Song covers that are better than the originals

Great thread, even if a repeat.

Two criteria for an inspired cover:

1. Inspired choice: Something not obvious, either regards the cut or the match of band and music. Makes you say -- "wow, I hadn't thought of that cut in a while," or "crazy, *they're* doing *that*?"

2. Proximity of performance: neither too close nor too far. Should invoke the spirit of the original, but not parrot it.

Crooked Still, doing the Stone's "You Got the Silver"

Cowboy Junkies doing R. Johnson's "Driving Wheel"

John

Adding one more:

Medeski, Martin and Wood, doing Hendrix's "Hey Joe"

John

"You Keep Me Hanging On"- Vanilla Fudge

"A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love" by Hayseed Dixie.
Ever think that what was missing from "Walk This Way" was a little jews harp and fiddle? "Fat Bottom Girls" really needed a some hot mandolin licks? Do you like to drink?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you might like this cd. Or love their live show.

Dekay, your 'Smoke On The Water" is truly awesome.
I got such a kick out of that!

Personally, I am a big fan of The Bad Plus' covers - they've done everyone. I like Iron Man (Black Sabbath), Chariots of Fire (Vangelis), their live version of Tom Sawyer (Rush) is great, and Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) is one of their great songs. Youtubing is actually kind of hit-and-miss - there are some decent ones, but there are some so-so versions of the same songs, so if you don't like the version you see, you can look around for another.

And one other... Gretchen Wilson (fantastic pipes) did a cover of Barracuda with Alice in Chains a few years ago which is fantastic.