# Cover songs that are better than the original **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 9, 2010, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505 "2010-04-09T08:50:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/81 "2010-04-10T08:01:32Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > I take it you mean the Dead’s studio acoustic recording (from _Workingman’s Dead_). The best live electric renditions are as far beyond that as the Jimi “Watchtower” is from the Dylan original. That may well be; I’m not much of a DeadHead myself. The version I’m thinking of is pretty acoustic and pretty bland. And I still maintain that the Aerosmith version of _Come Together_ is inferior to [this version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_7xoC6k7PA). If you like, try opening it in another tab, then guessing the artists before looking in the spoiler tag below: Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/82 "2010-04-10T08:41:54Z")
I’m sure I’ll get flak for this, but… I’m not a big fan of Jimi Hendrix. I recognize that he was an awesome guitarist and a very influential artist, but his music, to me, is just OK. I might not change the station if a Hendrix song comes on the radio, but I don’t see myself ever buying any of his albums. With that out of the way: I think Sting’s version of “Little Wing” blows the original away. It’s like, the original is rough sounding; there’s a lot of potential there, but it’s just kind of “meh.” Sting’s version really fills out the song. I should add that I’m not a hardcore Sting fan, either - he also falls in the “just OK” camp. ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/83 "2010-04-10T08:47:30Z")
I apologise for going off topic, but **GESancMan** : your name has been bugging me. You are the guaranteed eternal sanctuary man, aren’t you? ---
**Author:** ![nachtmusick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ac91a4/32.png) [@nachtmusick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nachtmusick)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/84 "2010-04-10T12:28:04Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > I prefer the Puppini Sisters’ cover of “Wuthering Heights” to the Kate Bush original (and have had the opportunity to tell them so in person!). I prefer Pat Benetar’s version of Wuthering Heights to Kate’s. Perhaps because I had no idea who Kate Bush was until Benatar covered her. I listened to Kate quite a bit after that; Pat not so much. My all-time favorite cover song is Polk Salad Annie. I don’t know or care who first sang it, but the song transcends the artist. Tony Joe White, Mitch and the Polecats, Blues Brothers, Elvis, Los Lonely Boys. Each version better than the last. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W3F4Gixy3nE/hqdefault.jpg "Dan Aykroyd & Jim Belushi - Polk salad Annie") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3F4Gixy3nE) ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/85 "2010-04-10T13:32:30Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > IOk, how about David Cook’s version of “Billy Jean”? I like it way, way, way better than the original. It was actually Chris Cornell’s version. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/86 "2010-04-10T16:49:00Z")
> [@NineToTheSky](#): > > I apologise for going off topic, but **GESancMan** : your name has been bugging me. You are the guaranteed eternal sanctuary man, aren’t you? Yep, that’s me. ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/87 "2010-04-10T17:00:08Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > Yep, that’s me. Back on topic, I’ve just discovered that there is one cover of your song: by ReGenesis. I’ve never heard it though, so I can’t comment on whether it’s better or not. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/88 "2010-04-10T17:11:48Z")
_Respect_ by the Aretha Franklin was superior to Otis Redding’s original. Elvis Presley’s _Blue Suede Shoes_ was better than Carl Perkins. Elvis Costello’s version of _(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding_ was better than the Nick Lowe version. ---
**Author:** ![coffeecat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coffeecat/32/3405_2.png) [@coffeecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coffeecat)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/89 "2010-04-10T17:34:57Z")
If you’re not too picky about what’s a cover . . . I think [Eminem’s “Sing for the Moment”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rDysbl6fAE) is way better than [Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYojs78Tf9Y) OTOH, [Shaggy Bimbostic](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyD_MBsvVNY) or Rayon or whatever the fuck they call themselves should have been shot for what they did to [“Angel of the Morning.”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbUNVm1k3nU):eek: ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/90 "2010-04-10T17:49:52Z")
Frente’s cover of New Order’s\* Bizarre Love Triangle\*, Einstuzende Neubauten’s cover of the Sinatra/Hazelwood _Sand_, Bauhaus doing Cale’s _Rosegarden Funeral of Sores_, Eno’s _Third Uncle_, T.Rex’s _Telegram Sam_ & seconding _Ziggy Stardust_. And I’ll go to my grave believeing the NIN \*Hurt \*is miles better than Cash’s dying wino act. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/91 "2010-04-10T17:56:27Z")
> [@Ataraxy](#): > > Elvis Costello’s version of _(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding_ was better than the Nick Lowe version. Elvis Costello also did a nice cover of “A Good Year for the Roses.” Again, I don’t know that I’d say I’d like it better. But it is at least an equal to the original. [A Good Year for the Roses](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQlU3hussQ) - Elvis Costello (cover) [A Good Year for the Roses](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNGSJbE6JT4&feature=related) - George Jones (original) ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/92 "2010-04-10T17:58:06Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > And I’ll go to my grave believeing the NIN \*Hurt \*is miles better than Cash’s dying wino act. And you’ll die wrong 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/93 "2010-04-10T18:01:53Z")
I like the Proclaimers version of “My Old Friend the Blues” better than the Steve Earl original. I think Steve Earl is one of the great songwriters around, but his voice is kinda weak. [My Old Friend the Blues](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucgUKCeQlwM) - Proclaimers (cover) [My Old Friend the Blues](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdTvDQnCqrg) - Steve Earl (original) ---
**Author:** ![Achren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/898d66/32.png) [@Achren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achren)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/94 "2010-04-10T18:16:49Z")
Some years ago there was a really neat [commercial for the Sony Bravia](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XmUxf35AVk&feature=related). Looking online to find out who the song was by I discovered both José González ([cover](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_4abCWw-w)) and The Knife ([original](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ow0bA4H3BQ&feature=related)). I didn’t buy a tv, but I now have albums from both artists, so thanks Sony! 😉 I couldn’t tell you which one I think it the better version, I like them both. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/95 "2010-04-10T18:28:44Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > Manfred Mann’s Blinded By the Light. Springsteen’s original was alright, but MM’s was better. I agree. I always sort of feel bad saying it, because i love Springsteen, but the Manfred Mann version is just great. ---
**Author:** ![Fair\_Rarity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fair_rarity/32/153_2.png) [@Fair\_Rarity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fair_Rarity)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2010, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/96 "2010-04-11T04:10:31Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Frente’s cover of New Order’s\* Bizarre Love Triangle\*, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that version. I thought I was the only person who remembered it. > [@MrDibble](#): > > And I’ll go to my grave believeing the NIN \*Hurt \*is miles better than Cash’s dying wino act. I agree with this too. I have a vote for another Fiona Apple song that I don’t think I saw anyone else mention. I love her _Across the Universe_ much more than the original. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2010, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/97 "2010-04-11T05:09:37Z")
**Save Ferris** , a ska band, does a wonderful cover of _Come On Eileen_ that has to be [heard](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKzl_mB-rz8) to believed. This woman’s vocal talent makes the song. ---
**Author:** ![Chicagojeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b19c9b/32.png) [@Chicagojeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chicagojeff)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2010, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/98 "2010-04-11T05:11:00Z")
“Eleanor Rigby” by Aretha… its on her Live at the Fillmore West album… sweeett… Just as good as the original i would offer “Just walk away Renee” by Rickie Lee Jones… also… Fifth Dimension’s version of “Never my love” is better than the Association’s version… ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2010, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/99 "2010-04-11T06:06:27Z")
> [@Seamack](#): > > Sonic Youth covered The Carpenters \*‘Superstar’ \*in an incredibly beautiful fashion. Yes > [@appleciders](#): > > That may well be; I’m not much of a DeadHead myself. The version I’m thinking of is pretty acoustic and pretty bland. > > And I still maintain that the Aerosmith version of _Come Together_ is inferior to [this version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_7xoC6k7PA). If you like, try opening it in another tab, then guessing the artists before looking in the spoiler tag below: > > Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin Pretty cool. But I prefer the Aerosmith version. And the original versin for that matter. > [@MrDibble](#): > > Frente’s cover of New Order’s\* Bizarre Love Triangle\* > [@Ruby Sees](#): > > I LOVE LOVE LOVE that version. I thought I was the only person who remembered it. Great cover. But I think I like New Order’s version better. > [@Ruby Sees](#): > > I have a vote for another Fiona Apple song that I don’t think I saw anyone else mention. I love her _Across the Universe_ much more than the original. Me too. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2010, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505/100 "2010-04-11T06:57:32Z")
I’ve got a good one. Nina Simone’s cover of “To Love Somebody” (originally by the Bee Gees). [To Love Somebody](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaNzoqSo4g) - **Nina Simone** (cover) [To Love Somebody](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU8iSKkJR0) - **The Bee Gees** (original) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cover-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original/535505.md?page=6)