Cover versions better than the original?

  • Thread starter Villan Of The North
  • Start date
V

Villan Of The North

Guest
Generally speaking I believe cover versions to be inferior to the original versions of songs (other than those ruined by poor sound quality on very old recordings) but there is a rare beast out their when the cover version is better than the original. A good example of this, in my opinion, is Phil Collins's version of You Can't Hurry Love, far superior to the original Dianna Ross recording. There are those that prefer the Eva Cassidy version of Fields of Gold to the original Sting recording, but then in my experience these are people who were not aware of the original version and only know the song because they are fans of hers.

Which cover versions do you believe surpass the original recordings?

Perhaps some video evidence so that we can judge for ourselves, or at least as a reminder.

 
Pearl Jam - Last Kiss is better than the Wayne Cochran version.
Metallica - Stone cold crazy better than Queen.

In fact I usually find that any songs these bands cover are far superior to the originals.
 
I really like this cover of the Bruno Mars song Grenade by Pop Idol contestant Fredrik Klemp in 2011. Previously there was a "cleaner" version on Youtube but it seems to have been taken down now so I'll use the one performance that he gave on Pop Idol. Here they are to compare:--

[youtube=SR6iYWJxHqs]

[youtube=j4PWzzemjY4]

 
blackwood_villa - 10/9/2014 11:55

Pearl Jam - Last Kiss is better than the Wayne Cochran version.
Metallica - Stone cold crazy better than Queen.

In fact I usually find that any songs these bands cover are far superior to the originals.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you just generally prefer a more heavy metal sound to me. Is that a fair comment?

 
If anyone seriously suggests Madonna with American Pie I think I will ban them lol
 
Villan Of The North - 10/9/2014 11:00

blackwood_villa - 10/9/2014 11:55

Pearl Jam - Last Kiss is better than the Wayne Cochran version.
Metallica - Stone cold crazy better than Queen.

In fact I usually find that any songs these bands cover are far superior to the originals.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you just generally prefer a more heavy metal sound to me. Is that a fair comment?
Click to expand...

Yeah that probably would be quite accurate. I do love the heavy metal!!
 
Sinead O 'Connor's version of Nothing Comperes 2 U is better than The Family 's version, who PRINCE first wrote for!
 
Status Quo's Rockin All Over The World is, imo, waaaaaaayyyy better than the original Creedance Clearwater Revival original.

Thunder's "Gimme Some Lovin" was at least on a par with the Spencer Davis Group original, I think it was better.

I also prefer Skin's version of EMF's Unbelievable.

 
Villan Of The North - 10/9/2014 11:33

Status Quo's Rockin All Over The World is, imo, waaaaaaayyyy better than the original Creedance Clearwater Revival original.

Thunder's "Gimme Some Lovin" was at least on a par with the Spencer Davis Group original, I think it was better.

I also prefer Skin's version of EMF's Unbelievable.
Click to expand...

I never knew till now that Rockin' All Over the World by Status Quo was a cover. I've just listened to the CCW version on YouTube and have to agree SQ's version is the definitive one.
 
Sticking with the Status Quo theme



Original:-
[youtube=2e9gZ9fyoZg]

Cover version:-
[youtube=59KG7G5MlJI]

 
I certainly do not agree with Green Tea re Eloise. Barry Ryan's song is much, much better than The Damned. He put more of himself into it.

And I don't agree with Blackwood either re Stone Cold Crazy..... Queens' original is class off a classic album.
 
I shot the Sheriff better by Clapton than yhe original by Bob Marley.


Knockin' on Heaven's Door, better by Clapton than Zimmerman.

 
I luv Guns N Roses version the best of Knockin on heavens door tbh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.