Covers that are better than the original

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Any Scott Walker cover of a Jaques Brel song. Scott Walker is the finest of any living vocalist IMO. He adds depth to any cover and Brel's songs were so well composed and lyrically imbibed.

What?!

Sorry, I hate to do this but I have to object simply because covering Brel means 99% of the work is done. The rest is simply subject to the cover artists tone and ability to hold a tune.

I know you could say this about 99% of all other covers but Brel is that 1% where the context of a song is absolutely Brel, so to cover Brel is simply to mimick Brel and to deviate from that only diminishes the overall quality of the song.

[Gandalf]

Any Scott Walker cover of a Jaques Brel song. Scott Walker is the finest of any living vocalist IMO. He adds depth to any cover and Brel's songs were so well composed and lyrically imbibed.

What?!

Sorry, I hate to do this but I have to object simply because covering Brel means 99% of the work is done. The rest is simply subject to the cover artists tone and ability to hold a tune.

I know you could say this about 99% of all other covers but Brel is that 1% where the context of a song is absolutely Brel, so to cover Brel is simply to mimick Brel and to deviate from that only diminishes the overall quality of the song.

No, Brel had a crappy voice and a sleazy tone, Walker made it epic and beautiful and had the best voice I have ever heard in my lifetime. Walker makes the song, Brel brought it into existence. There is no finer voice than that of Scot Walker. Just listen to the tunes, dude.

[Gandalf]

I do respect the originals too, but the beauty of Walker is what takes it to a new league and it does. It's that sublime baritone and it really adds so much to Brel. He wouldn't be known as well were it not for the patronage of Scott.

[Howlin Mad Missy]

I say YES! Less crappy guitar solos.

[Howlin Mad Missy]

you all the original so no need to post it.

[Nameless]

Redemption Song (originally Bob Marley) by Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer

[Nameless]

Alone and Forsaken (Originally Hank Williams) By Mike Ness & Social Distortion.

[El Kabong]

I totally forgot this one The Beach Boys 'Sloop John B', originally done by The Kingston Trio.

[Master]

Any of the UB40 tracks.

[Fenster]

I don't think some of these covers are better than the original. Johnny Cash's version of Hurt is not better than the NIN, it's great because he made the song his own.

Like Nirvana's unplugged take of Leadbelly's - My Girl. Kurt Cobain made that song his own with a great performance. Mark Lanigan used to do an even better version.

Always liked Oasis doing - I am the Walrus

Good thread.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Jim Carey did a good 'I am the Warlus' too.