5 Cover Songs Infinitely Better Than The Original

N.S.F.M.

Have you ever heard a bad cover song? I know I have. Phil Collins cover of True Colors comes to mind. You'll find none of that here.  I also don't want to hear any type of argument as to a song I missed.  This isn't about the best cover songs of all time.  This is about covers that are so much better than the original because they either suck, or the cover artist just rocks them so much better.

5) Simple Man

This song, originally done by Lynyrd Skynyrd (no vowels), is was written just after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother and Gary Rossington's mother both passed away. They were one day just reminiscing about everything both women meant to them, and the song just came to life.

Covering Artist:

Shinedown

Why It's Roxxx:

Solo.

Nevermind the fact that Brent Smith probably didn't take a breath for the 8 minute duration of the cover. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats the sound you get when a man sits down with an acoustic six string and just goes at it. Electric may sound cool, but you don't get the feeling deep down inside that you do with acoustic. Besides that, Smith does sing better than Van Zant, so he's got that going for him, which is nice.

4) I Will Survive

For those who have never heard this song, Gloria Gaynor sang this. It's about a tumultuous relationship. You know, the on-again-off-again sort. Well, she finally had enough, and decided that he wasn't coming back. And that she will, indeed, survive.

Covering Artist:

Cake

Why It Roxxx:

Disco.  Or, namely, the lack there of.

You know what's made up? Disco. Basically, the entire back story to the disco you know and love is fabricated. A reporter had to make a deadline. The best way to do that is to just bullshit your way to the top. And that's exactly how he did. Real discos were basically the equivalent to gay orgies lubricated with acid mixed with rave music. Seriously. Look that shit up. I'm not saying disco sucks because of that. I'm saying that disco sucks because it's made up. And Cake's version has none of that. Oh, and with the substitution of "I should have changed my fucking lock" for "I should have changed that stupid lock", this one wins out.  Plus Gaynor hates Cake's version for this line, which makes it so much better.

3) King of Wishful Thinking

Oh, the lovely world of late 80's, early 90's one hit wonders for movies.  This "classic" song by Go West was featured in Pretty Woman.  It was actually the title song.  You know what artist would have made more sense for the title song?  The one that Henry Winkler got tattooed on his ass.  But I digress.  On we go!

Covering Artist:

New Found Glory

Why It Roxxx:

No Air Play/Rock

New Found Glory is known for their covers.  They have had a few hits that were originals, but they've made two albums completely from covers.  This song is on the second album, and can be heard here.  And don't you even dare to tell me I'm wrong.

2) I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Contrary to popular belief, this song was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson.  No shit.  Don't believe me?  Owned.

Covering Artist:

Marvin Gaye

Why It Roxxx:

It's Marvin Fucking Gaye.

This is the best cover song.  Ever.  Don't even argue it, I'll win.

1) All Along The Watchtower

Bob Dylan recorded this song in 1967.  It was only really ok, and should have been killed with fire.  And then, we had...

Covering Artist:

Jimi Hendrix

Why It Roxxx:

Bob Dylan

You know your version is pretty bad ass when the original artist says your version is better than his.  Bob "Everybody Must Get Stoned" Dylan loved Hendrix' version of Watchtower so much, he actually loved it more than his own.  True story, bro.  Read.

BONUS

Super Bass

Some of my readers will know the name Nikki Minaj.  She sucks.  If she were to die tomorrow, I'd be investigated for murder.  She's awful.  She makes Missy Elliot look good.

Covering Artist:

Karmin

Why It Roxxx:

Amy Heidemann

For those that don't know, Amy's the lead vocal for Karmin.  She also plays guitar.  You'll notice that Nikki neither sings (well) nor plays guitar in her version.  Which is why Karmin's is so much better.  Check it out here and you'll see what I mean.  If she weren't engaged to Nick, I'd try my fucking hardest to get her attention.  Tis life sometimes.

Wow!

Wow, it's been over a year since my last post.  Oh, well.  Here's a new one.

I'm currently working on my Mazda.  I'm upgrading and modifying different things on it.  I've grounded the throttle body and took off most of the intake, all of which leads to the air box.  Stay tuned for more updates there.

I'm currently writing a book.  It's coming slow, but it's still coming along.  Stay tuned for more updates on it.

Other than that, I've gotten a few promotions at work since my last update, and am well on my way to a good future there.  Again, stay tuned for more updates.

That's all I have for now, so, as I've stated before, stay tuned!