Ok… so I’ve made a little discovery, recently my favourite songs have all been covers. I love a good cover. What makes a good cover? It’s easy, don’t do it so that it sounds like the original. Every artist has their own style/sound, put that spin on the song, make the song sound like you originally wrote it. Artists that make good covers can fool listeners into thinking the song is an original. Anyways, here is a list of covers that I’ve been listening to lately and that I thought you should be too! (and I’m not gonna provide the mp3’s b/c the last thing I need is the RIAA on my ass)
- Hurt
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By: Johnny Cash
Originally: Nine Inch Nails
So good that many people thought NIN was doing a cover of Cash.
- Redemption Song
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By: Johnny Cash with Joe Strummer
Originally: Bob Marley
Need to have a Bob cover in the list.
- Dramamine
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By: Sun Kil Moon
Originally: Modest Mouse
A dreamier/chilled-out version.
- Forever Young
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By: Youth Group
Originally: Bob Dylan
Of Napolean Dynamite and OC fame. There’s also a good version by Alphaville.
- Roxanne
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By: Fall Out Boy
Originally: The Police
One of the few highlights of Policia
- So Lonely
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By: Limbeck
Originally: The Police
The other highlight from Policia
- Black Hole Sun
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By: Paul Anka
Originally: Soundgarden
A lounge spin on a grudge classic.
- Rocky Racoon
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By: James Blunt
Originally: The Beatles
A spin on a Beatles’ gem.
- Across the Universe
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By: Fiona Apple
Originally: The Beatles
I’m sure most of you have heard this one, but it’s still good!
- Mad World
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By: Gary Jules
Originally: Tears for Fears
Don’t ever listen to the original, it’ll make you cry.
- In God’s Country
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By: Deep Mosey
Originally: U2
A female’s spin on the song.
- One
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By: REM
Originally: U2
Great acoustic song, love the bongo.
- Miss You
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By: The Concretes
Originally: The Rolling Stones
A slightly more haunting rendition.
- Under Pressure
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By: The Used
Originally: Queen
I’ve only found a live version, but I like the energy.
- All Along the Watchtower
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By: The Dave Matthews
Originally: Bob Dylan
Many people think this is originally a Jimmy song. Make sure you get a live version, the teaser intro is awesome.
- Long Black Veil
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By: The Dave Matthews
Originally: Johnny Cash
I love the emotion in his voice from the LIstener Suported album.
- Fiddler’s Green
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By: The Stereophonics
Originally: The Tragically Hip
A great acoustic version, love Kelly Jones’ raspy voice.
- The Way Lovers Do
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By: Jeff Buckley
Originally: Van Morrison
A cool 10 min emotional epic.
- Sundown
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By: Ron Sexsmith
Originally: Gordan Lightfoot
Also covered by Elwood.
- Hit Me Baby, One More Time
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By: Travis
Originally: Britney Spears
- Since You’ve Been Gone
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By: Ted Leo
Originally: Kelly Clarkson
Do you have an covers you’d like to add? Leave a comment.