Reading through a couple of recent threads I was reminded of songs I grew to love, only to find out they were covers. Not that covers are bad (in fact sometimes they’re great), but learning that can change the way you think about a song.
The Replacements, “Black Diamond.” This tense, uncomfortable little song (lyrics like “Out on the streets for a living / Picture’s only begun / Your day is sorrow and madness / Got you under their thumb” sung over Bob Stinson’s anxious riffing) turned out to be a Kiss cover. I realize it’s all rock and roll, but these two bands are pretty different.
The Residents, “Constantinople.” If you’re unfamiliar with The Residents I’m not going to try to explain them, other than noting that they combine weird lyrics, weird singing, found sounds, toy pianos…and other stuff. Anyway, it was a good 20 years before I learned it was actually a cover (even after hearing TMBG ‘cover’ the Residents).
Another surprising and wonderful cover started with the lyrics “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine,” but you probably already know what that is.
Few people probably know that the most memorable cover of Dave Edmunds’ recording of “Queen of Hearts” was not Juice Newton’s, but an '82 version by Alvin and the Chipmunks.
I was stunned to discover that not only was Frank Black’s version of “Hang Onto Your Ego” a cover, it was originally written by Brian Wilson, and performed by the Beach Boys.
I was surprised to learn that the Foo Fighters’ “Bakerstreet” is a cover. I’ve since heard the original, but I had no idea for a long time. Likewise “Is That All There Is?” by PJ Harvey and “Summertime” by the Zombies. Turns out both are wicked old. Who knew?
You know, I’m somewhat knowledgeable about rock lyrics, but I had no idea what this was. Apparently, it’s from the Patti Smith cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria”. I would have guessed John Lennon.
The Residents, “Constantinople.” If you’re unfamiliar with The Residents I’m not going to try to explain them, other than noting that they combine weird lyrics, weird singing, found sounds, toy pianos…and other stuff. Anyway, it was a good 20 years before I learned it was actually a cover (even after hearing TMBG ‘cover’ the Residents).
I was surprised to find that not only was the TMBG version of Constantinople a cover, but that the song was originally recorded in the early Fifties!
Slade! Yes! I was ruining a few brain cells over the years for that very answer. I knew Quiet Riot performed in the 80’s but I was thinking who originally performed Cum On Feel The Noise. Yall my savior.
I was a kid when I learned that Herman’s Mermit’s song I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am was a cover of a 1910 music hall song. In fact, it’s only the chorus part, sunf three times:
