What I'm talking about here is remakes that are so good that they outshine the original (or come close to it, depending on your point of view).
For example: The Stranglers-Walk On By Hugh Cornwell-White Room Streetheart-Under My Thumb (probably my favorite of all time) ELO-Roll Over Beethoven The Fabs-Twist And Shout Elton John-Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Power Station-Get It On Jeff Beck-Wild Thing Pat Benatar-No You Don't Beach Boys-California Dreaming Klaus Nomi-You Don't Own Me (no, I'm not kidding)
...you get the idea. Any takers? I'm always up for hearing something I've not heard before.
(BTW, I did a search for any previously similarly-themed topic. Couldn't find one--which is weird because I would swear I had already made one LOL.)
I've never made it a secret that I love the Beatles, so of course I love their cover versions of "Twist and Shout" (originally by the Isley Brothers, I believe), "Long Tall Sally" (Little Richard) and "Words of Love" (Buddy Holly).
I've never made it a secret that I love the Beatles, so of course I love their cover versions of "Twist and Shout" (originally by the Eisley Brothers, I believe), "Long Tall Sally" (Little Richard) and "Words of Love" (Buddy Holly).
Good call on "Long Tall Sally". That one slipped my mind. Paul's vocal nearly leaves John's in the dust on that one. Actually, I think it does.
I really like the Sparks version of "I wanna hold your hand ". The Mael brothers invest it with a wistfulness that is lacking (and probably not intended) in the original.
I like a lot of ones one wouldn't necessarily expect to happen in the first place, like Marlene Dietrich covering Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind", or Shirley Bassey covering P!nk's "Get the Party Started" (written by Linda Perry).
One of my favorites: Ray Charles, "Bein' Green", originally written by Joe Raposo for performance by Jim Henson / Kermit the Frog
Octoberman, I went to youtube to listen to the Klaus Nomi version of "You Don't Own Me" since I'd never heard it before.
Well, ahhh, errrr, uhmmmmm.....okay.
Let me recommend my favorite version of "You Don't Know Me." I would say it is Marc Shamain's gorgeous orchestrations that make this old song so new and rich. He just keeps building and adding instruments and counterpoint themes.
Harry Nilsson's "You're Breakin' My Heart" by Dawn Landes is my new favorite cover version of a song. And, of course, Nilsson's covers of Badfinger's "Without You" and Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'" are classics. I'd also add Richard Thompson's versions of "Oops, I Did It Again" and "1985" to my list.
Neil McArthur "She's not there" originally by The Zombies (of which he was the vocalist), makes the song sublime. Jimi Hendrix "All along the watchtower" (Dylan) Dave Clark Five "On Broadway" Dave Clark Five "Rumble" (Link Wray)
I may be contemplating my own navel here somewhat, but The Everly Brothers are on record as saying a-ha improved on the original with their version of 'Crying In The Rain'.
Wild is the Wind - David Bowie Police and Thieves - The Clash A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding - Elvis Costello Respect - Aretha Franklin Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall - Bryan Ferry Jealous Guy - Bryan Ferry First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack Funny How Time Slips Away - Al Green The Way We Were - Gladys Knight Big Girls Don't Cry - Edith Massey Hey Jude - Wilson Pickett Jumpin' Jack Flash - Ananadar Shankar Gloria - Patti Smith Proud Mary - Ike & Tina Turner
There are some jolly good lists here. Some I already knew, some that are new to me and some I could not believe I'd forgotten about. I want to thank all who have contributed so far... you've given me some new stuff to explore. I hope that you all have done some exploring too. Don't stop.
Joan, I would have given anything to see your face when Klaus really cuts loose towards the end of that track! He's definitely not for everyone, but he was eager and genuine. There's no telling how big he could have become had he not been cut down so early.
