Remakes of Popular Songs - Which One Is Better - The Original Or The Remake...?

4/06/11 | MplsSteve

[MplsSteve]

You know, I started thinking about popular music and how artists do remakes of popular songs.

Here are two songs - one from the original artist and the other who re-did it. Which version was better?

"I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better" The Byrds (1965)- from the album "Mr Tambourine Man"

"I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better" Tom Petty (1989) - from the album "Full Moon Fever"

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"The First Cut Is The Deepest" Rod Stewart (1976) - from the album "A Night On The Town"

"The First Cut Is The Deepest" Sheryl Crow (2003) - from the album "The Very best Of Sheryl Crow"

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Yes, I know that other artists have done versions of these songs too. If you think another artist has done a better version, let's hear about it.

[Revolting cat!]

The remake to end all remakes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtDiHKJFIOM

[Errant]

Hey, that’s pretty kool with the pipes.

[InvisibleChurch]

I’m partial to Devo’s version of that song.

[buccaneer81]

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is far better with Elton John.

[Errant]

To each his on - lol

[dfwgator]

When I listen to it, it really does sound like something Dylan could have written.

[mylife]

Tin Huey~I'm a Believer

[darbymcgill]

You Really Got Me

Kinks

Van Halen

Metallica

[buccaneer81]

Agree.

[upsdriver]

I Only Have Eyes for You.... The Flamingos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nlhoda2MY&feature=related

I Only Have Eyes for You.... Art Garfunkel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrl3T8MaX8E

Both versions have a nice “dreamy” atmosphere to them. The Flamingos win but Garfunkel does a fine job on it.

[TheDingoAteMyBaby]

Bananarama’s covers of “Venus” and “Aie a Mwana” were better than the original. Tatu’s cover of “How Soon is Now?” is a better song than the original. So is Pet Shop Boys’ “Always on My Mind” and Basia’s “Till you Come Back to Me.” I’m thinking the trend today is less covers and more samples, which I find to be an overdone practice.

[dfwgator]

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is far better with Elton John.

William Shatner owned that song

[JoeProBono]

Gladys Knight and The Pips- Midnight Train To Georgia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHhItkhc7o

and The Pips-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdN27HzoyO4

[Errant]

Definitely Van Halen!

[Richard Kimball]

She also sang the BEST TORCH SONG EVER! I saw her live at Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin in 1976. When she sang the line "if you want me to beg I'll fall down on my knees" she looked down at me (standing at the bottom of the stage) and she had the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. She didn't age well and she's a lefty, but in 1976, she was a dream.

[wku man]

IMNSHO as a musician, covers are a cheap and cheesy way for artists who can't come up with enough original ideas to meet their deadlines, or to fill a set list. Tribute bands and tribute albums should be regarded as crimes punishable by a severe beating and permanent banishment from the recording studio.

But I agree with you that Van Halen's version of "You Really Got Me" blows away the Kinks' version. I also like Led Zeppelin's covers of Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson's songs.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[buccaneer81]

I think Benson did a superior job. Just me.

[dfwgator]

Bananarama’s covers of “Venus” and “Aie a Mwana” were better than the original.

Strongly disagree with you on "Venus".

[buccaneer81]

I’ll take Garfunkel.

[Jonty30]

I think that Phil Collins version of, “You can’t Hurry Love”,” is better than the Supremes.