Cover versions which are better than the original

[aeropilot]

What was effectively, the first Tamla-Motown hit record, Barrett Strong’s ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ has been covered by so many big name artists, from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Doors, The Kingsmen, The Searchers etc., but for me without a doubt, the best version was the one by legendary Tacoma based garage band, The Sonics.

[Patch1875]

Thought of another.

Gun - Word Up

[Justices]

Luther Vandross - A House is Not a Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-PW2l4b2A

Originally sung by Dionne Warwick, owned by Vandross, especially in the live performance above. Hate to have to go on after him that night!

[steelbreeze]

DocJock said:

Gary Moore cover of Free's 'Wishing Well'. https://youtu.be/0qKkKHJ1weo

Springsteen's 'Because the night' https://youtu.be/i8JcWD1rHVo. (OK, he wrote it, but he wrote it for Patti Smith)

Edited by DocJock on Thursday 19th November 11:04

Also the Cascada versions of Because the Night - perfect gym/running music.

[Speed 3]

California Dreamin' by Bobby Womack

and conversely

It's All Over Now by The Rolling Stones

And very topically, saw this guy from Aus on Wednesday doing a Kate Bush cover, such an amazing voice:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxsjTS2mNNc

[aeropilot]

Speed 3 said:

It's All Over Now by The Rolling Stones

Actually, the Stones did some pretty good covers, that were probably better than the originals.

Not Fade Away being another contender.

[HD Adam]

Otis Redding - I can't get no satisfaction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpmZWUPrCgo

SRV - Instrumental version of Little Wing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An4uDegHB8s

Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDl9ZMfj6aE

[CubanPete]

Johnny Cash - Personal Jesus
Johnny Cash - The Wanderer
Youth Group - Forever Young

[Evoluzione]

Eloise, The Damned.

[TheChampers]

Sharted said:

Heard it through the grapevine - The Slits

Love this (and many others on here).

I should give an honourable mention to the Sisters Of Mercy's takes on Gimme Shelter and Hot Chocolate's Emma.

The biggest improvement on an original is I think this one where a fairly (of it's time) Numan song (I bought the original when it came out) is utterly energised by Saint Etienne.

Stormtrooper In Drag

http://youtu.be/QsCkfmgu0cI

[rouge59]

I'm not saying it's definitively better, but this cover of the RHCPs is strangely brilliant.


http://youtu.be/aXI_IkDO4C0

[Hub]

I dont care for any of her other covers (her whole first album was cover versions) , but Birdy's version of the XX's Shelter is superior to me (and I don't mind a bit of XX):

Cover: https://youtu.be/QXwPUYU8rTI
Original: https://youtu.be/B_QCPjWqlnc

[freddytin]

" Nutbush City Limits " , performed by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa...What a combo .

I've intentionally linked to the whole awesome concert if anyone cares to iver indulge ... Track mentioned starts at 1.33.30...Enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka22y_hwZwc

[Ozone]

Knock on Wood by Amii Stewart

Memphis Tennessee by The Silicon Teens

[anonymous-user]

Aretha doing Bobby Womack's That's The Way I Feel About Cha, absolute class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClzXl2sDCWQ

[Billsnemesis]

AdeTuono said:

Anything written by Dylan and covered by anyone else.

EFA

[treehack]

Radio Head covering Ceremony by Joy Division
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=FLxHdjS4d9bqyKT8-...

[Hackney]

boxst said:

Sinead O'Conner : Nothing Compares 2 U

This. In spades.

But also:

Saint Etienne - Only Love Can Break Your Heart
David Byrne - Don't Fence Me In
Talking Heads - Take Me To The River
TaTu - How Soon Is Now
Electric Music - Baby Come Back

[citizensm1th]

sleeper atomic

[Pickled]

Foo Fighters - I'm in love with a German film star