Some time back, Bill & I on our podcast Middle Aged Mixtape discussed our favourite cover songs and tried to distill the essence of what makes a great cover song. Is it being true to the original, is it adding a hook or changing the sound to make the song unrecognisable or is it in some way adding new meaning to the song?
And the idea of a cover, why bother at all some might say, I mean after all if people like the original, let’s just listen to that. And what is the motivation of the artist covering the song, are they paying tribute to a hero or influence, are they hoping to ride the originals popularity into a hit or are they telling the world the original artist got it so wrong that it is up to them, the humble artist to put things right and make this song what it should be.
I can’t speak for any artists motivation, but in the end we distilled it down to one simple thing and that is: Which version becomes the definitive version in the public mind? When we mention a track, do you think of the cover artist, or the original? Is it even widely known that it is a cover at all?
Let me give you some examples of what we agreed where definitive covers:
- Nothing compares to you Sinead O’Connor
- Jackson by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash
- Valerie by Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson
Now in every case, the original is a fine song but I guarantee ask any music fan: Who sang that song? And your answer will likely Sinead, Johnny or Amy, I’d bet borrowed money on it.
There must be more, and I’d love to hear them. Let me know with a comment below or on the Facebook Page.
fell in love with a girl 