Why It Matters

Here’s another playlist that started as a discussion in the Facebook music group that I manage.

Last week’s “live tracks better than their studio cousins” list led to the suggestion of cover songs better than the originals and, well, here we are.

My rules for covers are pretty simple. A good cover teaches us something about the original song that we didn’t know, my favorite example being Garth Brooks’ version of “Hard Luck Woman.” Who knew that KISS recorded a country song? I didn’t, but there it was the entire time.

The next rule is that you have to make it your own, but not simply for the sake of making it your own. If it just sounds like your junked up take on a classic song who cares?

So here are eight covers that meet both criteria:

“Hurt,” Johnny Cash. Original version: Nine Inch Nails.

“Respect,” Aretha Franklin. Original version: Otis Redding.

“Hey Joe,” Jimi Hendrix. Original version: The Leaves.

“Hallelujah,” Jeff Buckley. Original version: Leonard Cohen.

“Ripple,” Jane’s Addiction. Original version: The Grateful Dead.

“Ice Cream Man,” Van Halen. Original version: John Brim.

“Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinead O’Connor. Original version: Prince.

“Crazy Mary,” Pearl Jam. Original version: Victoria Williams.

 

There you have it: Eight cover versions superior to their originals. What did I miss? I’m listening.