Best rock covers of all time

[Stig]

I know that this might sparkk some friendly debate but I am curioous to see what people think are some of the greates covers in rock history. For instance, Joe Cocker cover "A Little Help From My Friends" and knocked it out of the park. Several years ago Korn cover "One" by Metallica on VH1 or MTV's ICONS show and you could have stopped the show after their rendition.

I guess it would also be interesting to know what everone thinks are the worst covers. I am a Van Halen fan but would be perfectly if I don't have to ever listen to their cover of "Dancin' In The Streets" again.

What do you thik are the best and worst?

[pnoon]

Worst is easy.

Dolly Parton covering Stairway To Heaven.
It will make your ears bleed.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Worst is easy.

Dolly Parton covering Stairway To Heaven.
It will make your ears bleed.

I'm glad I haven't heard that one.

[Ogre]

Ugly Kid Joe, Cats in the Cradle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32yjbCSVpU

[GTsetGO]

korn - word up
train - dream on


two of the best covers i have heard

[Ogre]

Another I like. I want this played at my funeral.

Dropkick Murphy's -Amazing Grace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip-COzs42LQ

[markem]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

[Stig]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

:tu:tu:tu:tu:tu

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Just today I listened to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Wt3dhF4fU&feature=related
Close enough to a cover for me. I listen to so much music I couldn't narrow a favorite cover though.

[icehog3]

Worst: Metallica - "Turn the Page". Brutal

Lots of good ones, I gotta think on this.

[Ogre]

Worst: Metallica - "Turn the Page". Brutal

:tpd:

[N2 GOLD]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

That's just BAD ASS...

[forgop]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

:tu

[forgop]

Here's a couple more:

Simple Man-Shinedown
Smooth Criminal-Alien Ant Farm
American Pie-Madonna

A lot of people probably don't like the Smooth Criminal and American Pie covers, but I liked them.

[T.G]

I re-submit everything I posted the last time this topic was started:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=54287

[icehog3]

I re-submit everything I posted the last time this topic was started:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=54287

Good idea. :)

Johnny Cash - Hurt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J36CRZzm9vg

Johnny Cash - Bridge Over Troubled Waters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9naQ3l6x1oM&feature=fvst

Johnny Cash - Personal Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyvFhrDzLfY

Slip Kid - Anvil and Frankie Perez http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YkCrNPsMW4

Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower

Joe Cocker - I Get By With a Little Help From my Friends

Gladys Knight/Marvin Gaye/Credence Clearwater Revival - I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee

Respect - Aretha Franklin

Willie Nelson - Over the Rainbow

Billie Jean - Chris Cornell

I Will Always Love You - Chris Cornell

You've Got a Friend - James Taylor

And so many great Blues songs redone by groups like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, etc...

[T.G]

c/p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugldxpRDMo


Now for my serious answer...

Michael Burks, the man is phenomenal blues guitarist who truly plays with his heart and soul, and, has a band to match. I've seen him about half a dozen times over the years and he's always bound to pull some incredible cover out of his hat, and you never know what it will be, since they don't use set lists - whatever he plays, they follow.

Unfortunately, not much out there from him on you tube, but here's one to give an idea of how he takes a song and makes it his own, while still respecting the original.

"House of the Rising Sun"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PngBejMf9cQ

In the time that has passed since I posted that, Michael Burks has passed away, his final album "Show of Strength" was released posthumously.



WSP has such a unique way of covering songs, they often don't change them much, but with their unique style and Bell's vocals, they always end up owning whatever they are covering.

Always liked their cover of Fire on the Mountain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a149wRdecQ4

And of course, "Jackassolantern" is a live album in a category all it's own.

[drjammer]

The best cover I have ever heard :2
Sepultura covering Motorhead

http://youtu.be/fSUFdW-U7mY

[kelmac07]

House of Lords "Can't Find My Way Back Home"...IMHO it's better than the original.

[hammondc]

My Chemical Romance & The Used covering 'Under Pressure'. I love it because they stay very very close to the original. Doing just enough to make it their own.

Linky-Doo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adrjxbVOtXk)

Postal Service covering 'Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)'

Linky doogly doggly doo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvjlivsCBcM)

[maninblack]

This one is pretty damn ugly.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61UmZtH8iLL.jpg

[BC-Axeman]

I vote for any cover of a Dylan or Springsteen song being better than the original.

[MajorCaptSilly]

Tiffany - "I Think We're Alone Now"
;s

I always liked Joan Jett's "Crimson & Clover"

Kind of weird double reverse cover is David Bowie doing "All The Young Dudes" which was written by Bowie for Mott the Hoople

Lone Justice did Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" at their live shows. That was some good stuff.

Big Head Todd & the Monsters did a great cover of "Everyday People" live as well.


MCS

[mosesbotbol]

Aerosmith and Van Halen have many good cover songs.

[Rob_M]

Not technically a cover, but Joe Walsh and Billy Gibbons did Life in the Fast Lane together.
Not a replacement for Don, but 2 awesome guitar players havin' some fun with their own style just plain Rocks!!!!

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

[MajorCaptSilly]

Here's "Sweet Jane"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD3536y-gS0

"All the Young Dudes"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP-QJs04np0

"Crimson & Clover'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdhonK8NMm8

'Everyday People"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZgdKmimPYA

MCS

[smokin5]

Major!
I can't believe you didn't include
"Take a Look At the Guy" (Faces) by Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds!
:fp

[CasaDooley]

One of my fav's is Marilyn Mansons cover of the Depeche Mode song
"Personal Jesus".:banger

[smokin5]

William Shatner - "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds".

Worst. Cover. Song. Ever.

[smokin5]

Then again, how many of you have ever listened to
Pat Boone - 'In A Metal Mood-No More Mr. Nice Guy'?
Includes him singing Big Band version covers of:

"You've Got Another Thing Comin'" (Original: Judas Priest) – 4:19
"Smoke on the Water" (Original: Deep Purple) – 3:53
"It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" (Original: AC/DC) – 4:37
"Panama" (Original: Van Halen) – 5:15
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" (Original: Alice Cooper) – 3:06
"Love Hurts" (Original: Everly Brothers, popularized as a hard rock ballad by Nazareth; composed by Boudleaux Bryant) – 4:57
"Enter Sandman" (Original: Metallica) – 3:52
"Holy Diver" (Original: Dio) – 4:44
"Paradise City" (Original: Guns N' Roses) – 4:41
"The Wind Cries Mary" (Original: The Jimi Hendrix Experience) – 4:12
"Crazy Train" (Original: Ozzy Osbourne) – 4:32
"Stairway to Heaven" (Original: Led Zeppelin) – 4:59

Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

[markem]

If we're going that route, why not Grunge Lite? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhuUWBCExnk

Yes, we own it and listen to it periodically.

[pektel]

For more recent artists, I actually really liked John Mayer covering Don't Need No Doctor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXWKMwnWP4Q

[MajorCaptSilly]

Major!
I can't believe you didn't include
"Take a Look At the Guy" (Faces) by Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds!
:fp

I have that album! Doh!

MCS

[MajorCaptSilly]

Richard Cheese is the best cover dude since Me First & The Gimmie Gimmies

"Welcome to the Jungle"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr7EBuz-2xI

"Chop Suey"

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

MCS

[czerbe]

I vote for All Along the Watchtower by Jimmy but then again all Bob Dylans songs are better by others.

[icehog3]

One of my fav's is Marilyn Mansons cover of the Depeche Mode song
"Personal Jesus".:banger

Johnny Cash did a great cover of this one as well.

[SvilleKid]

Atlanta Rhythm Section did a great cover of Spooky (originally by the Classics IV) ;) :noon

[CRIMPS]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

+1 for this.

I also like 311's version of The Cure's Love Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egX9ZDaIrkU

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Ok, I'll post another one. Neil Young has been on all morning.

OR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-b76yiqO1E

Cover:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwgIn3vobag

[CasaDooley]

One of my fav's is Marilyn Mansons cover of the Depeche Mode song
"Personal Jesus".:banger

Johnny Cash did a great cover of this one as well.

Gonna have to check that one out, Tom. Thanks Bro. :D

[Blak Smyth]

This is a pretty good one, it fits over exposed pipes or vents nicely.
It may just be the best of all time:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT36YL6eI_L8oHIqe7eDKRoxCXHZPrrC bcl4coSdHvsZCS9wz4Q

[icehog3]

This is a pretty good one, it fits over exposed pipes or vents nicely.
It may just be the best of all time:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT36YL6eI_L8oHIqe7eDKRoxCXHZPrrC bcl4coSdHvsZCS9wz4Q

Day late, dollar short, Shane. ;) :r

[Blak Smyth]

Day late, dollar short, Shane. ;) :r

Or am I...?

[icehog3]

This one is pretty damn ugly.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61UmZtH8iLL.jpg

This is a pretty good one, it fits over exposed pipes or vents nicely.
It may just be the best of all time:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT36YL6eI_L8oHIqe7eDKRoxCXHZPrrC bcl4coSdHvsZCS9wz4Q

Or am I...?

Yes, you are. :)

[Blak Smyth]

Yes, you are. :)

Or am I...?




http://rlv.zcache.com/rustic_river_rock_wall_fireplace_pattern_speckcase-p176446929481717869envin_400.jpg

[maninblack]

HA HA beat ya to it Shane!

[Blak Smyth]

HA HA beat ya to it Shane!

I will strangle you!
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTio_nFNPVEaaT5n1HrbXv7Iwx9TlEoP SGcah3rOkBGMgTUUkYi

[Blak Smyth]

I agree:
HURT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go)



I love the song Vincent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hEME7fC-S4) covered by NOFX also.

[RobR1205]

Worst is easy.

Dolly Parton covering Stairway To Heaven.
It will make your ears bleed.

When I listened to this on youtube, I definitely regretted it within 30 seconds. Still don't know what possessed me to watch the whole thing...guess I was hoping it would get better since it couldn't have gotten worse (or so I thought). Unfortunately it did right after the guitar solo. :td

Shoulda heeded your warning, Peter.

[pnoon]

When I listened to this on youtube, I definitely regretted it within 30 seconds. Still don't know what possessed me to watch the whole thing...guess I was hoping it would get better since it couldn't have gotten worse (or so I thought). Unfortunately it did right after the guitar solo. :td

Shoulda heeded your warning, Peter.

I tried, Brother. I tried.

[forgop]

All I Wanna do is Make Love to You by Halestorm is really good.

Lzzy Hale is the best female vocalist in rock since Nancy Wilson.

[MajorCaptSilly]

All I Wanna do is Make Love to You by Halestorm is really good.

Lzzy Hale is the best female vocalist in rock since Nancy Wilson.

Never heard of them before your post. I like! I always take away a nugget from these threads!

MCS

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

All I Wanna do is Make Love to You by Halestorm is really good.

Lzzy Hale is the best female vocalist in rock since Nancy Wilson.

Grace Potter is better:D:D

And she is covering a SICK song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paeNnR33i5Q

[MajorCaptSilly]

Grace Potter is better:D:D

And she is covering a SICK song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paeNnR33i5Q

I love Grace Potter and never heard that one! Here's another great cover of the same song by Matthew Sweet and Indigo Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDiL1pXO84U

MCS

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I love Grace Potter and never heard that one! Here's another great cover of the same song by Matthew Sweet and Indigo Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDiL1pXO84U

MCS

Grace Potter kicks ass! Awesome voice IMO. Many people cover Cortez, however, Neil's is still best:2

[RobR1205]

My roommate said that, quote, "The Korn version of Another Brick in the Wall is WAY better than the original ever was."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzkiJJ_NkD0

My reaction:
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o609/robertrubiano92/ogodwhy_zps5c439256.png

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

My roommate said that, quote, "The Korn version of Another Brick in the Wall is WAY better than the original ever was."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzkiJJ_NkD0

My reaction:
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o609/robertrubiano92/ogodwhy_zps5c439256.png

Your roomate has horrible taste in music if he thinks Korn has a better version of any Pink Floyd song!! ;s

[RobR1205]

Your roomate has horrible taste in music if he thinks Korn has a better version of any Pink Floyd song!! ;s

I kindly reminded him that I know where he sleeps every night :r

Bit of conflicting music interests if you can't already tell! :r

[RWhisenand]

Ministry, Paint it Black:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=Y8DhbBHAzfA

Deadsy Tom Sawyer:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wq-zNFUCSao


First two that came up I can think of tonight. I'll post up a few more

[RWhisenand]

Nirvana, Where did you Sleep Last Night:

http://vimeo.com/26345288

Very haunting...creepy

On the flip side, Phish Sneaking Sally Through The Alley:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P4MinL8D7A8

[jonharky]

Cake-war pigs is awesome faith no more does a good job at that song as well

Oleander does a cover of boys don't cry by the cure its better than the original

[Stig]

The Ramones covering the theme to Spider Man :banger and their cover of Journey to the Center of Your Mind is cool too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTNtPsycEy4

Falling Stickmen covering Is Chicago Is Not Chicago by Cake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Hf-G-9jq0&list=UUIXnCpvjHzAajfk78Clbdgg&index=16&feature=plcp

[Subvet642]

Joan Jett covering AC/DC's Dirty Deads. What can I say, I love the ladies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-312lVPnhY&feature=related

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

this is pretty great
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKhM-Ed8R8k

[ripper]

I listen to this every day:

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/bartripp/Electric_Ladyland-Front.jpg
front

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/bartripp/electricladyland.gif
back (my fave)

[tsolomon]

I listen to this every day:

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/bartripp/Electric_Ladyland-Front.jpg
front

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/bartripp/electricladyland.gif
back (my fave):tpd: #1on my list.

[FUEL]

I did not read all the replies but I say with strong convicction that judging by the timing, the message and the video, Johnny Cash covering Nine Inch Nails "Hurt" is about perfection and the most emotionally riveting cover I have ever heard or watched. At times I still cant watch it as its so powerful. I hope this does not violate forum rules but check it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFc

I mean good lord over 80 million views on YouTube alone. Rather fitting departure for The Man in Black.

[pnoon]

I did not read all the replies but I say with strong convicction that judging by the timing, the message and the video, Johnny Cash covering Nine Inch Nails "Hurt" is about perfection and the most emotionally riveting cover I have ever heard or watched. At times I still cant watch it as its so powerful. I hope this does not violate forum rules but check it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFc

I mean good lord over 80 million views on YouTube alone. Rather fitting departure for The Man in Black.

Which of our forum rules are you concerned this might violate?

I'm assuming you've read them.

[FUEL]

For more recent artists, I actually really liked John Mayer covering Don't Need No Doctor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXWKMwnWP4Q
I've met John several times and seen him 10+ times dating all the way back to "Eddies Attic" and still LOVE when he rarely covers "Message in a Bottle" by The Police. If you take away all his doucheness in popular media he is one of the most amazing guitar performers currently alive and puts on the most amazing shows.


Another haunting cover is Gary Jules covering Tears for Fears "Mad World." You can be the manliest of manly men and that song can reduce you to a ball of tears in the fetal position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4

[FUEL]

Which of our forum rules are you concerned this might violate?

I'm assuming you've read them.

Oh just posting direct YouTube links. I did read the rules but I could not remember the rule about posting direct links thats all.

[pnoon]

Oh just posting direct YouTube links. I did read the rules but I could not remember the rule about posting direct links thats all.

Not a problem unless the linked video violates one of our other rules.

[CasaDooley]

Always liked this one:
Cream- Crossroads(Robert Johnson Cover) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdwVVI4B3oY

Or this one:
Blue Oyster Cult- I Ain't Got You/Maserati GT ( The Yardbirds Cover)
I saw BOC play this on the "On your Feet or on Your Knees" Tour. Damn I love the old school stuff!:banger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgE7nD-X45Q

[ksknnr]

Planet caravan-pantera

[hammondc]

I really like Johnny Cash's version of Hurt

Oh wow, forgot about that one. Yeah. Helluva cover.

[racerX]

Foo fighters cover young man blues. It rocks

[Lockspur]

Detroit Rock City - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Dancing Days - Stone Temple Pilots

Easy - Faith No More

[CigarNut]

Heart's cover of Stairway to Heaven... Fantastic! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK_DOJa99oo&feature=player_embedded)

[dave]

I love Joe Walsh, but even I have to admit that Godsmack does a great job with Rocky Mountain Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CRWKTguxNQ

[Scottw]

Green Day doing "Working Class Hero"

[riverdawg]

Chris Cornell, "Billy Jean", best of all time, probably not, but a daggone good un.:banger

[icehog3]

Chris Cornell, "Billy Jean", best of all time, probably not, but a daggone good un.:banger

He does great covers of many songs, "I Will Always Love You" right after Whitney died, and like "Billy Jean", it became a completely different song.

[shade]

A couple of The Allman Brothers classics -

Stormy Monday -(T-Bone Walker)

Statesboro Blues - ( Blind Willie McTell)

[pektel]

Jake shimabukuro- while my ukulele gently weeps

I recently bought a tenor uke, and can play this too, just not as... Eloquently... As he can. I'm learning though. Only had it for a few weeks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw6YL_l2YxA

[pektel]

I've met John several times and seen him 10+ times dating all the way back to "Eddies Attic" and still LOVE when he rarely covers "Message in a Bottle" by The Police. If you take away all his doucheness in popular media he is one of the most amazing guitar performers currently alive and puts on the most amazing shows.


Another haunting cover is Gary Jules covering Tears for Fears "Mad World." You can be the manliest of manly men and that song can reduce you to a ball of tears in the fetal position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4

Very cool. And agree on him having decent chops as a guitarist. Though I do hear a lot of srv/Jimi channeling. Ever hear his solo electric version of wind cries Mary? Awesome stuff.

I've been listening since the late 90's. just before "no such thing" became a big hit. Eddies was before that even. I have a recording of the last two nights of a 3 night run at eddies back in 05. Supremely good stuff, and a very difficult recording to get a hold of.

[OLS]

I think EVERYONE's covering of Whiskey in the Jar is great. That song is good no matter
who does it or how it's covered.

[riverdawg]

He does great covers of many songs, "I Will Always Love You" right after Whitney died, and like "Billy Jean", it became a completely different song.

Yup, the boy is most definitely a talent.