You don’t have to add or cut anything: just hold some notes longer and/or other notes shorter. See the Straight No Chaser video above…or what Linzer and Randell did to Bach’s Minuet in G:
Black Sabbath gets funkified…
My favorite Springsteen cover: Light Of Day by the Barbusters
A couple I don’t believe have been mentioned yet. Tears of a Clown by The English Beat and Satisfaction by Devo.
Not sure they “elevate” the original, but they have merit in their own right.
(Still can’t figure out how to post a link!)
Close the preview window before inserting the link.
One of my favorite punkified songs: “My Heart Will Go On” by New Found Glory…
The Ataris - Boys of Summer.
The DIckies.
Once I heard their version of Nights in White Satin, I could never go back to the Moodies’ original.
The Dickies once billed themselves as “The World’s Greatest Cover Band”, and not without some justification.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Bonnie Raitt’s version of Runnaway
I’m not a fan of Springsteen, so basically any cover version of his songs are better. Hell, even Elmer Fudd.
I think a case could be made for Elton John’s “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Dramatically different tempo and feel from the original Beatles track. Practically a different song, but beautiful nonetheless on its own.
I’ll back you up, it’s got da reggae feel in places, mon.
And Earth, Wind & Fire’s version of “Got to Get You Into My Life,” is outstanding.
Broken Peach took “Tainted Love” to a new level.
Though the video is a big part of that.
Oh, I stringly disagree. I remember when Hubster and I first heard it that whoever mangled that song should be sent to prison for crimes against rock and roll. Then we found out who “covered” it. Youbjuster never know man.
Omg I love that version. I used to do it when we played. It was such a fun bluesy song done in Ms. Raitt’s style.
Nicolette Larson’s cover of Neil Young’s “Gonna Take a Lot of Love” really brings it to life, imo.
Eeeeh - I have to agree. I wish I liked him, but…
I’ve posted this here before. It was not well received. But IMHO, if you take the preposterous Born To Run and relocate it as a desperate fantasy in a Liverpool dole office, then it works. HAH!
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I like it! These guys did, “Relax”? Who’da thunk it? Thanks for sharing.
Linda Ronstadt’s version of, “When Will I Be Loved,” is smokin hot! She could probably sing the phone book and I’d swoon.