It occured to me this morning that I have a particular affinity for cover songs. That is, songs that were originally recorded by one artist, and then re-recorded by another. The reason I thought about it is because I realized I own a lot of cover albums.
So this morning, as I was headed out the door, I queued up all the cover CDs I had on my iPod, for a random mix to listen to during my commute. As I listened, it occured to me that this might make an interesting blog post/meme, and that I should at least post it and see if it takes off.
Here it is. Do these three things, either in the comments on this post or in a post on your own blog that trackbacks to this post.
- List your three favorite cover versions of previously recorded songs.
- List three songs you’d like to hear cover versions of, and the artists you like to hear perform them.
- List three songs you would like to cover, if you could. (Assume you would have to musical abilities to do it well.)
Tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine.
1. a). BOYZ II MEN – “Time will Reveal” (from their disc, Throwback Vol 1, (2004), originally performed by DeBarge).
b). ANGELIQUE KIDJO – “Voodoo Chile” (Slight Return) (from her disc, Oremi, (1998), orginally performed by Jimi Hendrix).
c). SINGERS UNLIMITED – “Both Sides Now” (from their disc, Acapella, (1971), originally performed by Joni Mitchell, I think)
2. a). Originally performed by british popsters, Level 42, “Starchild”, now done by stateside pop band, Maroon 5.
b). Originally performed by ex-Prince/Revolution bandmates, Wendy and Lisa (or the Girl Bros., if you will), “Waterfall”, now done by Sheryl Crow.
c). Originally performed by Steely Dan-man, Donald Fagan, “I.G.Y.” (also called, “What a Beautiful World”) now performed by Gavin DeGraw.
3. I’d love to cover these following tracks becasue their personal faves of mine. Would definitely need some instrumental help with these songs, though. Would need to work with some others who have an affinity for British pop/soul.
“Dreaming in Metaphors” (Piano Version) – Seal
“Downtown Venus” – PM Dawn
“Consider Me Gone” – Sting
Favorites? Jason Moran’s cover of “Joga” or Greg Osby’s cover of “All Neon Like,” both by Björk; Christopher O’Riley’s cover of “Airbag” by Radiohead; and the Balanescu Quartet’s cover of “Robots” by Kraftwerk.
Like to hear? George Jones’ cover of “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King; Marc Anthony and India’s cover of “Baby Come to Me” by James Ingram and Patti Austin; and Caetano Veloso’s cover of “Adore” by Prince.
Like to do? Solo piano covers of “Sinnerman” by Nina Simone, “Street Life” by Randy Crawford and “Lush Life” by Billy Strayhorn.
Covers I like
All is fair in love. By Michael McDonald
A cover of a Stevie wonder song and one of the few where the cover might (I said might) be better than the origional.
Proud Mary. By Tina Turner
A cover of a John Fogerty (CCR) song. And again the cover may in fact be better than the origional.
I heard it through the grape vine. Two versions both covers.
Glady’s Knight and the pips AND Michael McDonald.
Marvin Gaye wrote it and didn’t like it and gave it to Glady’s Knight. She took it to #1 Marvin Gaye wanted it back and he recorded it and he took it to #1 (It still stands as the only song to be #1 by two different artist in two concecutive years.) Michael McDonald also took it to#1.
But did Gladys do a cover of a Marvin Gays song? She did it first but it was his song! Or did he do a cover of his own song after she took it to #1?
Either way Michael McDonald covered them both and did a great job.
Covers I would like to see?
None.
No need to redo a great song, it has already been done correctly.
Covers I would like to do?
Blue eyes by Elton John
The one and only song he sings that is low enough in range that I can cover it.
Love serenade by Barry White
This is a song I HAVE covered ….Oooooo, Baby
And now you know why I can’t go high enough to do Elton John songs.
Bridge over troubled water, Simon and Garfunkle
I have also sung this song but asked the piano player to drop everything three octaves (Damn that Garfunkle) Even Paul Simon could hit those notes and he WROTE the damn song!
Sorry, it should read
Even Paul Simon COULDN’T hit those notes and he WROTE the damn song!
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