Best cover versions?

Thraktor

What do people think are the best/most interesting cover versions of well known songs? And I'm not talking about the sort of covers you hear splurged from the mouths of Louis Walsh's latest creation, actual reworkings rather than bland rerecordings need only apply.

For me, recently at least, 'Hurt' By Johnny Cash (original by NIN) has to be the best, his voice really brings out the poignancy of the original's lyrics.

PiE

"Dancing in the Moonlight" & "Landslide" - Smashing Pumpkins

Zaph

There's a guy called Hawksley Workman who does an amazing waltz version of Bankrobber by The Clash. Absolutely beautiful.

And of corse you can't leave out Talking Heads' version of Take Me to the River by Al Green

Thraktor

Actually, if I may, I'd like to quickly switch my choice to the song I just happen to be listening to right now, 'Win My Train Fare Home' by Robert Plant & Justin Adams. It's the live version recorded in the 'Festival in the Desert' in the Malian Sahara in 2003, although for the life of me I can't remember who originally wrote the song. It also contains elements of 'Crawlin' Kingsnake' by John Lee Hooker.

is_that_so

Got a few to add in no particular order

I heard it through the grapevine - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Blue Moon - Cowboy Junkies
Hurt - Johnny Cash
You'll be a Woman Soon - Urge Overkill(PUlp Fiction Soundtrack)
Nothing compares to U - Sinead O'Connor
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Whiskey in the Jar - Thin Lizzy ( It is a trad song !! )

monument

Hurt - Johnny Cash

puntosporting

Sid viscious covered "MY WAY" by Frank Sinatra.
Certainly not my favourite but if a cover version ever suited a man...

Creamy Goodness

jimmy eat world - last christmas

JoeSchmoe

Nouvelle Vague the Album of early eighties New wave tracks by Joy Division, the clash and loads more all done in a Bossa Nova style with breathy female vocals, tis great

http://www.peacefrog.com/releases/?view=191&type=LP#PFG051

Kali

Yo La Tengo - You Can Have It All
Low - Fearless
Spacemen 3 - When Tomorrow Hits

Wicked games by Him is probably one of the weirdest...

Redleslie2

Kali wrote:

Spacemen 3 - When Tomorrow Hits

Haven't heard that. I remember they got annoyed at Mudhoney's cover of Revolution.

Mudhoney wrote:

Allright, look out
I'm sick
I'm so sick
Of getting sick
Everytime I lose my connection
I'm tired
So tired
Of getting up in the morning
For that long uphill walk
To the methadone clinic
There's gotta be an easier way

Mark Kozelek's folky covers of AC/DC songs are superb.

Doctor J

Trouble's cover of The Monkees 'Porpoise Song' is rather nice