We’ve Got You Covered: Mixtape Edition
There are only three possible outcomes for a cover song:
- Better than the original
- Faithful to the original
- Dumpster fire
And while dumpster fires can be fun from a distance, they’re usually not going to achieve the sort of enduring popularity that a passable cover, or those rare brilliant reimaginings would. In this semi-recurring column, we’ll be providing a list of cover songs that are at least as good, and sometimes maybe better than the originals.This time around it’s a mix. Some of these are serious takes on the original, and some are maybe having a bit too much fun with it...but we’ll let you make the call on which is which.
Dr. No (The James Bond Theme)
Original by: Monty NormanCovered by: MobyArguably one of the coolest pieces of film music ever, Moby’s techno take kicks up the BPM and makes it even more dangerous to drive to.
I Will Survive
Original by: Gloria GaynorCovered by: CakeOne of three songs on this list where it’s blurring the line between awesome and awful. Are they paying homage or making fun? You be the judge.
The Waiting
Original by: Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersCovered by: Eddie VedderEven Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers seem to approve of Vedder’s voice in this cover, considering they’re his backing band.
Nothing Compares 2 U
Original by: Sinead O’ConnorCovered by: Chris CornellCornell’s voice has a soulful twang, almost reminiscent of southern rock. No one had a voice like Chris Cornell, and this cover song proves it.
Hurt
Original by: Nine Inch NailsCovered by: Johnny CashThe Nine Inch Nails original is sad enough, but when sung by a young Trent Reznor there’s the possibility this despair is passing. When it’s Johnny Cash singing a stripped down version at the end of his life, well there’s really nowhere left to go, is there?
Wish You Were Here
Original by: Pink FloydCovered by: Limp Bizkit and John RzeznikYou’d probably not have expected an acoustic, sad, wistful ballad out of Limp Bizkit. We know we didn’t.
Mrs. Robinson
Original by: Simon and GarfunkelCovered by: The LemonheadsIf you ever thought Simon and Garfunkel needed a shot of punk rock to liven things up a bit, well you’re in luck here.Spider Man (60’s TV show theme)Original by: Ray EllisCovered by: The RamonesHow do you jazz up the already jazzy 60’s animated Spider Man theme? By throwing the Ramones at it!
Smooth Criminal
Original by: Michael JacksonCovered by: Alien Ant FarmAlien Ant Farm’s punk rock take on the Jackson classic veers into the satirical (as demonstrated by the number of Jackson references in the accompanying music video), and treads that fine line between awesome and awful.
The Boys Of Summer
Original by: Don HenleyCovered by: The AtarisThe Ataris’ faster take remains true to the original, but replaces Henley’s wistfulness with more of an edge, implying an anger at what was lost.
In Your Eyes
Original by: Peter GabrielCovered by: Jeffrey GainesA stripped down, soulful version of the Peter Gabriel classic.