I like Rocketman better than Space Oddity. I realize in terms of concept and content, Bowie is better. Rocketman is even kind of a “copy” of that song. Bowie’s social commentary is spot on and the song innovative and unique. In fact, in terms of musicality, brilliant is the only word I could/would use to describe Space Oddity.
But just to sing along too, I prefer Rocketman.
Are there any other songs that are similar to each other that you prefer one over the other?
Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love is a lot like Weird Al’s Addicted to Spuds. Of course, with the second being a parody of the first, that’s to be expected. Of the two, I’ve always had a preference for Addicted to Spuds. I can relate to it more.
Along the same lines, I prefer Weird Al’s* Eat It* to MJ’s Beat It and when the latter comes on the radio I always sing the lyrics to the former.
Last year (I think) there was some flap over Sara Bareilles’s Brave being a rip off of Katy Perry’s Roar. I don’t know which was written first but I much prefer Brave.
I like Southern Man and Alabama more than Sweet Home Alabama, even if Neil is a bit heavy handed.
“Turn it off.”
Billy Idol’s version of LA Woman is better than The Doors’/Jim Morrison.
yes, x100
I like Dave Mason’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” better than either Hendrix’s or Dylan’s. Those are two pretty heavy hitters, so I’d assume that makes my choice a pretty controversial one.
There is nothing wrong with the other two versions, but for listening pleasure, I’d rather hear Dave.
I prefer Ciccone Youth’s version of Addicted to Love (which uses the karaoke version).
Oblivion…is all you crave.
I actually don’t like Dylan’s… and the Dave mason one I wasn’t too fond of, but, I’m glad you pointed it out to me. The Hendrix version i rate at 9/10, at least…
I like the Ciccone Youth song/video… thanks for pointing it out
I once told someone that i liked the Al Green original “Take me to the river” better than Talking Heads and they looked at me as if I had two.
I much prefer Lotte Lenya’s moody version of Mack the Knife (in German) to Bobby Darin’s shoobie-do version.
I prefer Hot Rod Lincoln (especially (only) the Commander Cody version) over Hot Rod Race. It’s less fantastical, and a more “tight” song.
What about Louis Prima?
Glad you liked it! 
I’ve always preferred Louis Armstrong’s version(s). Back when I was a voracious file sharer, I had a live medley of it and “When You’re Smiling” that ended up being extra chilling. If I could get another copy of it, I’d happily pay for it this time.
And since the moment I realized it existed, I’ve always preferred Devo’s version of Satisfaction. They just sound like they’ve been working a lot harder at trying to get satisfaction and getting a lot more frustrated while still getting none. The Stones seem absolutely sated by comparison.
[QUOTE=Mark Mothersbaugh]
babybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybabybaby
[/QUOTE]
And on preview: Oooooo, that’s a hard one, Just Asking Questions
And ETA to add: I prefer Commander Cody’s version of San Antonio Rose from “We’ve Got a Live One Here” to all others. (sorry, can’t find a link, but I’m putting that record on before I got to bed)
well, it certainly is a good video… !
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
The Ataris’ version of “Boys of Summer” blows Don Henley’s (original) version out of the water.
And I’ll respond as I have before: pssshaw 
Actually the only part of their version that really irks me (and I think you might have said you like this part) is the “Black Flag stick on a Cadillac” line. It always makes me go “yeah, like you really know Black Flag. Poseurs”. None of that is based on anything I know about the band( since I know exactly nothing); just an involuntary reaction I’ve had since the first time I heard it. I’m sure it has everything to do with my huge crush on Mr Henley.
I like the original NIN version of “Hurt” better than Johnny Cash’s version, which I’m told is a serious faux pax to say.
I love Johnny, I have several of his albums. And the video was crazy amazing yes. But the original was one of “my” songs, the sad, angry teenager songs. That “this is deep!” moment where you connect completely with Trent Reznor. Yes, it quite apt for poor ol’ John but…well, it wasn’t written for you, fella!
In general I am not a fan of covers at all, fwiw. So I’m sure that doesn’t help Johnny’s case with me.
And along those lines, I prefer Peter Schilling’s sequel from the 80s, “Major Tom (Coming Home).”