# Covers of songs that elevate the original by changing tempo, genre, time signature, etc **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [March 30, 2025, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349 "2025-03-30T17:20:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/41 "2025-03-31T02:38:04Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > One of my faves is Absolutely Sweet Marie by Jason and the Scorchers. > > Tried to post link, but kept getting an error message. I guarantee it is worth a quick search. Agreed this is worth watching. I found this from a live show in Denmark. Warner Hodges is, as always, AMAZING! [Jason & the Scorchers - Absolutely Sweet Marie](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyv6TWeJu0Y) ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/42 "2025-03-31T04:19:14Z")
Wilson Pickett and Duane Allman take on [“Hey Jude”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y8Q2PATVyI) and inject a healthy dose of soul! ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/43 "2025-03-31T04:45:03Z")
Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day) doing ‘I think we’re alone now’ [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/43K2A2A49-4/hqdefault.jpg "I Think We're Alone Now - Billie Joe Armstrong (HQ)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43K2A2A49-4) ---
**Author:** ![cieskokid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cieskokid/32/5374_2.png) [@cieskokid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cieskokid)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/44 "2025-03-31T05:27:47Z")
Concrete Blonde & the magnificent Johnette Napolitano slow down Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate” into an even more bittersweet dimension =\> [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/tR29omKiw3w/maxresdefault.jpg "Simple Twist Of Fate") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR29omKiw3w) ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/45 "2025-03-31T05:54:59Z")
It kind of hurts to say it, but Pat Benatar’s [Wuthering Height’s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o96bRMJ7z4), though not too different musically, is much more enjoyable (too me) than its creator’s, the amazing Kate Bush. I generally like KB’s vocals because they’re unconventional and it matches her dreamy lyrics. One of the few exceptions is WH, where it just sounds out of her vocal range. It always makes me think about how we sounded as kids, pretending to be opera singers. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/46 "2025-03-31T06:07:04Z")
It’s missing a verse, or more accurately the verse has different lyrics. If it had been the “Peekin’ through the bars” that I’ve always heard I would assume he killed her when she loved another. I really love the minor key and the rather creepy feel to the whole thing. ---
**Author:** ![dirtball](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dirtball/32/18772_2.png) [@dirtball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dirtball)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/47 "2025-03-31T12:57:12Z")
I don’t know that I’d say the Uncle Tupelo cover of “I Wanna Be Your Dog” actually _elevates_ the original, but to my ear, the song does sound very natural with the genre change. Good work, guys. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IWn5B1FE3fU/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEmCOADEOgC8quKqQMa8AEB-AH-BIAC4AOKAgwIABABGEwgYihlMA8=&rs=AOn4CLBdgOLp9LzCGTAp5k50odEfy-CSSg "Uncle Tupelo - I Wanna Be Your Dog") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWn5B1FE3fU) ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/48 "2025-03-31T13:10:33Z")
This is one of my favorite covers, hadn’t listened to it in a while, though. Great stuff. ETA: here, enjoy a live version. [Uncle Tupelo - I Wanna Be Your Dog (Stooges Cover) - Live At Beloit College (Acoustic)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyo3gNOCbwY) ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/49 "2025-03-31T13:10:51Z")
Love the sound of that. The Nutley Brass did a whole Ramones album and it sounds like a concert band version of the songs. [https://youtu.be/MH0kHju79Ek?si=JwM00n0RAxpDmXk7](https://youtu.be/MH0kHju79Ek?si=JwM00n0RAxpDmXk7) ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/50 "2025-03-31T13:19:58Z")
> [@themapleleaf](#): > > [Johnny Cash’s version of _Ghost Riders in the Sky_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LtmZM0OWO8&ab_channel=JohnnyCash-Topic) is the ultimate one for me. The combination of his Elvis-like voice, the backup singers in the chorus, and the rich instrumentation, all elevate it from a song that was rather folksy in earlier recordings to a distinctive Western standard. Dick Dale does a pretty kick-ass cover on his surf guitar. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/5367CsDAkf8/maxresdefault.jpg "[Ghost] Riders In The Sky") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5367CsDAkf8) ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/51 "2025-03-31T13:49:38Z")
> [@Ynnad](#): > > Here’s a cover of “When the Levee Breaks” that’s little different: You ain’t kidding. Sure that’s not a 45 of the Zep WtLB played on 33 1/3 speed? 😁 > [@blondebear](#): > > Shawn Colvin’s dreamy version of Viva Las Vegas (I discovered it watching the credit roll of The Big Lebowski) My favorite cover of Viva Las Vegas: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/2nJ-OXtMjos/maxresdefault.jpg "Dead Kennedys - Viva Las Vegas (Music Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nJ-OXtMjos) ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/52 "2025-03-31T14:09:47Z")
the stripped down version of Tears For Fears “Mad World” by Gary Jules, first appearing on the Donnie Darko movie album is absolutely haunting [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/etSbOs3aUqI/maxresdefault.jpg ""Mad World" (feat. Gary Jules) - Official Music Video") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etSbOs3aUqI) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/53 "2025-03-31T14:39:15Z")
Glen Campbell said that he heard John Hartford’s recording of Gentle on My Mind. Glen claims he immediately recognized that it was too slow. Glen changed the arrangement and tempo. It became a huge hit. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/54 "2025-03-31T16:03:37Z")
_Tomorrow Never Knows_ by the short-lived “super group” 801. Fantastic bass playing by Bill MacCormick: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/E-6s9JlNSkU/maxresdefault.jpg "801 Live ► Tomorrow Never Knows [HQ Audio] 1976") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-6s9JlNSkU) ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/55 "2025-03-31T16:38:07Z")
It takes some balls to attempt a live performance of that song. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/56 "2025-03-31T16:57:18Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Agreed this is worth watching. I found this from a live show in Denmark. Warner Hodges is, as always, AMAZING! Thanks for posting that. I’ve long thought that Warner deserved to be on anyone’s short list of “guitar gods”! Jason is from central Illinois, and in the early 80s when I was attending Illinois in Champaign Urbana they often played at a local bar - Mabel’s. Jason’s whole family would be there, including his parents, aunts, uncles - even his grandmother I believe. I consider myself truly fortunate to have seen them so many times. Flash forward 30 years, when I got my current job I had to be in DC for 4 weeks of training. Looking for live music, I saw JatS were playing, so I went to see them. New rhythm section, but Jason and Warner were still lighting it up. Was great fun catching up with them after the show. ---
**Author:** ![Briny\_Deep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/briny_deep/32/17188_2.png) [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/57 "2025-03-31T17:03:04Z")
I’m not sure if this pretty faithful cover of “What A Fool Believes” elevates it exactly, or even improves it, but it’s very well done and takes it in a radically different tempo direction for a lark. I like it, but would have preferred a cover tempo just a smidge faster than the original, instead of what we got here: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/qKYQNtF11eg/maxresdefault.jpg "The Doobie Brothers - What A Fool Believes (Official Music Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKYQNtF11eg) [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/HJOSiJya80Q/maxresdefault.jpg "'WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES' (DOOBIE BROTHERS) cover by HSCC") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJOSiJya80Q) ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/58 "2025-03-31T17:04:59Z")
That is pretty much exactly the kind of cover that makes the thread great. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/59 "2025-03-31T17:17:25Z")
> [@On another topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1016651/160): > > Eddie Van Halen is way better than Bach > Toccata and fugue in D Minor Ok. I’m going to need help on this one. Where in that insane mess of crazy high-speed guitar solo is Toccatta and Fugue in D Minor? I really clicked around quite a bit trying to find it. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2025, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349/60 "2025-03-31T17:20:13Z")
For Jimi covering Bob, I prefer Like A Rolling Stone. slow, bluesie, and when he gets to the refrain, he puts his whole existence into it. Bob is an nobel prize winner for lyrics; he crafts amazing tunes, but his performance could definitely be improved upon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covers-of-songs-that-elevate-the-original-by-changing-tempo-genre-time-signature-etc/1016349.md?page=4)