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FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: TL on January 18, 2008, 08:58:43 PM

Title: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: TL on January 18, 2008, 08:58:43 PM
What about it?
I collect reggae covers of non-reggae songs, and Ken Boothe's version of Bill Withers' "Ain't no Sunshine" is one of my favorite covers ever - so heavy - unstoppable!
On the flip side of that coin, I kinda like the Boss' version of Jimmy Cliff's "Trapped," too.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Stupornaut on January 18, 2008, 09:05:57 PM
The Bar-Kays' version of the Midnight Cowboy theme is completely bonkers and great. Also, since I haven't kidnapped and been sealed in an oil drum, I really enjoy Al Green's version of "Light My Fire", mostly because it's the exact opposite of the Doors' version in every conceivable way.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 18, 2008, 09:07:30 PM
Everything is great on this one

Trojan Country Reggae Box Set (http://www.amazon.com/Trojan-Country-Reggae-Box-Set/dp/B000R17T4M)
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: moonshake on January 18, 2008, 09:09:17 PM
I really like The Raincoats' cover of The Kinks' Lola.

Dinosaur Jr's Just Like Heaven also comes to mind.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 18, 2008, 09:11:11 PM
Obvious one, but Cat Power's cover of VU's "I Found A Reason" is pretty wonderful.

This Mortal Coil put out two wonderful covers in a row on It'll End In Tears--"Song to the Siren" by Tim Buckley and "Kangaroo" by Big Star.

I'm also a sucker for Alison Krauss' version of  The Foundations' "Now That I've Found You". It always gets to me.






Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: neilnumberman on January 18, 2008, 09:11:56 PM
My favorite is The Aluminum Group's cover of "Sweet Child O' Mine." Great ending:

http://www.mp3raid.com/search/download-mp3/6/sweet_child_o_mine/1.html

Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 18, 2008, 09:13:08 PM
Nina Simone's version of "Sinnerman", too, even though I'm not sure if you can "cover" gospel music.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: masterofsparks on January 18, 2008, 09:16:41 PM
Maybe classic-rock obvious, but I love Rod Stewart's version of the Temptations song "(I Know) I'm Losing You."

For something more modern, I really like what the Reigning Sound did with "You Got Me Hummin'."
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Gilly on January 18, 2008, 09:22:18 PM
I like Cat Power's cover of Naked If I Want To by Moby Grape.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 18, 2008, 09:59:13 PM
I like Steve Wynn's version of Sugaree, not on an album but its in the WFMU archives
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Fido on January 18, 2008, 10:35:13 PM
Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters' "Superstar." 

Might not be the right month to mention this one, since it was highlighted in Juno.  I can't help that. 
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 18, 2008, 10:56:14 PM
Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters' "Superstar." 

Might not be the right month to mention this one, since it was highlighted in Juno.  I can't help that. 

Marie Laforet's version of "Paint It Black" ("Marie douceur, Marie colere") is really good, but as I was youtubing it I saw that it was featured in Talledega Nights?

I found it synced up with some spliced together anime, but not a video of  her singing.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 18, 2008, 10:58:09 PM
Oooh, and Ikue Mori doing Serge Gainsbourg's "Pauvre Lola" absolutely rules.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: emma on January 18, 2008, 11:21:51 PM
this is totally not cool enough, but having grown up listening to girl group/motown music (and...the tragically hip? my parents were a mixed bag, musically) I've always had a soft spot for the white stripes' cover of I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Julie Klausner on January 18, 2008, 11:58:53 PM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0MXXs_H7Do[/youtube]

It pays off in 'breakdown' form at around 4:53, just hang in there

"what are you doin' up there, LUCY?"

then, treat yourself to 5:54 to get a better sense of what Natalie Cole is "talkin' bout" (not OPALS but...)

***also posted in WORST cover songs thread, because, as they say in that Simpsons episode, I don't even know anymore.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 19, 2008, 12:14:10 AM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0MXXs_H7Do[/youtube]

It pays off in 'breakdown' form at around 4:53, just hang in there

"what are you doin' up there, LUCY?"

then, treat yourself to 5:54 to get a better sense of what Natalie Cole is "talkin' bout" (not OPALS but...)

***also posted in WORST cover songs thread, because, as they say in that Simpsons episode, I don't even know anymore.

That was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I loved that. It made me forget every problem I've ever had, if only for those few minutes.

And before I go to bed, I'd like to add this, a favorite of mine when I was little:
[youtube]
U1jm4lNOh0U[/youtube]
I remember being kind of scared watching her boogie with the old dude.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on January 19, 2008, 12:24:25 AM
There's a certain FOT who released an EP I'm quite fond of, where he covers songs by Split Enz and Stiff Little Fingers.  It rocks quite impressively.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Tim K in DC on January 19, 2008, 12:31:12 AM
There's a certain FOT who released an EP I'm quite fond of, where he covers songs by Split Enz and Stiff Little Fingers.  It rocks quite impressively.

PD?

Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: dave from knoxville on January 19, 2008, 04:02:30 AM
Am I allowed to say Ted Leo's Little White Donkey, TL?
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on January 19, 2008, 09:39:57 AM
There's a certain FOT who released an EP I'm quite fond of, where he covers songs by Split Enz and Stiff Little Fingers.  It rocks quite impressively.

PD?


Spike.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: pupscout on January 19, 2008, 05:36:09 PM
the langley schools music project cover of god only knows is one of the best songs i've ever heard. the other covers can be really good, but funny or bizarre. the god only knows cover is just gorgeous.

and i think faye wong's cover of that song by the cranberries is definitely a notable cover but more in a surprising way and less of a best way.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: erika on January 19, 2008, 06:49:00 PM
- Cat Power: I Found a Reason and Sea of Love
- Iron and Wine: Waiting for a Superman
- M. Ward: Let's Dance
- Smashing Pumpkins: You're all I've Got Tonight
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Forrest on January 19, 2008, 09:07:16 PM
Oooh, and Ikue Mori doing Serge Gainsbourg's "Pauvre Lola" absolutely rules.

From Tzadik Records' Great Jewish Music series?! Now we can share everything!
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: John Junk on January 20, 2008, 05:47:23 AM
How 'bout this
[youtube]Esd8n6awI3w[/youtube]

And Magnetic Fields' 100,000 Fireflys as done by Superchunk.

Also, Superchunk's cover of Girl You Want is great.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: dave from knoxville on January 20, 2008, 11:19:34 AM
I am kind of partial to Johnny Cash covering, well, almost anything, but especially "In My Life". I think when he realized that he was close to the end, he really saw those recording sessions as opportunities to reflect on his life, and took full advantage of them. The Mercy Seat's great, Hurt's good, though I have heard it too many times.

I just think the fact that his recording set-up was so simple, just pick up a guitar and go, along with the fact that he was known for covering other writer's songs, gave him an opportunity to get so many great moments on tape that most artists could not pull off, because recording for them requires so much advance time to write and hone material, and get big arrangements right.

I don't think Neil Young's really "near the end", but I hope that he will take a similar approach in his twilight years, just throwing on tape everything that comes to mind, and then culling out the best stuff for release.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: TL on January 20, 2008, 11:29:05 AM
Am I allowed to say Ted Leo's Little White Donkey, TL?

As long as Spike ISN'T allowed to say "Ted Leo's Little White Donkey," you can say whatever you want, DFK!
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 20, 2008, 12:30:42 PM
I don't think Neil Young's really "near the end", but I hope that he will take a similar approach in his twilight years, just throwing on tape everything that comes to mind, and then culling out the best stuff for release.

When that happens Dave will finally see the Archives box set which for the record was supposed to actuyally have come out in 2007, but again we've been hearing about it for like twenty years
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Sarah on January 20, 2008, 12:34:41 PM
This really belongs in a "Favorite cover" thread, rather than a "Best," but I'm partial to Eugene Chadbourne's cover of "A Day in the Life."  I also love the Coolies' "She's Having My Baby."
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: dave from knoxville on January 20, 2008, 02:37:56 PM
Camper's "Pictures of Matchstick Men"?
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: masterofsparks on January 20, 2008, 03:02:20 PM
Couple others I just thought of:

The Brought Low - Don't Lie to Me (Big Star) & 'Til the Next Goodbye (Rolling Stones)
Outrageous Cherry - Lord, Have Mercy on Me (Junior Kimbrough)
New Bomb Turks - Summer Romance (Rolling Stones)
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Jouster on January 20, 2008, 04:26:50 PM
Califone's version of Psychic TV's "The Orchids."
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: DoodleJump! on January 20, 2008, 04:37:10 PM
i like Ryan Adam's cover of "Wonderwall".
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: folksnake on January 20, 2008, 04:55:58 PM
Long time favorite: Graham Parker and the Rumour's version of "I Want You Back", the Jackson 5 song.
That descending bass line kills me every time...
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: emma on January 20, 2008, 05:10:03 PM
today i heard the Be Good Tanyas' (whose website says that they "embrace the folk, country, and blues roots of American music with a little touch of the contemporary [...] performing music that transcends their birthdates and transports their listeners from the past to the present and vice-versa) cover of When Doves Cry and...I don't know what to think about anything anymore.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Tim K in DC on January 21, 2008, 01:02:31 AM
I am kind of partial to Johnny Cash covering, well, almost anything, but especially "In My Life". I think when he realized that he was close to the end, he really saw those recording sessions as opportunities to reflect on his life, and took full advantage of them. The Mercy Seat's great, Hurt's good, though I have heard it too many times.

I just think the fact that his recording set-up was so simple, just pick up a guitar and go, along with the fact that he was known for covering other writer's songs, gave him an opportunity to get so many great moments on tape that most artists could not pull off, because recording for them requires so much advance time to write and hone material, and get big arrangements right.

The Johnny Cash version of Gordon Lightfoot's "If I Could Read Your Mind" has put a lump in my throat on more than one occasion.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: buffcoat on January 21, 2008, 10:30:05 AM
A lot of Radiohead covers...

Particularly Blondie's "Union City Blue," Can's "The Thief," and Magazine's "Shot By Both Sides."  And Thom Yorke/The Venus in Furs cover of Roxy Music's "2HB."

Shameful cover: I actually kind of like 10,000 Maniacs II's cover of "More Than This."
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Tim K in DC on January 21, 2008, 03:36:49 PM
Random favorites of mine:

Doc Hopper - "867-5309 (Jenny)" by Tommy Tutone
Screaming Trees - "What Goes On" by VU
Neko Case - "Train From Kansas City" by (I think) The Shirelles
Tommy Keene - "Einstein's Day" by Mission Of Burma
Big Dipper - "The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill" by nem Husker Dudes
The Reigning Sound - "Brown Paper Sack" (composer was Larry Rogers, and I've heard an old version, but I'm not sure if it was Rogers performing the tune under his name or not; "last edit" coming up...)
Soul Asylum (screw you in advance, detractors) - "Barstool Blues" by Neil Young
The Queers - "It's Cold Outside" by The Choir
Lyres - "Seven" by The Sevens
Lyres - "No Reason To Complain" by The Alarm Clocks
(just a couple of examples of the great obscure covers that form the backbone of this band's recorded output)
The Rolling Stones - "That's How Strong My Love Is" by Otis Redding
Steel Pole Bathtub - "Surrender" by Cheap Trick
The Dogmatics - "King Size Cigarette" by The Law (a pre-Scruffy The Cat Charlie Chesterman outfit)

Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 21, 2008, 04:44:28 PM
Neko Case - "Train From Kansas City" by (I think) The Shirelles

I believe its actually The Shangri-Las
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Denim Gremlin on January 21, 2008, 05:01:58 PM
Neko Case - "Train From Kansas City" by (I think) The Shirelles

I believe its actually The Shangri-Las

it is
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Tim K in DC on January 21, 2008, 08:50:36 PM
Neko Case - "Train From Kansas City" by (I think) The Shirelles

I believe its actually The Shangri-Las

it is

That's right. My bad.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Rainer on January 22, 2008, 11:10:30 PM
The Birthday Party's sloppy cover of "Loose" off "Drunk onThe Pope's Blood"
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Dorvid Barnas on January 23, 2008, 02:44:21 AM
The Radioheads perform "Headmaster Ritual" by The Smiths.

[youtube]LtmS2ePSSdU[/youtube]
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Laurie on January 23, 2008, 08:22:40 AM
Crooked Fingers does an incredible cover of "When U Were Mine." I love it as much as the original, I think.

Also, I love Blueboy's cover of "Favorite Things." It's one of my favorite things, like brown paper packages tied up in string and whiskers on kittens.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Chris L on January 23, 2008, 09:19:10 AM
Baby Huey's long, Curtis Mayfield-produced version of "A Change is Gonna Come," complete with weird/sad drug-fueled monologue. 
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: PatrickChew on January 23, 2008, 10:45:05 AM
I have 14 different covers of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on my iTunes. Only Calexico's is any good (although the Tuvan throat singing version is pretty hot).
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Laurie on January 23, 2008, 11:14:55 AM
You know what, I like Nouvelle Vague. I'm just putting it out there. I quite like the Frenchy, loungey take on "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

Also, speaking of Calexico, I really like their cover of "Corona." I think more Minutemen songs could use the mariachi treatment.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: TL on January 23, 2008, 11:16:47 AM
You know what, I like Nouvelle Vague. I'm just putting it out there.

Also, speaking of Calexico, I really like their cover of "Corona." I think more Minutemen songs could use the mariachi treatment.

Dan Littleton from Ida does an achingly beautiful, slow acoustic finger-picking version of Corona when he plays solo.  It kills me every time.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Laurie on January 23, 2008, 11:23:53 AM
You know what, I haven't heard a cover of "Swingin' Party" by the Replacements that I haven't loved. I guess it's partially because I love the song. I remember hearing Jon Auer do it live on Joe Belock's show (http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/19286). So great! And I really like Annie Hayden's version, too!

Postscript: You know what, I probably shouldn't begin every comment with "you know what."
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Chris L on January 23, 2008, 11:28:58 AM
You know what

Nope.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Chris L on January 23, 2008, 11:52:45 AM
Baby Huey's long, Curtis Mayfield-produced version of "A Change is Gonna Come," complete with weird/sad drug-fueled monologue. 

I just want to reemphasize that this is fucking awesome.

Some other random picks:
- Phil Flowers and the Flower Shop's 9-minute funked-up version of Like a Rolling Stone, with him making Dino the Dinosaur noises through the whole thing
- English Beat - Tears of a Clown
- Afghan Whigs - Come See About Me (maybe this belongs in the Apologist Thread)
- James Brown - Your Cheatin' Heart


Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Laurie on January 23, 2008, 12:39:02 PM
- Afghan Whigs - Come See About Me (maybe this belongs in the Apologist Embarrassing Confessions Thread)

Fixed!
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Beth on January 23, 2008, 01:52:12 PM
I have 14 different covers of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on my iTunes. Only Calexico's is any good (although the Tuvan throat singing version is pretty hot).

I would disagreee. I think Nouvelle Vague's cover and Jah Division's "Dub Will Tear Us Apart" are both stellar.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: yesno on January 24, 2008, 07:01:35 PM
Tainted Love, by Coil.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=eo3TUtRnZi4[/youtube]
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: themajormiller on January 25, 2008, 08:09:33 AM
Dismemberment Plan - Crush
Afghan Whigs - My World is Empty/I Hear A Symphony
Six Organs of Admittance - I'm On Fire
Robbie Fulks - Dancing Queen
Oxes - Everlong
Self - What A Fool Believes
Marc Ribot - While My Guitar Gently Weeps
fIREHOSE - every song on that live EP
Calexico - Alone Again Or
CCR - I Put A Spell On You
Little Jimmy Scott - Jealous Guy
Black Keys - Chulahoma EP
Dead Kennedys - Viva Las VegasJay Reatard - Dont Let Him Come Back
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: jane on January 25, 2008, 05:11:14 PM
Did anyone like Pussy Galore's Exile On Main Street?  I thought it was a pretty fun album and they even made it better in many ways.  I think The Faces were a better rock band than The Stones, anyway.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 25, 2008, 05:59:24 PM
Did anyone like Pussy Galore's Exile On Main Street?  I thought it was a pretty fun album and they even made it better in many ways.

I don't like.....wait for it.........I love it

Actually the last time I went to the Newport Folk Fest I had it cranking in the car stereo annoying all the tourists on those narrow little streets to Ft Adams.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: jane on January 25, 2008, 06:25:03 PM
ha, ha.  Well, that would annoy people going to the Newport Folk festival, wouldn't it.  I don't know why I can listen to the same rhythms and beats played by another band and just like it better, but great songs.  I just like everything better, the whole picture, and the Pussy Galore version is raunchier and I like raunchy music.  Hard to justify. 

And I would just rather listen to an hour of The Faces (five guys walk into a bar box set) than an hour of The Rolling Stones.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: bruce on January 25, 2008, 06:49:27 PM
ha, ha.  Well, that would annoy people going to the Newport Folk festival, wouldn't it. 
Actually these were just the regular tourists that clog the streets of Newport in Summer time.

Actually did meet a few FMU listeners but that was during the set by that Country singer who has a show on FMU.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: erika on May 06, 2009, 02:57:43 PM
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8mzqp_the-flaming-lips-borderline_music

!
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: dave from knoxville on May 06, 2009, 03:06:26 PM
[youtube]Or2jLqSZX54[/youtube]












.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: masterofsparks on May 07, 2009, 06:31:42 AM
Speaking of the Flaming Lips, Chris Whitley's cover of Mountain Side is pretty awesome.

http://stuft.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c225268ebc8e1d0109811faa8a000c.html (http://stuft.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c225268ebc8e1d0109811faa8a000c.html)
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Scot on May 07, 2009, 08:11:44 AM
cheater slicks covering "walk up the street" by the modern lovers. or "think i'm coming down" by lee hazlewood. or "lonely planet boy" by the ny dolls. or "child of the moon" by the stones.

OR ANYTHING REALLY. really!

cheater slicks for life!
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Tim K in DC on May 08, 2009, 05:09:47 AM
cheater slicks covering "walk up the street" by the modern lovers. or "think i'm coming down" by lee hazlewood. or "lonely planet boy" by the ny dolls. or "child of the moon" by the stones.

OR ANYTHING REALLY. really!

cheater slicks for life!

GREAT call on the Slicks. That version is so fucking unhinged.

As for another unhinged cover, I have to dig up Six Finger Satellite doing Pere Ubu's "Final Solution" live on a WMBR Pipeline! broadcast from the very early 90s that is off the meter. It was before the band went into the Machine Cuisine phase, so it's very guitar-sludge epic. Once I find it, I'll put it up on Mediafire and post the link.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: Scot on May 08, 2009, 08:44:07 AM
cheater slicks covering "walk up the street" by the modern lovers. or "think i'm coming down" by lee hazlewood. or "lonely planet boy" by the ny dolls. or "child of the moon" by the stones.

OR ANYTHING REALLY. really!

cheater slicks for life!

GREAT call on the Slicks. That version is so fucking unhinged.

As for another unhinged cover, I have to dig up Six Finger Satellite doing Pere Ubu's "Final Solution" live on a WMBR Pipeline! broadcast from the very early 90s that is off the meter. It was before the band went into the Machine Cuisine phase, so it's very guitar-sludge epic. Once I find it, I'll put it up on Mediafire and post the link.

yeah! slicks' version sounds like some really bad shit is gonna happen once there's no more street left. modern lovers version (while great) suggests maybe j. richman will just go lay down and cry a while or something.
Title: Re: BEST cover versions of songs?
Post by: dave from knoxville on May 08, 2009, 09:27:40 AM
This one's sort of hot

[youtube]wVX6n_t356I[/youtube]

Not that I want to be accused of ass-kissery or anything, but, hey, if so, fuuuuuuuuuuuuudge you.