There seems to be some debate (mostly by fan-boys on the inter-web) about what constitutes a cover song and how that differs from a tribute song. I don't really care about the distinction and for this post, I am ignoring the distinctions and including any song that is remade by an artist other than the original. So without further ado, here 'tis...
Holy Diver - Killswitch Engage
Original by Dio
If you listen to the lyrics of this song you will understand the Tenacious D parodies so much more. This song is pure nonsense but sounds so poetic. I had a chance to see Ronnie James Dio at Summerfest in Milwaukee. It was hysterical. I'm pretty sure Dio is a muppet but I can't prove it. Killswitch is a great metal band fronted by a singer that can wail. This cover is faithful to the original but the riffs blister a bit more and the vocals are better.
Landslide - Smashing Pumpkins
Original by Fleetwood Mac
While I love Lindsay Buckingham's guitar work on this song I have to say that Billy Corgan's vocals suit the tone and style of the song better than Stevie Nicks. The Smashing Pumpkins' version makes me want to cry. If you haven't heard this version, climb out from under that rock you're under and listen to it.
99 Red Balloons - Goldfinger
Original by Nena
Ah, how I long for the Cold War days of the 80's. It was a time when we knew the enemy and we rushed out to propaganda films like Red Dawn and Rambo III... This is a truly phenomenal updated rendition of a truly phenomenal song from my adolescence. Wrapped up with all of the angst due a song about nuclear war. It has been remade by several bands but this is the best cover I have heard.
Viva Las Vegas - The Dead Kennedys
Original by Elvis Presley
The satyrical tone in Jello Biafra's voice is classic Kennedys. And that it is a rockabilly Elvis song makes it even more cutting. Just a jem in the crown of American rock and roll.
California Über Alles - Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
Original by The Dead Kennedys
Turnabout... While musically this is a departure from the original the lyrics have been updated to scathingly criticize the current government in California. Michael Franti includes some samples from the original version. Very nice.
Welcome to the Terrordome - Pharoahe Monch
Original by Public Enemy
In the same vein as the previous cover, here you have a song updated to situate it in the 21st century and introduce it to a new generation of listeners. I love the original of this song because it is, in my opinion, one of the most perfect hip hop compositions and exemplifies the genre beautifully. The cover carries the tradition nicely.
Man Who Sold the World - Jordis Unga
Original by Nirvana
This song was a performance on Rockstar: INXS by one of the contestants, Jordis Unga. I like the song in its original form but Jordis brings so much more soul to this song than Kurt Cobain ever could. She cried during the performance and every time I hear her sing my heart breaks a little. Beautiful!
Hotel California - Gipsy Kings
Original by The Eagles
The Gipsy Kings give the haunting original a Tejano treatment and it suits the song perfectly. Nothing of the mood is lost in translation and the Spanish lyrics lend authenticity to the story of driving in the desert.
Rusty Cage - Johnny Cash
Original by Soundgarden
I was so suspicious of this cover. How could you do a country/rockabilly version of such a solidly grunge song? It totally works. Half way through the song, the band breaks into this really gritty rockabilly groove and it still makes me grin a little. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers back up the Man in Black so they have the skill to carry this off.
Sweet Jane - Cowboy Junkies
Original by Velvet Underground
I love the VU original of this song. But the Cowboy Junkies created a completely different song and still remained faithful to the original. There is so much heartache in the Junkies version. Lou Reed has said that their cover is the most faithful to the original.
Rock and Roll All Night - Hayseed Dixie
Original by KISS
Bluegrass + KISS = Pure Joy!
Sweet Emotion - Leo Kottke & Mike Gordon
Original by Aerosmith
This is a stripped down acoustic guitar and bass arrangement that is more blues than rock. It is sooo spare and airy as opposed to the dense and driven original. Kottke and Gordon do a cover of Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac on the same album and deserves kudos for the same treatment of a solid rock song.
Marijuana - Brujeria
Original (Macarena) by Los del Rio
Alright, I HATE the Macarena. I reserve the use of the word "hate" for a rare few despicable things. But I HATE the Macarena. This song is HILARIOUS! They have used the same hook but added really crunchy guitars and the percolating sound of a water bong. I really like this cover. Sue me...
I have to stop. I could go all night and I may just have to do a Pt. II later. But my wife will be compiling her own cover song list in the near future. I will let you know when that is up.
PAX
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