My longtime position has been don’t do a cover song unless you can bring something to it. Another arrangement, strikingly different vocals, speeded or slowed down.
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An example of a bad cover is Michael Bolton’s cover of Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.’
Redding’s was already one of rock and soul’s top songs ever. Bolton, he of big American Idol-like voice, did nothing but drain the soul out of the song. He sold millions naturally.
Brian Ferry’s cover of John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’ is a way of correctly doing a cover. His lilting beautiful voice was a artful cocktail whereas Lennon’s was a shot of whiskey. Ferry’s version was the second stage of a relationship hurting as defined by Lennon’s version.
Perhaps my bar for a good cover is too high but there are some songs that do covers well. Or, make for more cover possibilities. Bob Dylan’s ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ is one of those songs. Beautiful simple melody, simple sparse words about the universal experience of aging and dying. Dylan songs make good covers because they are good songs in search of a good singer. My Back Pages covered by the Byrds and Blowing in the Wind by Peter Paul and Mary are examples.
I made two Top 10 lists because I found myself listening to these in different ways.
My first list is my sentimental list – probably the list I would choose first. These covers can move me to tears or sadness or joy.
My second list is my cerebral list. These are how I would rank them if I were a rational human listening to the musicianship and songwriting craft and trying grade it with my head not my heart. Obviously there are overlaps.
Cerebral Top 10
Pete Carr – Carr is a session musician who has ties to the Muscle Shoals studios. I had never heard of the guy or his cover until someone at the record convention I attended earlier this year said I had to hear it. I had just finished talking about Danny and Dusty’s version. Carr is a sentimental choice (At No. 4) due to his Alabama connection but is my top cerebral pick (I’m sure surprising lot of folks). Just listen to that guitar! It made me shout Freebird by the end – but that was a psychotic break from reality. No, the extended guitar jam is as good as it gets. Carr has recorded extensively at FAME Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, according to Wikipedia.
Guns and Roses. For sure power, this is the rock hardest or hardest rock cover. You have to be open to lead singer’s Axl Rose’s oddly unsettling multi-octave voice. I am a fan. When he sings: Hey hey hey hey uh hey, I’m there. (Or is it Aye Aye Aye Aye Ayeeeeei-i-i-i-i.)
Eric Clapton – Puts a little impeccable reggae into his version. This is what I mean about mixing it up to make your own.
Bob Dylan — Well the source is Dylan and he does a good job. You have to be open to his voice which is not ordinary sounding to say the least. However this is one of his best vocal performances.
Tracy Chapman Underrated artist does an understated version that touches the soul.
Roger Waters Pink Floyd singer surprises us with a very un-derstated version.
Bryan Ferry The Roxy Music frontman has a knack for great cover songs, the aforementioned ‘Jealous Guy,’ “Like a Hurricane,’ and ‘You Won’t See Me’ to name just a few.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – She belts it out, giving it a punch rivaling GN’R.
Warren Zevon – This is poignant in that it was recorded right before he died.
Danny and Dusty – Just loose, good fun, barroom singalong.
Sentimental Top 10
- Bob Dylan
- Warren Zevon — Open up! Open up!
- Tracy Chapman
- Pete Carr
- Guns and Roses
- Bryan Ferry
- Danny and Dusty
- Roger Waters
- Eric Clapton –
- Freddie Fender,
Other covers worth noting:Television, the Alarm, Avril Lavigne, John Cale.