Interactive Poll #16 - Under Cover

If it helps to eliminate a choice, you posted that Ulver wasn't eligible because Sabbath is on PA. I do like it, but I own the Ulver album. The Buckley one is good, and I really liked Cornell's cover of Billie Jean. It really is haunting and emotional. I think I had heard it before but can't recall for sure. Foghat's cover of "Take Me to the River" but it's hard when the Talking Head's version is IMO one of the best covers. 

And the Resident's were fun. Also, thanks for posting Duo de Twang, it's one of the albums with Les Claypool that I haven't gotten around to. I enjoyed that cover of "Battle for New Orleans".

So here are my thoughts about the first nominations:

Living Colour - Memories Can't Wait

Fear of Music by Talking Heads is one of my all time favourite albums (actually just above Remain in Light), and as such it is almost holy to me. What was originally a dark piece of art rock fuelled with Eno-elegance is here more of an extroverted across-the-stage rock song a la the 90's (even though the cover is from the late 80's). I must admit I am not intrigued by it the same way as with the original version, but tastes differ.

Patti Smith - So You Want To Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star

Unlike the one above, I think this one is closer to my taste than the original version. Not so much to say about except perhaps I prefer Patti Smith a little more unpolished (a few notes have to be off-key to give it the edge I somehow miss here).

The Smashing Pumpkins - Never Let Me Down

This is definitely different from the original. Music like Depeche Mode is not really for me (cold and synthetic), so it is nice to hear the song with a little more warmth. I like it much better than the original.

Live - I Walk the Line

Interestingly, this one changes the original Johnny Cash song which is in a major key and turns it into minor. The question is if one should read anything into it, but I guess the purpose is to make it darker. Really like both the original Johnny Cash recording and this version.

Ozzy Osbourne - 21st Century Schizoid Man

Of course Ozzy would have to do a version of this song, even if I am kind of sad it was not with Black Sabbath. It doesn't sound that different from King Crimson actually. It largely sounds like the same arrangement until after the second verse. Production-wise I like the more dry and analog sound of the original recording better, but overall it's pretty much on par with it.

Sileas - Ain't No Sunshine

I had already heard several versions of this song, but this one definitely stands out. It's very moody and laid back, and I like the simplicity a lot. It should be a strong candidate for one of my three votes.

The Unthanks - Sea Song

Again I really like the simple set up of this version. Wouldn't choose between the two versions in this case.

Kat Onoma - Radioactivity

It's quite bold to do a non-electronic version of a Kraftwerk song. But I guess I should listen to it some times to really appreciate it. I like that it builds slowly.

In the meantime, with Friday coming up, here is this cover of The Cure's "Friday I'm In Love" by Puddles Pity Party done in the style of Springsteen. Puddles is literally a clown and sings with a voice made for Broadway. 

More entries added! We're up to 8 poll choices so far. Hope we'll get at least 15. These polls are really like a fresh breath of air in a forum dominated by Yes and Genesis threads .

Yes there was a lot of music posted this time, and I'm one of the guilty ones, thus making it tougher to decide which one of the many postings I used.  But there are so many covers I have been wanting to share, and I keep remembering others that I have heard.  We definitely need another covers poll (or maybe more).  Maybe themed cover polls would help all of us from over-posting?  

As far as the Chris Cornell cover....I remember when he did that cover a few years back that so many artists were impressed by it that they covered his version of the cover, until it got to the point that everyone forgot who started that slow version in the first place.  So, if it seems to some that they may have heard that version by other artists too many time already, as far as I know, he was the first to do it like that, and he not only made the song his own, but he brought out more meaning in that song and highlighted MJ's lyrics like never before.

I was lucky and found most of Manfred Mann's discography on vinyl recently, but I am not yet completely familiar with all of the albums yet, admittedly.  I must say that I really have enjoyed all of their albums that I have heard, even their later stuff.  It's a band that I have wanted to learn more about, but for some reason, I had a hard time locating excellent copies until now.  Anyway, I listed it because I am not as familiar with it yet, but I still think it is great.  I'm embarrassed I don't know it as well as I should, but there are so many bands demanding my attention, and I'm elated that I was finally able to collect most of their albums. 

Spooky Tooth doing The Beatles.