Cover songs that are better than the originals.


There is an active thread about terrible cover songs so I thought I'd start one about cover songs that are better than or have completely eclipsed the originals. I'll start:

Randy Newman wrote Momma Told Me Not to Come for Eric Burdon who recored it with the Animals and Newman recorded it too. I have the Newman version and like it but Three Dog Night really seem to capture the mood of the song best in my opinion.
n80
Another vote for Hendrix and All Along the Watchtower but I also like Bobby Womack's version.  Thr Troggs Wild Thing by Jimi.  I Heard It Through the Grapevine was originally sung by Gladys Knight and the Pips.  I think the versions by Marvin Gaye and Creedence Clearwater were much better.  People Get Ready by Curtis Mayfield was equaled by the Chambers Brothers version.

I ain't got you-count bishops (other tracks on that ep (cd) as well).

and you forgot twist and shout-beatles

also, beatles anna,you really got a hold on me

bumble bee -searchers

sha la la Manfred mann

tobacco road-Nashville teens

Manfred Mann were a great group, rarely mentioned anymore. Paul Jones was one of the very best singers of the British Invasion (on a par with Van Morrison and Steve Winwood), and the musicians had Jazz influences in their playing styles, unusual at that time.