Taking Over a Song

• Dr Winston O'Boogie

  

  I'm normally in favor of a songwriter over a remaker. But sometimes a remaker just absolutely owns a song. Case in point, Sarah McLachlin absolutely owning A Song for a Winter's Night by Gordon Lightfoot. She rocks that song.
• Zunardo

  Interesting. I'd never heard the song before, so I just gave both versions a listen. I think if you are a McLachlin fan you will definitely prefer her version, it's certainly a lush production that sets itself apart. My personal vote is for Gordo, just because.
  
  But that did get me to thinking. I've heard several covers that I think stood on their own, even though I might not rate them as better than the original, just a different flavor I liked just as well.
  
  The only song that comes to mind is "Can't Explain" by The Who. IMO, The Scorpions do it much better, the way I would have wanted it done had I wrote it. The first time I heard the Scorpions' version on the radio, I bolted upright to listen, then ran out and bought the cassette -I'm dating myself there. Had the Who recorded it later in their career, maybe it would have been produced with more of a metal flavor - who knows? (pardon the expression). Daltrey and Townsend fans, have at it.
• Wolves of Babylon

  Hurt-Johnny Cash
  
  I believe even Reznor said that the song belongs to Cash now.
  
  Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
  
  Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
• OSH

  

  Wolves of Babylon;1778573 wrote:Hurt-Johnny Cash

  This is the one I've thought of. I'm usually a fan of the original.
  
  Absolutely despise Madonna's "American Pie" rendition. Some songs should just not be remade.
• sherm03

  

  I'd add a few to the list where the cover was better than the original:
  
  All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix
  Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
  Personal Jesus - Johnny Cash
  With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker
  Lake of Fire - Nirvana
  I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
• Dr Winston O'Boogie

  

  Zunardo;1778557 wrote:Interesting. I'd never heard the song before, so I just gave both versions a listen. I think if you are a McLachlin fan you will definitely prefer her version, it's certainly a lush production that sets itself apart. My personal vote is for Gordo, just because.
  
  But that did get me to thinking. I've heard several covers that I think stood on their own, even though I might not rate them as better than the original, just a different flavor I liked just as well.
  
  The only song that comes to mind is "Can't Explain" by The Who. IMO, The Scorpions do it much better, the way I would have wanted it done had I wrote it. The first time I heard the Scorpions' version on the radio, I bolted upright to listen, then ran out and bought the cassette -I'm dating myself there. Had the Who recorded it later in their career, maybe it would have been produced with more of a metal flavor - who knows? (pardon the expression). Daltrey and Townsend fans, have at it.

  Friggin' Gordon Lightfoot is incredible, so I can't knock your opinion..
• gut

  no way is Johnny Cash's Personal Jesus better than DM
• Dr Winston O'Boogie

  

  I'll add the Turtles' version of It Ain't Me Babe
• sherm03

  

  gut;1778589 wrote:no way is Johnny Cash's Personal Jesus better than DM

  I would disagree with you. But to each his own.
• SportsAndLady

  

  I like The Band's cover of Atlantic City better than the Boss' original.
• Ironman92

  

  Off topic a bit so I apologize but one of the XM stations was talking about Kelly Clarkson's new song....she just absolutely hammers her Dad....Because of You about 10 years later.
• Sonofanump

  A few of my favorite remakes...
  
  Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - Anne Bredon "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
  Communication Breakdown - Eddie Cochran "Nervous Breakdown."
  Custard Pie - Bukka White "Shake 'Em On Down,"
  Dazed And Confused - Jake Holmes "Dazed And Confused"
  How Many More Times - Albert King "The Hunter."
  In My Time Of Dying - Bob Dylan "In My Time Of Dying"
  The Lemon Song - Howlin' Wolf "Killing Floor"
  Nobody's Fault But Mine - Blind Willie Johnson "Nobody's Fault But Mine"
  Since I've Been Lovin' You - Moby Grape "Never"
  Whole Lotta Love - Willie Dixon "You Need Love"
• MontyBrunswick

  

  OSH;1778576 wrote:This is the one I've thought of. I'm usually a fan of the original.

  i too prefer the nin version.