Cover Me

I used to think that anyone who did a cover song was nothing but a hack. Over the years, though, I have found that really it takes some skill to take a song that someone else gave life to and somehow make it yours. There are still plenty of hacks out there, but I have compiled a (rather lengthy) list here of some that I believe are certainly worth of your attention.

(Ed. note: if you also read my husband's blog I just want you to know that I had the idea for this topic months ago, and began my draft of it almost 3 weeks ago. He had no idea. We both have lots of original ideas. After 10 years of marriage they just seem to overlap more often.  Although the end results are quite different.)

Some Favorites

El Tango de Roxanne (feat. Jacek Koman/Jose Feliciano) - Ewan McGregor

A reminder of the brilliance of Baz Luhrman and his films. I love the very raw emotion in this song -- the gravely sound of Jacek Koman juxtaposed with the purity of Ewan McGregor's yearning. The strings, the passion, the love, the loss, aaaaa!!!! Fantastico!

Hotel California - Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings could remake "It's a Small World" and I would probably love it.  But to listen to this one...man you can almost see Antonia Banderas walking down that dusty road to the lone structure off in the distance that looks so dangerously inviting.

Hurt - Johnny Cash

I'm not a huge NIN fan so I was only vaguely familiar with the original of this song. When I heard Johnny Cash sing it, I was just drop jawed and moved almost to tears. What a beautiful, aching song. While it gave me more respect for Trent Reznor, and I do appreciate his version, he was just a boy when he wrote it. Johnny Cash sings it from the other side with a lifetime of perspective in every word. In it's stripped down form it is painful and hopeful all at the same time. Beautiful.

Man Who Sold the World - Jordis Unga

Miss Unga was a contestant on the first season of "Rock Star" a reality show to find a new lead singer for the band NXS. She didn't win, but was/is an amazing talent. I can't even define what it is about it, but up until I heard her sing it, it was jut another Nirvana song. When she sang it, you knew it was personal. I love that.

Wonderwall - Ryan Adams

I was fine with the first version of this by Oasis although their pugilistic reputation turned me off to them as a band.  This sparse, bare bones rendition is haunting and just gorgeous.  On a side note, while listening to the original on iTunes I discovered a whole gamut of really crappy covers.  There may be another cover blog in the future....

One - Cowboy Junkies

Before I heard this song, I would have gone to the mat saying no one should mess with a U2 song. This one proved me wrong. What I think really makes a good cover is taking a song and truly making it your own. If it sounds just like the original I am not impressed. If you do something different just to be different, that's just lame. But if you can make it sound like it could have been your song, that your heart is in it, then you've got something. I've never been a big fan of the Mary J. Blige duet version of this. To me it has way more energy than this song requires. Cowboy Junkies take it down to this whisper-like almost prayer of a song. It's just breathtaking and dare I say I almost prefer listening to this over the original. =0

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Who knew that what this song needed was more ukelele? It's just so sweet and unpolished. Most people feel the need to really belt this one, but this gentler almost innocent approach is what really shines.

Evil Woman - Soul Hooligan 

While I do not have anything against E.L.O. I will readily admit that there is nothing sacred about their music and it wouldn't take much to improve it. This version is awesome! It is from the Austin Powers Goldmember soundtrack and from the first electronic notes to the breakdown 2 minutes in it just rocks. Where the original might make you sway along to the beat, this one makes you MOVE!

Sweet Emotion - Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon

Possibly my favorite cover song ever. This song caught my attention at work several times based on it's base line and almost folksy guitar work. It was quite awhile before I even realized it was an Aerosmith song. It is world's apart from the original and it totally works. The deep and steady vocals are hypnotic and the complete opposite of the screams of Steven Tyler. Instead of hitting you in the face it instead quietly sidles up beside you and takes you on one smooth ride. You have to check this one out on itunes. You will not regret it.

With My Own Two Hands - Jack Johnson feat. Ben Harper

This one would qualify for the "didn't even know it was a cover" list, but I'm leaving it here with the favorites because I just love this song. This version trumps the original hands down. It is from the "Curious George" soundtrack and in typical Jack Johnson form it is unassuming, a little winsome, and just generally sweet. When it was in heavy rotation in our car 2 years ago I would literally get choked up when my then 5 and 3 year would be singing in the back seat " . . . and I can comfort you, with my own two hands . . . ".

The following are songs are all good, though in my mind they just don't grab me like these first ones. All still respectable and worth a listen.

American Woman - Lenny Kravitz 

This song just rocks. I love Lenny.

Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan

I am not a Beatles fan, but Sarah made me like this one.

Lady Marmalade (with Lil'Kim/Mya/Pink)  Christina Aguilera 

Come on, you know this one has a groove that I dare you not roll your hips (and maybe some shoulder also) to.

Landslide - Dixie Chicks

I do like the Smashing Pumpkins version as well, but the harmonies of the Chicks are what put this one over the top for me.

Personal Jesus - Johnny Cash 

I think for Johnny, it is personal.

Bizarre Love Triangle - Frente! 

Can't find this one on iTunes, but it was back in the mid 90's.  Again a very stripped down, acoustic version with an airy voiced female lead.  An entirely different animal than the electronic original

I Melt With You - Nouvelle Vague

A slowed down, female led, groove lounge version. Makes me wish I drank martinis.

A Little Respect - Wheatus 

I just discovered this one on Erik's playlist so I can't yet articulate why I enjoy it so much, but I do.

Sweet Child O' Mine -Sheryl Crow

I would rather hear this one over the original any day.

Cielito Lindo - Chignon

I think I have a thing for gravelly voiced Latin music.

Here Comes the Sun - Richie Havens 

Seriously, I only like Beatles music when someone else sings it.

Sweet Dreams - Marilyn Manson

I loved this song in the 80's and appreciated the dark feel that Annie Lennox's voice gave it. Little did I know there was a young man in Ohio who would make it even darker. You have to agree that Marilyn's style totally fits the song.

Boyz in the Hood

Listening to this just makes me laugh. I don't even know what the original sounds like as it is just not my genre. But the contrast of this pleasant and simple music with the "Parental Advisory" lyrics I find quite amusing and enjoyable.

I also have to give an honorable mention to the soundtrack for "50 First Dates" that is all reggae cover tunes. All are actually done quite well.

These next few are songs that I had absolutely no idea were cover songs for a very long time. I think that says a lot either about their skills or my general lack of musical exposure.

Battle of Evermore - The Lovemongers 

Erik tells me this is actually quite true to the original.  Perhaps there is a Zeppelin fan lurking in me yet.

Everybody Knows - Concrete Blonde

Sweet Jane - Cowboy Junkies

Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor

I've Done Everything for You - Rick Springfield

Wild Horses - The Sundays 

I have since grown to love the original equally along with many more than I ever expected from the Stones catalogue.

And finally a few that aren't typically my style, but I think they might grow on me over time. : )

Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) - Jay-Z

I have to admit it's catchy and far more enjoyable than all those urchins singing it.

Low Rider - Korn

Like a Virgin - Teenage Fanclub (from the Threesome soundtrack)

Billie Jean - Club Nouveau

Another Day in Paradise - Dennis Brown

99 Red Balloons - Goldfinger

And finally, (I mean it this time) a couple of bands who have no songs on any of my lists. But like a circus sideshow, they are impossible to overlook. Just file these under "interesting oddities".

Hayseed Dixie - they started as a bluegrass AC/DC cover band but have gone on to cover the likes of KISS and maybe some other metal. It is unique to say the least.

Dread Zeppelin - This is a Zeppelin cover band who does all of the covers in reggae style with an Elvis-impersonator (Torte-Elvis) as the the lead singer. We actually own a couple of CD's because my husband believes the whole concept works. I'm not convinced yet, but I am intrigued.

And there ya have it. I'm sure you can't wait to go load up your iPod right away.