Why do people bother? If I look up “Tears In Heaven”- (example)- can someone really believe they can do a better rendition with a shitty guitar and being recorded on a cellphone?
Unfortunately, there is no video of this live radio cover of Alannis Morissette’s “Ironic” by former lead singer of The Gathering Anneke van Giersbergen…but hopefully this is an exception to your rule…
Ironic by Anneke
It is not a rule- I really wonder why people embarrass themselves.
It’s usually LADS, Lousy Artist Denial Syndrome. I do not include the lovely Anneke in this because she really does have an amazing voice, but I suspect you are referring not so much to established recording artists as much as the dude who works at Taco Bell who totally thinks he has nailed “Stairway to Heaven.”
Lousy Artist Denial Syndrome covers visual and performing arts, and it boils down to some basic tenets:
Usually the person in question has been told by someone that they’re “really good” at what they are trying to do.
The person believes it with all of their heart. All that remains is to make the rest of the world acknowledge their greatness.
Somehow they think that they’ll gain validation by posting video of themselves (or pictures, for visual artists) and have people gush over them, saying “OMG it’s BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL” and their goal is achieved.
You can spot LADS easily by offering critique of their work; LADS sufferers will take all such critiques personally and will REFUSE to change or re-evaluate their work just because some MERE MORTAL dared to say something about it. How DARE THEY???
How to beat LADS: Remember that no matter how good you think you are, you can always be better, and there is ALWAYS someone better than you at what you do. In other words, you HAVE to suffer to make better art, even if suffering in this case means self-inflicted mental torture.
Thanks- I was annoyed at the whole thing (probably everything backed up) and yo have expained it well.
On the other hand, there are occasionally covers that are really good, that offer a new take on an old favorite or showcase a good players skill. Check out Fretkillr for instance. I particularly enjoy Would You Like To Play The Guitar?
Most, as you say, are crummy–and that’s being kind.