There have been thousands if not millions of cover versions over the decades. Many have been made to make a quick buck or simply because the artist has run out of ideas or both.
I’m generally not a fan, but I thought I’d share some of my favourites that have been produced faithfully and respectful the original artist in mind.
I’ve only listed songs that I felt are at least the equal if not better than the original
31. Hurt – Johnny Cash 2002 (Orig Nine Inch Nails – 1994) A stroke of genius from producer Rick Rubin to convince JC to record a six album set called American Recordings mostly stripped right back to highlight his incredible voice.
32. Cattle and Cane – Jimmy Little 1999 (Orig The Go Betweens – 1983) Speaking of country legends, producer Brendan Gallagher did a similar thing to Rubin many years prior, inviting Jimmy to cover some classic Australian songs as the LP Messenger and the result was brilliant.
33. Walk Away Rene – Rickie Lee Jones 1983 (Orig The Left Banke/The Four Tops – 1967) There’s been plenty of interpretations but none more tender than this in my humble opinion. From an EP Girl at Her Volcano made just after Pirates. Both incredible records.
34. Stay – Jackson Browne 1977 (Orig Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs – 1960) Also made famous by The Four Seasons this song was played on high repeat at most drunken teenage parties in the 70’s, in fact the whole Running on Empty album was.
35. Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker 1969 (Orig The Beatles – 1967) Joe’s performance of this song at Woodstock almost defined him. Joe Belushi’s send up is very funny and then he followed up in a duet with Joe singing Feelin’ Alright. Worth a look.
36. Glad and Sorry – Golden Smog 1995 (Orig The Faces – 1973) I have my friend Scott to thank for putting this on a compilation tape he did for me that kept me awake driving long, lonely hours to the WA bush to coach footy in the late 90’s. The original is great and the Golden Smog are a band that still exists whenever they feel like it. Made up of superstar country rockers such as Wilco and The Jayhawks as well as The Replacements.
37. Stop Your Sobbing – The Pretenders 1979 (Orig The Kinks – 1964) Pinched from her boyfriend Ray at the time, Chrissie Hynde gave it a bit more life.
38. Gentle On My Mind – Billy Bragg and Joe Henry 2016 (Orig Glen Campbell – 1967) We were blessed to see these two perform their Shine a Light album in Melbourne. Thanks to Tails and Jill for introducing me to Joe all those years ago. They recorded traditional songs whilst on a train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, then threw this gem in for good luck.
39. Creeping Coastline of Lights – Mark Lanegan 1999 (Orig The Leaving Trains – 1984) Typical of Lanegan’s skill that he was able to take this rather innocuous piece of dirt and turn it into a diamond. Also covered by the Gun Club.
40. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley 1994 (Orig Leonard Cohen – 1984) He, like his dad wasn’t around long but Jeff did a huge favour to Leonard Cohen introducing a whole new generation to him with this song. Jeff’s Grace album was huge at the time and I did see him play at an amphitheatre in the Swan Valley Perth which was nice.
Thanks for popping in. Cheers.
