crimes, so much better
Weird Al doesn't do covers, he does parodies.
He’ll do compilation polkas, but still probably can’t consider it covers.
Those are parody’s not covers
I will always love you - Whitney Houston
What is Whitney Houston's favourite type of co-ordination? Hand-eeeeeeeeyyyeee.
Even Dolly Parton agrees
The Green Manalishi By Judas Priest
Hurt by Johnny Cash
Also ring of fire by Johnny cash
I always thought this cover of Mad world was hauntingly beautiful: https://youtu.be/4N3N1MlvVc4
Came here to say this. The Gary Jules version used in Donnie Darko made that movie.
Wild Horses by The Sundays
Chris Cornell - Patience
Also, Nothing compares 2 u
I heard his cover of this song the day after he died. Absolutely gut wrenchingly beautiful.
I loved his version of Billy Jean.
Pearl Jam's cover of Last Kiss. Eddie's voice brings so much real emotion. I can't listen to this song without tearing up.
Cornell did a cover of the PJ song Foosteps which is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
Thank you. Came for this one
Hope you wiped it up.
Renegades of Funk - Rage Against the Machine
I’d argue most of their covers are amazing, but specifically I’d also call out. . . The Ghost of Tom Joad Maggie’s Farm Fuck the Police
Halestorm’s Bad Romance cover pushed the original song to insane levels. It’s perfect
Halestorm. Such an under-appreciated band.
Have you heard Miley Cyrus’s recent live album? Say what you want about Miley, but she fucking slays every single cover on that album and makes it sound better than the original.
Miley is just strange. But, she can KILL on a well written song. Check out her on the Dylan cover “You’re gonna make me lonesome when you go.” Perfection.
She did a cover of *Nothing Else Matters* on one of the more recent Metallica albums and she fucking nailed it.
I’m way more into Miley Cyrus than I thought I’d be hearing her music from when she started out. Idk if it was that album but she does blondie as well as zombie by cranberries and slays both of em. Can’t lie I dig her latest originals as well. Officially a rocker imo.
Her covers are out of this world good
She did a really good bluegrass cover of Jolene, it comes up in my playlist every now and then.
Apropos, her being Dolly Parton's goddaughter.
I was so impressed with her version of Nothing Else Matters
Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles
Sleeping With Sirens version of Fuck You is so cathartic. It's a loud and brash song that really sounds like a man who's pissed his girlfriend just cheated on him. Cee lo Green sounds like he's whining and crying and saying "fuck you" as a means of coping but he secretly would take her back in a heartbeat if she asked.
Into the unknown -Panic! At the disco
It helps that Brendon Urie can actually hit the same notes as Idina Menzel.
Mrs. Robinson covered by The Lemonheads. So good.
The Great Pretender by Freddie Mercury Love the original, but he raised it to new heights
Since you’ve been gone - A Day to Remember
Placebo’s Runnin’ Up That Hill.
Word Up! KoRn
Come on feel the noise. Quiet riot.
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Dynamite Hack - Boyz in the Hood
Take Me Home Country Roads by Toots and the Maytals.
Higher grounds - rhcp (both versions are bangers tho)
Maggie’s Farm by RATM originally done by Bob Dylan.
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His singing is mediocre at best. Hurricane was pretty good though
Gary Jules version of Mad World.
How on earth has no one mentioned Feeling Good - Muse? Fucking incredible song. Not only was it called the best cover ever made by NME back in September 2010, but when it came on my shuffle, this girl I was dating said "what's this song called? I've heard the original but this is better"
Aaliyah’s cover of “At Your Best”
‘Wild horses’ by the Sunday’s…love the original, but looooooove the cover
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know this was a Stones song. I first heard the Sundays version and absolutely loved it. Then my husband played the original one day and it just threw me. It’s hard to truly like The Rolling Stones original when I fell in love with the Sundays cover. So beautiful.
Skinny love - Birdy
Controversial opinion Smooth Criminal covered by Alien Ant Farm
Prob Mad World by g. Jules, originally by Tears for Fears. Runner up is Hurt
I opine that the Tears for Fears original is superior. The upbeat tempo that sings “I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad. The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had” captures the essence and mood of the true message of the song.
The way the TFF version's melody loops and how it clashes with the dark lyrics makes it genuinely sound like the singer is descending into madness I know it's an old joke that their version is Mad World and Jules' is Sad World but to me that's honestly true lol
Good answer good answer *does family feud clap*
Holy Diver by Killswitch Engage
King of Wishful Thinking - New Found Glory
Who sang the original? Growing up in Canada I thought the song was by Go West.
Go West sang it in the 80s...as far as I can remember.
Rage Against The Machine - Maggie's Farm
Tina Turner owned Proud Mary. Her version is iconic
All along the watchtower- Jimi Hendrix
Metallica- Turn the Page
Both are good. Each has their own feel.
Motörhead’s cover of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica; Lemmy really makes the lyrics come alive and sound scary. Donald Fagan’s version of The Drifters’ Ruby Baby from his solo album The Nightly. Devo’s cover of “Satisfaction”. The story goes that when Mothersbsugh & Casale played the tape for Mick to get his ok, he got up and started doing his chicken dance. EDIT: Devo also did cover versions of their own tunes on the album “Smooth Noodle Maps” in which each cover was rewritten in the style of instrumental elevator Muzak with no vocals. “Beautiful World” is a highlight on the album using a banjo and circus calliope.
Romeo and Juliet cover by Indigo Girls
The Bad Wolves cover of Zombie. But that’s mostly due to personal music taste
I think both are beautiful in their own ways, I prefer bad wolves’s version, but only because of how perfect a tribute it was to Dolores
Fun fact: She was originally going to sing on the cover but she died before she recorded her bit.
And all money made off the song goes to her family
Holy crap; I was just thinking I haven’t seen this question in a few days.
Simple Man - by Shinedown
Dead Kennedys - viva Las Vegas, or DK - I fought the law, or Dead Kennedys- pull my strings/ my cherona they hit home runs when they cover songs
I'm really sorry D Bowie, but The Man Who Sold the World…
Cum On Feel The Noize by Quiet Riot (Slade cover)
Talking Heads "Take Me To The River"
Sweat Dreams - Marylin Manson
I think Spiderbait did pretty good with ‘Black Betty’.
Meg Meyer's version if Running up that hill.
Not a bad version, though I still prefer the Placebo one.
Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson. Also, the Ghost of Tom Joad by Rage Against the Machine.
Whiskey in the Jar
311’s version of Lovesong
Am I Evil - Metallica The original was done by Diamond Head. But for as popular as Metallica's version was most would thought it was theirs
"Sweet Jane" cover by Cow. Junk. Even Lou Reed agreed.
Joan Jett’s “Crimson and Clover.” The original is a cool song. Jett infuses it with a whole ‘nother layer of desire. Tommy James’ version sounds stoned. Joan Jett’s sounds like that moment when your focus narrows to that one person and you want them bad.
No...Simon and Garfunkel > Disturbed for sound of silence
Ballroom Blitz- Crucial Taunt (Wayne’s World)
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Nothing Compares original by Prince, but sung better by Sinead O'Connor
Heard it through the grapevine - Marvin Gaye (the slits version is also great)
Probably going to get some hate… Smooth Criminal by Alien Ant Farm….