Subject: Favorite Covers
Date: Sat Apr 30 13:16:17 2016
User: wildcard
Message:Best cover of Woody Guthrie's This Land is Your Land (and I've seen The Boss perform it live with The E Street Band)... ever. Heard it over the ending credits to the most awesome PBS doc by Ken Burns, about Jackie Robinson.
Link: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Date: Sun May 15 20:57:55 2016
User: Kaos
Message:Strange to hear male vocalists cover the Dolly Parton song Jolene. I heard a version on the radio last week and then noticed this version by the White Stripes.
Link: White Stripes cover Jolene
Date: Sun May 15 21:13:14 2016
User: Kaos
Message:I linked this when I was 9 and I still like it now. Complete opposite of Jack White...
Link: An Irish folk song
Date: Sat Jun 4 00:19:37 2016
User: Kaos
Message:Why doesn't his have 100 million views on You Tube?
The biggest highlight from the documentary "30 feet from Stardom" is how the Stones manager woke up Merry Clayton at 2 in the morning to come sing backup vocals ;) on Gimme Shelter and the result was one of the best songs in rock and roll history.
Does Lisa Fischer filling in for Merry count as a cover?
Link: Merry Clayton/Stones Cover
Date: Tue Sep 27 23:45:41 2016
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:Is the bar on Joni Mitchell covers low?
Date: Wed Sep 28 07:35:12 2016
User: BuzzClik
Message:Joni is an icon, but her songs have been covered repeatedly, and often not in pedestrian ways.
Dengue Fever gave it an interesting twist. I like it. You don't? There are thousands of others from which to choose.
Date: Fri Jan 13 09:06:20 2017
User: BuzzClik
Message:A new cover reminded me of one of my favorite old covers.
Apparently, Paul Shaffer (of "Letterman" fame) is releasing an album of covers featuring various artists (some of whom actually sing for a living, and some who don't). http://bestclassicbands.com/paul-shaffer-album-1-6-17/
One of the early releases from this album features Jenny Lewis (indie icon) singing, "Sorrow," best known to me as a big hit for David Bowie in 1973. (Here he is an a music video typical of the era and Bowie at the time: https://youtu.be/LxDVc80Z3FI)
Bowie was covering the McCoy's song from 1965, part of the Merseybeat, I suppose. And, the British group The Merseys actually reached #4 on the pop charts with their cover of the song: https://youtu.be/BCMJPG_svTc
Link: The McCoys, "Sorrow"
Date: Mon Oct 29 08:36:57 2018
User: Malr
Message:Check out Dark Side Tim Minchin Jim Brook cover
Date: Mon Oct 29 09:08:18 2018
User: BuzzClik
Message:This singer could easily fit under the Folk Songs thread, but this number of hers fits this topic, too.
Azniv Korkejian is a Syrian-born artist who performs under the name of Bedouine. She has a smooth and lovely voice.
This song was on a music blogger's site, and captured me. It's a cover of an Elton John song called "Come Down in Time", from John's "Tumbleweed Connection" album of 1970.
Link: Bedouine, "Come Down in Time"
Date: Mon Oct 29 09:41:19 2018
User: Turpin827
Message:She does have a lovely voice. I will listen to some of her other stuff.
I just came across this new live version of this song I posted on folk music so you can see the performers. They are both friends who have performed in my home (house concerts). Grey Larsen is one of the finest Celtic musicians in the world (especially tin whistle and flute). Cindy Kallet is a superb guitarist and has a simply amazing voice.
Cindy and Grey have been married for several years now, and tour together. It is a heartwarming story. She has been through some dark times, and her music reflected that. Their music now has a buoyancy and happiness that makes it extra special for me.
Link: Tide And The River Rising (Cindy Kallet)
Date: Thu Nov 12 19:16:34 2020
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:There is a fun article in the NY Times about a 10 yo girl drummer named Nandi from Ipswich who has posted some videos on you tube that are getting a decent amount of attention. Her favorite drummer is Dave Grohl (fantastic choice, imho) and her most-watched video is her playing the drum part from Nirvana's In Bloom. I'm not sure if I'm prejudice but I'm still giving the edge to Dave. However, maybe she could already give Ringo a run for his money. The NY Times article link is here
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/arts/music/dave-grohl-nandi-bushell-drums.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab
and the YouTube video link is below. I'd be curious to read what some of the more musically gifted from Denny's discussion board think of Nandi
Link: Does Dave Grohl have some competition?
Date: Thu Nov 12 23:23:27 2020
User: jamesblackburn-lynch
Message:I’ve been watching Nandi. She had a hilarious drum off with Dave Grohl. She’s crazy and full of energy and Dave is funny as hell.
Then they took it up a notch and each wrote a song in a challenge. This all happened in the last few months.
She’s an excellent drummer, but I think her kit sucks.
James
Date: Sun Nov 15 10:34:35 2020
User: TNmountainman
Message:Just now is the first time I've watched the "Gimme Shelter" linked by Kaos above from 2016. What puzzles me is that now gootube shows 'only' 23 million views (instead of 100 million when it had been there only half as long at his posting). Did the link somehow get changed? Is it a function of me not allowing cookies? How many views do you all see?
Date: Sun Nov 15 10:37:12 2020
User: Kumquat-of-Conciliation
Message:Sigh. Never mind the above post. Mr. Mountainman mis-read Kaos's words. It actually says "why *doesn't*". His^ bad.
Date: Tue Nov 17 14:48:17 2020
User: TNmountainman
Message:The very day this thread got resurrected by the good Dr.Bombay, I was presented on the (public) radio with the below track, which was news to me (although apparently released in 2007). And I haven't yet made time for this detailed exploration of it. I was a slow convert to Asleep at the Wheel, not being that enamored with Western Swing, Bob Wills, and all that "back in the day". [But I've grown more fond of them (and even Wills) in more recent years, as I think they've evolved away from a more pure swing style, too.] In a follow-up post, I'll link the original (Marshall Tucker Band of course). This is a perfect situation to "compare and contrast", or to "discuss amongst yourselves". Both versions I consider masterpieces. Both churn and bubble with multiple layers, as most great music will. Each has it's own wonderful - ne, exquisite, musicianship. While I at first decided I like Ray Benson's smooth vocal delivery over Toy's gentle Spartanburg drawl, that's a close call. [sidebar: Benson is actually from West Virginia, altho most of their Texas fans might have a hard time accepting that.] If I had to say, I'd probably go with Benson. The same comparisons can be made with the fiddlers. Don't know who's sawing on this version of Asleep (quite probably the extraordinary Jason Roberts), but Charlie Daniels was simply at his peak on this Marshall Tucker recording. Apples and oranges there. Paul Hornsby's (more on him in a separate post following these two) keyboard work is so very tasteful on the MTB version, but so is John Michael Whitby's for Asleep. How does one compare the stunning thumb-picking of Toy with the jazzier Asleep's version (again possibly Jason Roberts)? One can't escape the *very* Allmans-esque drums of the MTB version. (And thus it's no surprise that Paul Riddle did a couple of Allmans tours when Jaimoe was injured or something.) One has to go with that one, methinks, as the relentless, ever-propulsive rhythm section of Tommy (Toy's brother, of course) and Riddle provide that extra punch, which, I conclude, keeps it just above the cover. Just IMO.
I think most of us, when evaluating covers, generally prefer to see an "interpretation" - making almost a new song at time. This is one of those exceptions, I believe, where just the pure excellence of each performance doesn't at all detract from a somewhat faithful rendition.
While some, perhaps rightfully so, denigrate "Southern Rock" as somewhat of a cliche (and truthfully, for a while it sort of became that), I don't think any reasonable music lover will deny that the best of The Allmans, and MTB, among others, totally stands the test of time.
Link: Asleep at the Wheel's version
Date: Tue Nov 17 14:59:59 2020
User: TNmountainman
Message:Ok, here's the original from their superb "Where We All Belong" album. I've listened to both this version, and the Asleep at the Wheel version discussed in (too much?) detail above, at least 15 times over the last 5 days while deciding how to post all my thoughts above. This album came out 46 years ago this month, and so much of it still sounds sharp and fresh (at least to me) to this very day. For those not already hep, check out "24 Hours At A Time" to hear Toy just wearing it out - with his thumb. Good stuff.
Here's that one, for those so inclined and not already familiar with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP5vx8MytS8
Link: the MTB version
Date: Tue Nov 17 15:17:19 2020
User: TNmountainman
Message:Above I mentioned Paul Hornsby and his work on "This Ol' Cowboy". He's a 'bama musician and producer/arranger. Most serious music lovers, esp. those familiar with Southern Rock, will know the name Chuck Leavell. He was the major part of a band called Sealevel (or Sea Level, too), that had a few hits back in this time period. And he's played with "EVERYbody who is anybody", and was part of the Allmans during their heyday. I won't burden you with the cast of characters he's been with, as it would be too massive a list (but the Stones have been a huge part of his life the last 20+ years). Anyway..............the point of all this musical history is that Hornsby and Leavell have been friends forever, as well as both being friends with Paul Riddle. And I think Hornsby's playing on "This Ol' Cowboy" is *very* reminiscent of Leavell's overall. I don't *think* this Hornsby is kin to *that* Hornsby (pretty sure), but not 100% positive. All of which brings me to the below link, which is Hornsby relating on meeting Duane, and his thoughts on him. Fans of Duane will likely enjoy giving it a listen.
Link: Paul Hornsby discusses Duane
Date: Wed Nov 18 13:39:43 2020
User: BuzzClik
Message:"This Ol' Cowboy" (MTB) is one of my favorite songs ever. I have the album in my vinyl collection, though I have not listened to it in years. Unlike nearly all of my old favorites, I will occasionally bring up that tune on a streaming service (Spotify these days).
I saw the Tucker Band in concert shortly after they dropped that album. I really enjoyed being there, but it was a basketball arena with hideous acoustics.
Thanks for the dive into the details of both versions!
Date: Wed Nov 18 22:26:20 2020
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:Although I really never thought of these as covers they most definitely are:
Polly Von by Peter, Paul, and Mary and Mrs. McGrath by the boss.
Date: Wed Nov 18 22:27:44 2020
User: ThunderRoad
Message:For that matter, all of Live in Dublin
Date: Wed Nov 18 23:25:07 2020
User: TNmountainman
Message:@Buzz.............
I may have related my *meta-* close encounter with MTB before on this board; I don't remember. One of my best friends growing up, a ridiculously talented fellow in multiple respects (could have been a major-league baseball player, likely, and is on several blues albums recorded in Memphis as a session guy, but under a 'nom de blues') was at the best deli here at the time MTB's first album had just been out briefly (long before "Where We All Belong"), and they were in town to play their first show here, and were really fairly unknown still. Anyway, the band stopped at this deli on someone's recommendation, and he met them, not really knowing (at first) who they were. So they got to talking, and the lead guitarist/vocalist asked my friend his name, and he said "Toy". And apparently a hush fell over the group, as Toy Caldwell looks at him and says, "Toy?", that's my name, too! So they went on to have a very fun discussion on music, etc. On many occasions I would have been there with him, but I wasn't at that time, but did see the show that night. I think I ended up seeing them 4 times (without checking my list) - 3 at least. They always brought the goods.
Sadly...............my friend has passed on...........miss him still........
Date: Tue Nov 24 23:25:33 2020
User: BuzzClik
Message:This one is deserving of a severe eye roll, but I'm not afraid.
Local Natives is one of my favorites -- live shows, vinyl, etc. One of my favorites of theirs is the softly lilting "Dark Days." It grabbed me from the first listen. It's not any particular level of genius. I just really like it. https://youtu.be/3nWhtM6XgOc
During the Covid-19 isolation (and endless series of concert cancellations), Local Natives released a cover of their own tune featuring the vocals of another artist I like, Sylvan Esso (fronted by Amelia Meath). Here's the original concept from a Jimmy Kimmel Live event: https://youtu.be/ZdRg-gFpprg
The studio "cover" version is below.
Link: https://youtu.be/4-SFDJDCKN4
Date: Thu Nov 26 04:46:43 2020
User: ix
Message:btw the strange word twist of "standing in the corner on the pouring rain" is something i've only noticed one other time in music lyrics, in jethro tull's song budapest are the words "along a skin of satin sea".
Date: Wed Oct 27 02:46:51 2021
User: cellmate
Message:
Came across this one tonight
i think it says something where near the end he breaks his strings but seems to reconsider about breaking his guitar
Link: https://youtu.be/ZCjWa7ypZMc
Date: Wed Oct 27 02:54:35 2021
User: cellmate
Message:2nd try...
Came across this one tonight
i think it says something about him where near the end he breaks his strings but seems to reconsider about breaking his guitar
Link: Neil Young - A Day in the Life
Date: Fri Nov 5 13:07:09 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:This is a song that has been around for a long, long time and has been covered in recordings at least 200 times. (I heard one last night pumped over the sound system waiting for the lead act in a concert last night).
"Makin' Whoopee" (written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson) was first performed live by Eddie Cantor in 1928. https://youtu.be/Cbcubbf3pDA The song started being covered by other artists immediately, and it continues today.
The list of those recording the song is a Who's Who of just many genres of music: Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington (fronting for the Quincy Jones Orchestra in 1956), Louis Armstrong, all the way down to Van Morrison in 2017.
Some of the versions are not great: Cindy Lauper and Tony Bennett were clumsy (lacking the chemistry of Bennett and Lady Ga-Ga), Rod Stewart and Elton John performed it as a duet (some might like it, but it doesn't work for me), Harry Nilsson recorded an okay but uninspired version. Sharon Jones provided the vocals to the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble (love Sharon, but ugh).
Many of the covers are fantastic: Ellla, Louis, Marlene Dietrich who gave it a Latin flare along with her accent and affectations, Ray Charles, and many more. Nora Jones fronted for Wynton Marsallis's band for a really nice version and a close second on my list.
My favorite, for no particular reason, is Dr. John and Rickie Lee Jones. No doubt others will lean a different direction.
Link: Dr. John, Rickie Lee Jones: "Makin" Whoopee"
Date: Thu Feb 17 17:04:29 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:This one takes a bit of a turn. From back when Fallon did this sort of stuff. No idea how I stumbled over the cover (clickable link below), but it was so odd that I had to see the original.
Uhh.... I'll let you decide.
Here's the original from Extreme: https://youtu.be/UrIiLvg58SY (nearly 600,000,000 hits on YouTube)
Link: More Than Words (Jimmy Fallon and Jack Black)
Date: Fri Feb 25 00:00:44 2022
User: TNmountainman
Message:So most of you think Dylan wrote "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall", don't you? Well, you'd be right about that...........but this take seems to have some of the essence of an even older ballad - almost (but not quite) the feel of an old Negro spiritual. I particularly like the sound of Mavis, Cleotha, and Yvonne's controlled, even restrained, glorious harmonies, seemingly struggling (successfully) to not let power of their voices overwhelm Dylan's words. IMO, a great version.
Link: non-Dylan Hard Rain
Date: Fri Mar 4 09:22:52 2022
User: mrbuck
Message:This video has a lot that I love, lathe work, accordions, The White Stripes, and at the end a subtle hint about the dangers of smoking.
Oh yeah, it's also a Ukrainian band playing a song that is vaguely topical.
mrbuck
Link: the video
Date: Fri Mar 4 12:23:51 2022
User: TNmountainman
Message:The music is pretty good, but bad safety message with two of the members not properly wearing their safety glasses, and then the accordion player taking a drag on a cig at the end.
Date: Sat Mar 5 16:15:11 2022
User: FreeMyCells
Message:
Few great covers that come to mind
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers. Their version became the new version to cover after that.
You really got me - Van Halen, originally done by the Kinks.
When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin, but who can forget the original version done by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929.
Date: Sat May 14 12:29:37 2022
User: outskirts
Message:Pee Wee Ellis, from Florida wrote one of my favorites, The Chicken. RIP Mr Ellis ✝️
He passed away last September but I didn't know til.... Today. 😢😭
Here is The Chicken performed by some band in Macedonia, so maybe it's world music now idk. I'll just say this is up there.
Link: https://youtu.be/6ykC7-Z0JUk
Date: Tue May 17 17:00:27 2022
User: TNmountainman
Message:That's very nice, but almost the most un-Billy-like thing he would do. But since he can and will do essentially anything, one can't really say that. Apparently both those shows were rippin'.
That new-ish mando guy (Jarrod Walker) is from FL - Tampa area. Think I liked Drew better, but they're both way solid.
Date: Thu May 26 04:04:34 2022
User: TNmountainman
Message:Ok, here's "my boy" doing some very nice back-and-forth noodling with fellow Michigander (fuzzy) Jake Cinninger from a show they did just over the hill from me. Pretty interesting. Except for the incredibly distracting light show. Worth 2 to 3 listens.....
Link: Crossing SRV and Jimi with Doc?
Date: Thu Jun 23 02:51:05 2022
User: TNmountainman
Message:Altho quite faithful in spirit to Neil's, this is pretty sweet.
FWIW.............when Neil toured supporting the album ("Harvest Moon") in '93, Booker T. & the MGs were his band, not Crazy Horse. Meaning Cropper, Dunn, and those guys - who played with hotnurse's son a time or two. Also........James T. and Linda R. did the background vocals, as they did for the original "Harvest". And...........it's now been 50 freakin' years since that was released.
Link: Neil's still in love with Pegi
Date: Thu Jun 23 08:08:44 2022
User: outskirts
Message:This bugler in drum corps has passed away so someone is posting his awesome moments from old school drum corps. Yeah he knows it's not a trumpet. 💓 the director's outfit
Link: https://youtu.be/9yX6yStoV9U
Post follow-up