Cover Versions Better Than The Originals

Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah and Mama u've been on my mind. Original written by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan is up there in terms of cover versions, well in my opinion. Its just not a cover, he has rip round the basic structure of the song and makes the song sound completely different, im certain most of u will not recognise they r the same song even if u listen to it 1 after another.

I also find cover versions of Dylan songs always sounds better than when the great man sings it.

Surprise no 1mention the obvious 1, nothing compares to u, thats a cover version.

Also, its never been released but REM did a version of i will survive which is pretty good, i've got it on mp3, contact me if u r interested and Ryan Adams version of Wonderwall, which is a bit over rated but good none the less.
 
The genius is probably in Bowie's writing, but Nirvana's version of The Man who sold the world knocked my socks off when i first heard it.
 
Just about any cover version of a Bob Dylan song is better than the original (with the exception of Blowin In The Wind). But I would nominate the following for special mention....

Mr Tambourine Man - The Byrds
All I Really Want To Do - The Byrds
All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
With God On Our Side - Manfred Mann
Mighty Quinn - Manfred Mann
Just Like A Woman - Manfred Mann (actually scratch that one, Dylan is much nastier).

but my personal favourite would have to be........

If You Gotta Go, Go Now - Manfred Mann.
 
Here is a quick selection of excellent cover versions which are very different in feel to the originals, which also happen to be excellent:

Van Morrisson (Them, actually) and Richie Havens each did fine covers of (It's all over now) Baby Blue.

Louie Louie - covered by the Kinks

Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor

Everytime You Say Goodbye - Annie Lennox

Hey Jude - De Danann

Miss Otis Regrets - Kirsty McColl

When Love Comes to Town - BB King + U2

Shakin' All Over - The Who

Take Me to the River - Talking Heads

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
 
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