10 Greatest Cover Songs

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wi_dennis

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What defines a great cover song? I think there are two crucial elements:

- A complete and successful re-interpretation of the song that stretches the scope of the music in entirely new directions

- When the song title is mentioned, most people believe the song belongs to the cover band rather than the original artist

With that limited criteria as our guide, I bring you the 10 Greatest Cover Songs of All Time.

All Along the Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix)

Bob Dylan originally sang this one as a folk rocker, but Hendrix rescues it with some scathing electrical guitar work. It
 
Ring of Fire is a bit of a reach, otherwise great list.

Welcome to rab from the MURDER JUNKIE (this will get you props), any problems PM me and I will help you out
 
Thanks.

Social D is a personal favorite. I was hoping for a bit more activity. People calling me nuts -- calling me out. Adding to the list.

But its still early.

One addition from me: Eric Clapton doing Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff."
 
Well i think Alien Ant Farm did an excellent cover of Smooth Criminal, but it's definently debatable that Michael Jackson's version of it was better, but I guess it's subjective.
 
Dicks - Purple Haze
Black Flag - Louie Louie
STD - Folsom Prison Blues
Bl'ast! - Schools Out
Minutemen - The Red and the Black
 
I personally think UB40 should have been dragged out back and shot for Red Red Wine. I couldn't hate that ****ing song any more, to me its on par with Fergie's ****.

As far as covers go The Stripes do some amazing ones, one more cup of coffee, southern can, and black jack davy, but as far as stealing songs goes, Dolly Parton should have sued them for their outright theft of Jolene.
 
Here's a few off the top of my head:

Kirsty McColl - New England
The Stranglers - Walk on by
Pet Shop Boys - You are always on my mind
Supergrass - Condition
The Pogues - Waltzing Matilda (Hmmm, maybe not so much of a cover, well, s'pose it is... trad and all that)
Kim Deal - You Sexy Thing
Whiskey in the Jar - Pulp
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Beastie Boys - Time for Living
Nirvana - Man who sold the world, Molly's lips and Son of a gun.
 
I'd like to add "Imagine" by A Perfect Circle. I love their version. I also like Reba McEntire's cover of "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia."
 
I hate it when people keep saying that one , I hope I never hear Cobains croaky voice ruin this ever again.
Even Lulu`s cover was better.
 
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