Covers you like better than the original

I know these are pretty far from prog, except the original artist is registered on this site. Earth, Wind & Fire covered "Got To Get You Into My Life" infinitely better than the original by the Beatles. Also, Joe Cocker improved on the Beatles' "Get By With a Little Help From My Friends."

Dylan's been a great provider for other artists (and a genius, of course). I like a lot the covers of his songs by The Byrds, Hendrix, some psychedelic groups I can't remember (The Vacels?), Melanie... He even does great covers of himself sometimes  as I saw in a gig in Madrid. IMO, his songs are great but his style does not let them "grow" as much as they could. Hendrix's versions are simply terrific.

I agree on Joe Cocker's stunning treatment of 'With A Little Help From My Friends', which was a slight song at best initially yet Cocker turned it into a moving and very heavy anguished plea.

Other excellent Beatles covers are 'She Said She Said' by Lone Star(great synth work, but it's not really better than the original...) and 'I Wanna Be Your Man' by The Rolling Stones which is still a rampantly punky take on rather juvenile, poppy Beatles tune. Yes' take on 'Every Little Thing' is also first class.

Uriah Heep's 'Come Away Melinda' has often been considered the definitive version of a much covered song (check out the deadly dull Velvett Fogg to see how not to do it...), and I loved Hendrix's sludgy cover of an old warhorse 'Hoochie Koochie Man'.

Deep Purple's excellent takes on 'Lalena' and 'I'm So Glad' are of a superb quality too.

Within the realms of prog, Colin Blunstone did a lovely rendering of a slight Genesis song 'For Absent Friends' on Steve Hackett's tribute to himself, 'Genesis Revisited'. It was probably the highlight of that somewhat strange (if enjoyable) album...

As for 'Mistreated', I don't think there's any way that Rainbow's is better than Deep Purple's electrifying version at California Jam, featuring David Coverdale truly at his very best and Blackmore tearing up with awe inspiring, emotive bluesy solos. The studio one was superb too.

 

 

Oh also Mr. Bungle and The Fantomas covers of movies and video games are pretty awesome too.

... and in some ocasion I've already mentioned the wonderful album: "A metal tribute to Abba". Simply hilarious.

Deep Purple - Kentucky Woman

Derek & The Dominos - Little Wing

Manfred Mann - Blinded By The Light

Yes - America

Creedence Clearwater Revival - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Has anyone listened to Dread Zeppelin?

Their first album 'Un-Led-ed' is BRILLIANT. The first two songs, 'Black Dog' and Heartbreaker' blow me away.

Very unique and highly recommended.

Dread Zeppelin is an American band best known for covering the songs of Led Zeppelin in a reggae style sung by an Elvis Presley impersonator, though their act now encompasses many other songs and other styles of music. Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant has said that Dread Zeppelin is his favorite band.

Hmmm.... I tell not that I do not like it, but that it is not better.

But now, it occurs to me, that one of my favorite covers is Arrival of ABBA made by Mike oldfield. but again it is not better, may be different.

 

Empathy wrote: ^^^ Hmm... did you read this whole thread? Almost everyone I've ever met likes Hendrix' version of "All Along the Watchtower" better than Dylan's.

Doro Pesch singing Procul Harems A Whiter Shade Of Pale

Some already mentioned:

Procol Harum's In Held Twas In I done by Transatlantic: Always loved this song and only recently got Shine On Brightly to hear the original. I did enjoy it, but it just doesnt stand up to the awesome reworking.

The Beatles' Got To Get You Into My Life done by EWF: EWF just smokes on this one!

Hendrix's Little Wing done by Derek & The Dominos: Great song, but Derek's version literaly brings tears to my eyes.

And some not (I think):

Tool's version of Kyuss's Demon Cleaner

King's X absolutely slays Manic Depression

College rock band from NC The Connells do a great Living In The Past. Is it better? Maybe not, but good enough to mention this sadly overlooked band.

And one abomination:

Robert Palmer attempting Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me. Marvin's version is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded, while Palmer just goes through the motions. Weak.

P.S. Dread Zeppelin rules!

EDIT: ooh ooh, one more! The Who's cover of Shakin' All Over on Live At Leeds gives me friggin' goosebumps, as does Summertime Blues.


Edited by Nipsey88