Cover Countdown

Posted on November 22, 2004 by Tito

The Telegraph lists the best 50 cover versions of songs. A lot of the usual suspects are rounded up in the list and I think they did a good job over all.

To me, covers are at their best when they re-work the song for a significant change in tempo, mood, instrumentation, etc… If I wanted to hear a pitch-perfect remake, why bother with a cover? A few examples that come immediately to mind:

  • Iron & Wine: Such Great Heights : Taking the upbeat / electronica tinged Postal Service hit and slowing it down over a minimal guitar picking with nearly whispered lyrics, this version may surpass the original. Used wonderfully in Garden State.
  • M. Ward : Let’s Dance from the album Transfiguration of Vincent, M. Ward takes a David Bowie song that I never cared for and makes it something you can fall into. When he sings "If you say run, I’ll run with you" you believe it. Everybody should own this album

What are some other ones am I leaving out?

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Comments

One Response to “Cover Countdown”

  1. david on November 30th, 2004 6:40 am

    grandaddy revolution

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    ps: keep up the good work