Covers can be more than just a remake

I’m away from the computer today spending what might be a decent day in Lake George with my office. Last year in Cooperstown? Well, it wasn’t the best day ever…BUT let’s hope for at least a good day tomorrow. I’ve been thinking about this for a few days now and I can’t wait to get back and see your answers.

Covers. New versions by a new person. Sometimes just a remake with nothing added (or taken away) by a musician or group, sometimes it’s more with them putting their spin on something that has been done already. A lot of the people who really love music would say that it’s just a waste of time and musicians should focus on what they’re good at rather than remaking someone elses work or that they’re not artists because they are just copying someone else’s work. Bold statement I’ve actually heard before.

Now, I’m about to make a bold statement that may infuriate some out there and I’m ok with it.

There are songs that have been covered that I think are better than the original.

What makes them better (in my opinion)? A different spin that hits home harder, a more talented musician, a better time, and a  more fitting style are all parts that go into it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all of them are, in fact, a lot of covers are complete crap (Do not bring up Madonna’s American Pie in my presence. That makes me spit nails.) They’re often mediocre bands trying like hell to be great and very few come even remotely close to doing the originals justice. What makes them bad? Overly ambitious musicians, bad fit and there are just a few songs you DON’T touch.

I could list many that fit this bill, but I don’t want to think of them too hard, they make me sad. There’s a country one that springs to mind, that was originally a boy band song but now it sucks.

There are a few covers though, that not only do the originals justice, but totally outshine them.

Marilyn Manson’s cover of Tainted Love springs to mind.

So does The Atari’s Cover of Boys of Summer

Willie Nelson’s Gravedigger

Breathe Carolina’s See You Again

Side note, I love almost ALL of the Pop Goes Punk series. Check it out, you might too! Be warned, there are some not great ones on there, but for the most part, they’re awesome.

See, sometimes the cover is better than the original.

What’s your favorite cover? How about the one you hope you never hear again?