Favourite Cover Songs

[dwanollah]

I also have to second "Dancing Barefoot" by U2

When I make my students write compare/contrast essays on a cover song v. the original, that's one of the ones I pick. Amazing, beautiful, yet... some marked differences that shift the song to someplace different.

[kore]

dwanollah said:

I also have to second "Dancing Barefoot" by U2

When I make my students write compare/contrast essays on a cover song v. the original, that's one of the ones I pick. Amazing, beautiful, yet... some marked differences that shift the song to someplace different.

Excellent choice for a class! I wish I had you for a teacher (many, many moons ago, when I was in skoo)

[WitchyPoo]

biondetta said:

Speaking of dark songs, I have decided after listening to a ton of versions of the song Gloomy Sunday that I prefer Diamanda Galas' version by far. Her version sounds tortured and gloomy and full of despair and the music arrangement just fits the mood of the song perfectly. Best of all, she doesn't include the "I was only dreaming" verse that I hate.

Her version of The Supremes "My World Is Empty Without You" also is amazing. It turns into a totally different song. The first time I heard her take I didn't recognize it.

[Shanmac]

U2's "Dancing Barefoot" is just gorgeous. Sigh ...

[keira]

Bryan Ferry's cover of John Lennon's Jealous Guy. I love Bryan Ferry's voice.

[kore]

keira said:

Bryan Ferry's cover of John Lennon's Jealous Guy. I love Bryan Ferry's voice.

Bryan Ferry is probably my favorite Male Singer. I can understand the Knee-Jello reaction to Jealous Guy.

[piscessiren]

kore said:

I think the musician that kicks my ass with covers is Tori Amos. From her version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" to "I'm Not in Love". I find myself just in awe.

Hi Kore! How are you and welcome! ;D

I adore Tori Amos' version of Smells Like Teen Spirit, too.

Another favorite is Wichita Lineman. Both REM and Cassandra Wilson versions.

The one cover version I waited years for was Urgent by Junior Walker and the All Stars, (it's the opening credit song in Desperately Seeking Susan). Blows away Foreigner's original.

Speaking of Prince covers...Mariah Carey's cover of Beautiful Ones with Dru Hill...me likey.

[kore]

piscessiren said:

Speaking of Prince covers...Mariah Carey's cover of Beautiful Ones with Dru Hill...me likey.

Thank you! You know, I have a soft spot for this version as well.

[kayti2212]

I looove Kate Bush but two of my favourite covers are songs of hers: Running Up That Hill - Placebo and This Woman's Work - Maxwell. Both just stunning.

Heather Nova does a good Gloomy Sunday.

[shopgirl6]

Jamie Cullum's version of Radiohead's "High & Dry" rocks my world. He also does a pretty mean Justin Timberlake's "Sexy/Back" and a hysterical Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone." I cannot bear to listen to Jamie's CDs, but love, love him live.