Friday, October 05, 2007

Top Five On Friday - 10/5/07

Top Five, times two!

Top 5 cover songs that are better then the originals

1) "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley, original by Leonard Cohen. Jeff was a master of covers. He could sing the phone book and make it sound beautiful.

2) "All Along The Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix, original by Bob Dylan. Sorry, Bob, Jimi stole your song forever. It's all about the guitar solos, really.

3) "Erotic City" by George Clinton, original by Prince. George just makes this one a lot more fun than Prince's version.

4) "Fell In Love With A Boy" by Joss Stone, original by The White Stripes. I'd much rather listen to Joss than Jack White. Joss sexes this song up a thousand times over.

5) "What's So Funny 'bout (Peace, Love and Understanding)" by Elvis Costello, original by Nick Lowe. I've never heard Nick's version, but it certainly can't out-rock the Attractions' version.

and/or

Top 5 Beatles or Beatles-related covers
(Knowing full well that these can never be better than the original)

1) "In My Life" by Chantal Kreviazuk. I thought this was her song until I found out the Beatles did it first.

2) "Working Class Hero" by Green Day. I like this one for some reason.

3) "Across The Universe" by Fiona Apple. Her lazy, drawling voice works well for this one.

4) "Blackbird" by Sarah McLachlan. Simply beautiful.

5) "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker. Yes, the theme song for "Wonder Years." I personally like Ringo's version better, but both versions are great.

3 comments:

The Mistress of the Dark said...

Nick Lowe's original is quite good. I appreciate it for what it is...I can send it to you.

Nick actually did a lovely cover of Elvis' Indoor Fireworks too.

I wish his material would get reissued.

Anonymous said...

Good list! I'm not a big Green Day fan, but I like their cover of "Working Class Hero."

I also like both versions of "With A Little Help From My Friends"--the way they're arranged and sung, they're almost two completely different songs, IMO.

aaronsmusic said...

Jimi's All Along The Watchtower is a popular choice. Great list!