Annie Lenox’s cover of “Train In Vain” beats The Clash (if you can believe it)
Run-DMC + Aerosmith’s cover of “Walk This Way” beats Aerosmith
Henry Rollins’ version of “Kick Out The Jams” beats MC5
Joe Jackson’s version of “What A Beautiful World It Will Be” beats both Donald Fagen’s and Howard Jones’
David Anthony’s cover of “Something About You” beats Level 42, but only just barely
Gary Jules’ “Mad World” beats Tears For Fears
Seu Jorges did amazing things with multiple David Bowie tunes…
Linda Ronstadt’s version of Blue Bayou beats Roy Orbison’s
Massive Attack’s “Be Thankful For What You’ve Got” beats whoever did the original
hmmm… surprised I can’t think of more right now, this is a favorite topic of mine… let me get back to you…
I came into the thread to suggest “Sweet Jane.” I am primarily thinking of the Cowboy Junkies’ dreamy version, which Lou Reed himself has awarded high praise to. I also quite enjoy Reed’s solo reworking of the song.
I’m going to have to go with Concrete Blonde’s version, but not particularly on the basis of the vocals – I mean, I love how Johnette Napolitano coos and shrieks her way through it, but Cohen’s delivery has its charms as well. I just find that Concrete Blonde’s instrumentation is much cooler. The instrumentation on Cohen’s version seems to have wandered in from another song.
To my considerable surprise, when I checked my iTunes, I discovered that I don’t even have a copy of the Hüskers’ version. I think I have heard it at some point.
I have an MP3 of a blue-grassy/country version of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.” I don’t know if the artist listed on the file is right, but if it is, then it’s by The Gourds and it’s awesome.
And to stir the pot, the criminally unknown The Triffids did the best verion of In The Pines yet on their album of the same name (recorded in New Zealand shearing sheds). Occasionally out on reissue and well worth seeking out.
Deftones’ - If Only Tonight We Could Sleep originally by The Cure
Deftones’ - No Ordinary Love originally by Sade
Disturbed - Shout originally by Tears For Fears
Grave Digger - No Quarter originally by Led Zeppelin (Awesome guitar solo in the middle of the song)
