Jump to content

Covers


Recommended Posts

Was there ever a better cover artist than Rod Stewart?  Well, probably yes.  Still, the point of a cover is either, 'I love this so much I want to do a tribute,' or 'Great song, I could do it better.  Then there are those that do it worse.  So I propose, post pairs and we have to guess which of the three categories they fall into.  For example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOLDA1iJ4yM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgDE9f6LdV8 obviously fall into the first camp (are we surprised to find that Jimmy Hill is the Devil incarnate? https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=jimmy+hill+youtube&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=NNG5VMT5G4P4UuSphLgM). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YanjY9CsPDQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLV4_xaYynY obviously come into the second category.  (Tip, Bob Dylan might be a rich seam here.)  Of course, the last category is often those trying to make a living with someone else's skill, so it will be broad.  I'll offer as example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDF04fQKtQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRzKUVjHkGk  So overblown and missing the point.

 

Anyway, knock yourselves out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I think most would know the original of this on the first few notes. If these kids could only get the backing vocals together ( they arent even in this video ), they would CRUSH the original in my opinion.

REPEATEDLY ARGUMENTATIVE, INSULTING AND RUDE. BANNED FOR LIFE.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I find cover's to be less than stellar in most cases.

 

One cover I like better than the original is Alien Ant Farm's version of the Micheal Jackson's  tune 'Smooth Criminal'

Links please.

 

ILK, you're quite right.  The backing vocals make the original.  I wanted to show you all the funniest thing, Celebrity Big Brother with Jermaine Jackson singing Michael's part and 'professional' singers trying to do the backing vocals, but it's blocked on copyright grounds.  Their timing is exquisitely off and Jermaine stifles a laugh.  If you can find it, it's well worth seeing.

 

Well I'll give you another Dylan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhKACztrqZc Then The Byrds  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2nKFmXlY38 I offer this for category two.  I love how The Byrds make the melody strain like it would with Dylan.  I think they did the song and the original justice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's hard with the first one, could be category one or three. Without doubt the second is category 3. Dolly Parton's is heartbreaking while Whitney Houston's is ear-rending

In both cases I don't think the original has been bettered, so neither fit category 2, IMO. I concur with your comment about WH's overpowering bellows in place of DP's subtlety and fragility; thus it falls into category 3.

I think similarly about CD's version of the first song; over-produced, overpowered and missing integrity; so definitely category 3. I only found HF's version when looking for the original and was impressed; I had thought I wouldn't ever want to hear a cover of JR, but I felt it worthy of category 1 - a fine rendition and tribute with its own merits.

Maybe the commonality here with CD/WH is the big money record companies behind "A" list stars at the height of their earning powers?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Try this - should be the link. I don't do YouTube at home due to the data costs. My internet is too damned expensive now, and if I go over my monthly alotment, it skyrockets.

Tell me about it.  I get my internoodle PAYG with a dongle so I have to keep an eye on things.  I'd put that into Category 2 (maybe we should call them C1, C2 and C3).  So, definitely C2.

 

In both cases I don't think the original has been bettered, so neither fit category 2, IMO. I concur with your comment about WH's overpowering bellows in place of DP's subtlety and fragility; thus it falls into category 3.

I think similarly about CD's version of the first song; over-produced, overpowered and missing integrity; so definitely category 3. I only found HF's version when looking for the original and was impressed; I had thought I wouldn't ever want to hear a cover of JR, but I felt it worthy of category 1 - a fine rendition and tribute with its own merits.

Maybe the commonality here with CD/WH is the big money record companies behind "A" list stars at the height of their earning powers?

You're quite right.  I must compliment you, too, on your use of initials.  How else would I have got the image of JR played by Larry Hagman singing The Power of Love.  Worthy of Shatner!

 

What about this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTeGwNHEEFk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlrR66WX74g

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're quite right.  I must compliment you, too, on your use of initials.  How else would I have got the image of JR played by Larry Hagman singing The Power of Love.  Worthy of Shatner!

 

What about this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTeGwNHEEFk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlrR66WX74g

 

I'm not quite sure how to respond to the image you've conjured up :-?.  Perhaps Leonard Nimoy reciting Shakespeare from the Spitting Image sketch?

 

Turning to your submissions, what a joy.  I'd consider these to be cat 1.  I don't think either is notably better; just different.  I appreciate the simplicity of LS but the M version is the first I heard.

 

I have two further offerings with roots in the '70s.  The first is:

 

and
or

 

And then there's:

 

and

I'll let you all find the MC version for additional consideration, should you be so inclined.

 

(I'm not sure how to post links without embedding the YouTube preview for these.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite. 'To be or not to be, that... is illogical ,Captain.'

 

Oh, undoubtedly C1.  I think the LS one (I'm going to follow your shorthand lead) is my favourite of the two, but the M one gets played lots, so bless them for giving him a pension.  I think they nailed the medium of video rather better than him.

 

I'm sure that's C1 but spills unintentionally into C2.  Nillson's, sorry, N's, has more soul.  As for MC, well obviously C3.  I haven't got enough data for all the syllables she adds.

 

As for Substitute, maybe there's a call for category C4, cynically riding someone else's song but doing an OK job in a way.  Or is it C3b?

 

So, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KSLfhx_10M  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXbrS3Msgww

 

I find that if I have it playing and click then copy the address bar it comes up without previewing me in bed.  That's saved me many blushes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite. 'To be or not to be, that... is illogical ,Captain.'

 

Oh, undoubtedly C1.  I think the LS one (I'm going to follow your shorthand lead) is my favourite of the two, but the M one gets played lots, so bless them for giving him a pension.  I think they nailed the medium of video rather better than him.

 

I'm sure that's C1 but spills unintentionally into C2.  Nillson's, sorry, N's, has more soul.  As for MC, well obviously C3.  I haven't got enough data for all the syllables she adds.

 

As for Substitute, maybe there's a call for category C4, cynically riding someone else's song but doing an OK job in a way.  Or is it C3b?

 

So, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KSLfhx_10M  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXbrS3Msgww

 

I find that if I have it playing and click then copy the address bar it comes up without previewing me in bed.  That's saved me many blushes.

 

I concur with your conclusion about HN's rendition. Sad to think neither B nor HS are with us.  MC can join WH and CD.

 

OK, so we're giving each of these Citroen ratings, are we?  C1, C2, C3 and C4 :fine:  Yep, let's go with C4 on that one.

 

As for Son of My Father, it's been a while since I heard that one.  I think CT scrape a C1 here; although as it was very soon after the original they could just have been riding the talent of GM.  Talking of whom, I think you may have given me a chance to redeem myself in the "Links to the Worst Music Ever" thread.

 

Skirtandheel, I am not familiar with Helene Fischer who singed The Power of Love in your post, but wow, what a stunning woman with a beautiful voice! 

 

I thought so, too, on both counts.  As I said, I stumbled upon her performance when looking for the original.  I read that she's German of Russian descent, so unlikely to make mainstream in UK/USA.

 

Please add some music, too.

 

My next two go for a very different style.  Probably just a reminder for most, but see what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9rZjlsyYY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgbgUrp1a70

 

Listening to this again reminds me of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds musical!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think CT invented a new category, C5, 'Nicked a chap's song before he released it and did it just the same.

The covers thing is hard with anything classical, because , well, the musicians are trying, but I'll have a go.

and
When I was 13 my Big Bro took me to the Hammersmith Odeon to see Tomita, I think because Big Bro was a fan of Keith Emerson
Sorry, I should have said ELP in honour of the use of initials. I don't feel you need to listen to it all to make a decision.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The covers thing is hard with anything classical, because , well, the musicians are trying,

 

You're right.  There's so much scope for interpretation, instruments and sound production techniques that generally weren't available when these were written.  So, to bring it back to a more comtemporary theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QQC-C3sCwQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoE9K3xqRQw

Link to comment
Share on other sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soJBGLP7Akk  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcL---4xQYA  Wat were the 'Zep' thinking of with that overblown version of a Harris classic?

 

That's a difficult one, but I think I'm going to side, ever so slightly, with Messrs Page and Plant :cheeky:.  Not sure I want to contemplate the meaning of the title in the context of RH :shocked:.

 

Going back to JC vs RC, I think it's a C1, but it's a very close call.  The time when each was recorded again plays a major factor, and I think RC's talent puts him with the best of the best guitarists, but I prefer the simplicity of JC here.  Obviously no right or wrong.

 

At the moment I'm struggling to think of any further offerings that provide a good mixture, but might I suggest a comparison between ABBA and Westlife (so many choices), or is that leading this thread completely off topic and into the realms of tastelessness?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the main problem with introducing ABBA might be to make the whole thing incomprehensible on the initials front.  I already can't remember which Julian Cope song Richard Clayderman covered.

 

Anyway, I started this mentioning Rod Stewart's skill with covers, so how about this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83OD6JTe5pg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83OD6JTe5pg

 

As an aside, we have a local rock band, Cushty https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=foxy+lady+cushty&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=q0vEVL-rFsvwUrvMg9AD#q=+cushty+hastings+band+  Who I've seen  Foxy Lady.  It's brave of a guitarist to take on Hendrix. I wish I could find it, because she was very good.

 

(Cushty aren't as good as my little bro's band)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Were you intending to compare JH with JH in the links :cheeky:.  I think RS gets the nod with a C2 there; it's smoother.

 

The studio recording of Cushty was enjoyable, but there was too much background noise in the pub.

 

Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find a full length version of the next cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_lwocmL9dQ&list=RDz_lwocmL9dQ#t=66 so I don't think it can get anything but a C1 with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV6SmY04WdE but have a look at some of the other recordings!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oops, my copying went wrong.  Sorry.  The Rod Stewart should have been this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uwWOpC1tGM  I think the cardboard cut-out gives it away.  It's certainly C1.

 

Van Halen takes me out of my comfort zone.  I'm going to pitch C2.

 

What about this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coYO0r9eIqY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SRQOwCB0ts  Loudon is a bit cult, at least here in Britain, so I'll give the extra information, he and his son don't get on and Rufus is gay.

 

I recently saw Loudon Wainwright at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, well, a year and some ago, and he was wonderful.  He was with his youngest daughter and she was good too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK, yes, that RS performance was a C1.  I found a much smoother recording without cardboard!

 

I'm honestly not sure where to put the TS version of VH, mainly because it was incomplete.  But what a talent if you looked at any of her other work!

 

Now, LW vs RW?  Frankly, I'd put this as C3.  Sounds like he's just trying to "take over the board" of "daddy's business".  Makes not a jot whether he's gay/straight/bi/asexual/hermaphrodite etc.  Go write your own stuff junior!

 

I'll have to look for some more offerings - back soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, I think it does matter that he's gay.  LW has always been very open about his failings as a person.  He was notoriously shiftless as a husband.  I think RW is making the point that a one man guy is very different in his context.  Maybe a new category, C6, use the song to say something different.

 

An interesting one where Dylan covers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94bdMSCdw20 and https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=big+yellow+taxi+bob+dylan&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=CtrGVLvlAcL5UOjJgZAE#q=big+yellow+taxi+bob+dylan+youtube

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm still trying to properly listen to L & RW but am limited with an (allegedly) "smartphone" at the moment.

As for Dylan, despite being such a talented songwriter, I don't think I've ever heard him perform something where I thought his version was better than either someone's original or where his original was better than the cover. So, in this case I'm going for C1 without having propery listened to the two; I don't think he will ever achieve C2, nor can he ever be accused of C3. Having said all of that, I'd love to see him live.

May I offer Bob Marley vs Eric Clapton with "I Shot the Sheriff" into the thread. Sorry, no links for the moment as I'm struggling with this piece of technology!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I'm losing track of the letters and numbers.  How do you chaps do it?  It was typical Dylan that he changed the words to 'took away my house and my land.'  A songwriter yes, and a way with words, but a poet, no.  Shall we put that one to rest?  I saw him live, at Earl's Court in 1984.  Once was enough for me.  So many wonderful songs, such a rubbish performer.

 

I'm torn with I shot the Sheriff.   I think that's C2 ( I think that's the tribute one).  I like them both

 

So  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlDdcCzKjsc and http://hhplace.org/topic/20958-whats-in-your-makeup-bag/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I'm losing track of the letters and numbers.  How do you chaps do it?  It was typical Dylan that he changed the words to 'took away my house and my land.'  A songwriter yes, and a way with words, but a poet, no.  Shall we put that one to rest?  I saw him live, at Earl's Court in 1984.  Once was enough for me.  So many wonderful songs, such a rubbish performer.

I'm just sticking with C1, C2 & C3, else my head would explode! Thanks for confirming my suspicion about his stagecraft.

 

I'm torn with I shot the Sheriff.   I think that's C2 ( I think that's the tribute one).  I like them both

Definitely a tribute; different styles but not one better than the other.

Had the pleasure of seeing Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall. Limited view seats turned out to be gems up in the "Gods". Could clearly see a string break midway through a song; he didn't miss a beat and just played around it!

It certainly has been A Hard Day's Night! Don't you just love tech;-)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the Daily Mail today (my chauffeur takes it and sometimes leaves it on the back seat) there was a question about whether anyone other than Joe Cocker had improved on a Beatles song, but I think we've done that.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYF8Y47qZQY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPqAvgN6Tyw  I think Bob Dylan deserves at least one where there's some debate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry to have been away from this thread for a while.

 

Having listened to RW's version of One Man Guy, I understand your point and understand why he recorded it.

 

Looking at Dylan vs The Byrds, my preference is the cover.  I agree there's scope for debate, but this is one of those instances where I prefer studio production techniques over raw performance.

 

Sticking with Dylan for a moment though, three versions of All Along the Watchtower.

 

Bob Dylan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzanOzyqgas, Jimi Hendrix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLV4_xaYynY, and XTC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qXxOSYZi7U.

 

I think we're all familiar with the first two, perhaps the third, too.  It's been covered by so many, but which versions rate as C1 (tribute), C2 (I can do better), or C3 (let's make a buck)?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK, this is rapidly turning into a "Who can sing Dylan better than Dylan" thread, but he is such a prolific writer that he gives us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmXbyrlBCI8 and this leads to many further interpretations.

 

I'm not a fan, but what do you all think of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a--Ng?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excuse me, but you're the one giving us rubbish Dylan ;)  I at least posted one that was moot.  Obviously Adele's is better.  She can sing.  With his you get all the expectation, then a horrible reedy voice.  C3 (I think that's  'I can do better).  If you don't think you can, get out of the music business.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSH--SJKVQQ  then https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyFAnA9oPRE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80tX5MLX8QY

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using High Heel Place, you agree to our Terms of Use.