[Music] Cover versions that should never have seen the light of day

[cheshunt seagull]

Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris' version is subtle and exquisite and then we have this assault on the ears

 

[Wozza]

Oh my!

I saw the title and thought this must be some strange joke - but no. What sort of lunatic thought that this was in any way a good idea? I am truly stunned.

Another highly-divisive one from the same 'tribute' album (although I quite like this tbh)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah4f62bYAcw

 

[marlowe]

Ronan Keating : Fairytale of New York

https://youtu.be/daAG5JfNNFQ

 

[marlowe]

M People : Itchycoo Park

https://youtu.be/l8LOis_gIfc

 

[METALMICKY]

OMG check out this abomination from Biff from Saxon covering Simon & Garfunkel.

 

[Notters]

I haven't read the entire thread but surely this applies to pretty much every cover version? If the original is good then it doesn't need covering and if the song is shit it definitely doesn't need covering.

 

[boik]

I haven't read the entire thread but surely this applies to pretty much every cover version? If the original is good then it doesn't need covering and if the song is shit it definitely doesn't need covering.

So you don't think there any any good song writers who aren't brilliant performers? I give you one Mr Robert Zimmerman as exhibit A.

 

[Gwylan]

I haven't read the entire thread but surely this applies to pretty much every cover version? If the original is good then it doesn't need covering and if the song is shit it definitely doesn't need covering.

By that criterion, no-one should ever revive any plays or remake any films.

And even by sticking to music, there are people whose entire careers have been based on cover versions - look at Frank SInatra. My Way is a stone cold classic song. Do you really think that Sinatra shouldn't have sung it because it didn't need covering?

 

[Icy Gull]

By that criterion, no-one should ever revive any plays or remake any films.

And even by sticking to music, there are people whose entire careers have been based on cover versions - look at Frank SInatra. My Way is a stone cold classic song. Do you really think that Sinatra shouldn't have sung it because it didn't need covering?

In principal I agree but My Way by Sinatra isn’t a great example. The translated from French version with completely different lyrics was actually written by Paul Anka specifically for Frank Sinatra

https://www.express.co.uk/expressyourself/91687/My-way-The-story-behind-the-song

 

[Gwylan]

In principal I agree but My Way by Sinatra isn’t a great example. The translated from French version with completely different lyrics was actually written by Paul Anka specifically for Frank Sinatra

https://www.express.co.uk/expressyourself/91687/My-way-The-story-behind-the-song

Fair enough, I knew the English version was by Paul Anka but I didn't know he'd written it for Sinatra,

But, as you say, the principle is there: you could say the same about Fly me to the Moon (that wasn't written for him) or any other of his songs. What is generally recognised as his best album, Songs for Swinging Lovers, is entirely made up of cover versions.

And it's not just Sinatra, you could say the same about other singers: Ella Fitzgerald, for example. Her work was mainly all cover versions.

 

[Icy Gull]

Fair enough, I knew the English version was by Paul Anka but I didn't know he'd written it for Sinatra,

But, as you say, the principle is there: you could say the same about Fly me to the Moon (that wasn't written for him) or any other of his songs. What is generally recognised as his best album, Songs for Swinging Lovers, is entirely made up of cover versions.

And it's not just Sinatra, you could say the same about other singers: Ella Fitzgerald, for example. Her work was mainly all cover versions.

My favourite Sinatra album and arranged by Nelson Riddle

 

[Notters]

By that criterion, no-one should ever revive any plays or remake any films.

And even by sticking to music, there are people whose entire careers have been based on cover versions - look at Frank SInatra. My Way is a stone cold classic song. Do you really think that Sinatra shouldn't have sung it because it didn't need covering?

Sinatra is about the only singer I can't stand so you're not helping your case in my eyes. Admittedly Cara Dillon does a lot of covers and I love her but they're traditional folk songs.

 

[Icy Gull]

Sinatra is about the only singer I can't stand so you're not helping your case in my eyes. Admittedly Cara Dillon does a lot of covers and I love her but they're traditional folk songs.

Sinatra and Dylan have the best delivery of the lyrics of any 20th century singers imo

 

[marlowe]

Dolly Parton: Stairway to Heaven

https://youtu.be/o4DC1QLxiY4

 

[atfc village]

The Wonderstuff covering Dexys There there my dear ,utter pony.

 

[ozzygull]

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I can't contribute to this thread anymore. Depressing. No doubt some ***t will paste a few more of my picks from the 'covers that smash the original' thread on here though. How I laughed.

 

[marlowe]

David Bowie : Here Comes the Night

https://youtu.be/Eyv00KsytDo

 

[marlowe]

Bob Dylan's version of Simon & Garfunkel's The Boxer is truly awful. It sounds like when you accidentally play two youtube music videos at the same time on an NSC music thread. I'm sure you've all done it. If not just give this a listen to get the effect.
You have to follow the link as it doesn't play on youtube....
http://bobdylanhaiku61.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-boxer.html?m=1

 

[Tom Bombadil]