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Beatles covers: better than originals?

Anybody know any artist cover performances of Beatles tunes that are better than the originals?

Most covers of Beatles tunes fall way short compared to the originals, in my opinion.

I can't think of too many that stand out in my mind.

On American Idol, during the two Beatles weeks recently, two performances stood out that I recall: "Let It Be" by Brooke White was very heartfelt and right on and "The Long and Winding Road" by the young 17 year old kid (David ???) was as good as anything I've ever heard. Watch that kid...he is extremely talented....when he is on, he is right up there with the best!
128x128mapman
fly_fish_nz
70 posts
 
I've only heard one cover that sounded close to my ears, Elliott Smith doing "Because". Can't say it's better, but it's good:

http://www.last.fm/music/Elliott+Smith/+videos/+1-jvSdFr3niQM
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Finding covers that best the originals is extremely difficult, IMO. But I'll offer a second for the Joe Cocker version of "With A Little Help From My Friends" as I actually think it's a better rendition.
The only other Beatles cover that I feel betters the original is Patti Smith's version of "Within You Without You" on her album titled "Twelve." This is a very well recorded album with 12 covers from artists ranging from Hendrix to Tears For Fears. The Harrison song is my favorite cut on the album.
markphd
667 posts
 
A lot of the early, popular Beatles' tunes are themselves covers.

In my view, your question really has absolutely no answer. Whether something is "better" to one person in terms of musical enjoyment is totally, utterly subjective.

With this in mind though, I will pitch in that Bryan Ferry's version of "It's Only Love" is my favourite Beatles cover. I prefer it over the Beatles' version.

And to reverse the question, although I like John Lennon's cover of "Stand by Me", I prefer the earlier Ben E. King version.
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Al Green: I wanna hold your hand
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Hard to beat The Beatles doing The Beatles, but here are a few of my favorites...

Fiona Apple, Across the Universe

Tori Amos, Happiness is a Warm Gun

Elliot Smith, Blackbird

Wilson Picket, Hey Jude

Eddie Vedder, You've Got to Hide Your Love Away

Johnny Cash, In my Life

Joe Cocker, With a Little Help from my Friends
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