OT: You Like the Cover More Than the Original Song

[Jackcatscal]

Richard Thompson singing "Old Rocking Chair." Original: Hoagy Carmichael, written in 1929! There's also a 1930 version with Bix Beiderbecke on cornet. And Louis Armstrong recorded a great version in 1929.

 

[bantamlaker]

The oldtimers here remember Jimmy Jones’ big hit Handy Man from 1960. A few years later Del Shannon had a hit with it and in 1977 James Taylor came out with his own much softer version.

 

[Scud49]

Kingfish - "Big Iron".

Marty Robbins of course did the famous original, but Bob Weir's Kingfish really nail it for me:

 

[Stinger92860]

Viva Las Vegas - Springteen
The Man who Sold the World - Cobain

 

[CL82]

Fly Me To the Moon - done in the early 50's by a singer named Kaye Ballard. Sinatra of course had a big hit with it.

But Julie London really does it for me:

I never realized that this was a Kay Ballard original song. I only remember her from her role in a short-lived sitcom "The Mothers-in-law".

Here's the original. It's actually pretty good.

 

[psconn]

School of Rock kids... MUCH better than the original IMO.

 

[Gabbyfan]

this is considered the best cover off Lenard Cohen's song. Jeff Buckley

 

[Scud49]

I never realized that this was a Kay Ballard original song. I only remember her from her role in a short-lived sitcom "The Mothers-in-law".

Yes, the original isn't bad for sure.

He's another I remember from way back when- Joe Harnell:

 

[Scud49]

Asleep at the Wheel - Route 66, love their version.

Originally done in the 40's by Nat King Cole.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Okay, well I'm not quite sure if I like it more than the original, but this is my newest musical obsession, and most of their songs probably aren't gonna fit into song thread categories, so what the heck.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Had to look up the original (Lacy Dalton, 1982). Don't remember hearing it, but I like this cover by a not very well known country singer.

 

[Scud49]

Rolling Stones - Mona, 1964.

Bo Diddley wrote it and recorded it in the 50's.

 

[Bigboote]

Dave Mason wrote this and recorded the original version with Traffic, a non-album single. Joe Cocker's version is way better.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I think this counts. Remake made for a movie, by a "fake band" that was comprised of real deal rockers, including the original vocalist. It's not all that different, but it goes harder. I don't know who the guitarist in the original song is, but Zakk Wylde punches this song up a fair bit.

 

[meyers7]

Had to look up the original (Lacy Dalton, 1982). Don't remember hearing it, but I like this cover by a not very well known country singer.

If you like Sunny, you might like her and Jamie Lin Wilson doing Red Dirt Girl (Emmy Lou Harris)

 

[Ozimoto]

I really like the Brian Setzer Orchestra's version of Louis Prima's "Jump Jive and Wail."

 

[Bigboote]

I’m glad Laura Nyro got the exposure (and made the money) from folks recording her songs. But I almost always preferred her original versions. One exception is And When I Die, recorded by BS&T.

 

[Fastbreak]

I think I'll stick with King Crimson's version but nice April Wine - 21st Century Schizoid Man ​

 

[MinneHusky]

This cover hits me hard, it's a tough one to listen to, but has special meaning behind and got me through some stuff while (trying) to help some friends.

 

[Scud49]

Rod Stewart - Handbags and Gladrags. Original was done by a fellow named Chris Farlowe.

 

[uconnfan68]

Rolling Stones - Mona, 1964.

Bo Diddley wrote it and recorded it in the 50's.

Quicksilver did it too.

 

[Woof 101]

Lovely bride of 30 years in August. Always loved and had respect for Phil Philips with his Sea of Love....
But really found The Honey Drippers version a great cover. Our first wedding dance and it went over well with many joining in upon request.

 

[meyers7]

Kinda like his version more than The Guess Who. (not a question)

American Woman - Lenny Kravitz

 

[meyers7]

I think Gladys Knight and the Pips did it first. But Marvin Gaye's was probably the most famous. BUT, this is the version I really like.

I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Creedence Clearwater Revival (the long version)

 

[Scud49]

"These Days" - sung by Greg Allman. Written by Jackson Browne and recorded by him and others, I was always partial to this Allman's: