Best rock cover songs, list your favorites

Ozzy,
I will have to look for that obscure cover.

Marty,
I did not know that "Battleship Chains" by Georgia Satellites was a cover. Is the original worth looking for?

There are so many good covers of certain artists who are great song writers, with limitations as performers. I can think of a number of Leonard Cohen songs that I much prefer covers, e.g., "First we Take Manhattan" (R.E.M.), "Hallelujah" (Jeff Buckley), and "Everybody Knows" (Concrete Blonde).

Another very good version of "All Along the Watchtower" by Neil Young performing it live on the Bob Dylan anniversary album.

Larry,

I wouldn't pull my hair out looking for the original - and you'd probably have to jump thru a bunch of hoops to find it. Outside of the addition of some foghorns (presumably for nautical effect), it hews pretty close to the Satellites' version. However, IMHO, there is another version that is worth looking for. Hindu Love Gods (basically REM with Warren Zevon handling the vocals in place of Michael Stipe) did a great take on the song.

Marty

Loomis,

Yes, "Billy Don't Be A Hero".. ah, the memories. While that may appear to be another thread entirely.............IT'S NOT!

Let's not forget that Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods actually COVERED that thing (or was it Paper Lace that covered The Bo Donalson song?)

Either way, it's a cover worth cherishing and avoiding like the plague at the same time.

Marty

Marty,

Thanks. I agree that the Zevon version is quite good. I am a big fan of his records, particularly the first album. I once considered making a compilation album of all the songs that Linda Rondstadt butchered as covers; Zevon songs would figure prominently.

For novelty covers, I like Bob Dylan and Tiny Tim doing "I got you Babe" (recorded in Tiny Tim's basement--they were friends).

Yes, another thread on treacle would be fun. Speaking of which, I heard the full version of "Seasons in the Sun" (Jacque Brel/Rod McKuen) that had verses that Terry Jacks left out in his cover. It is a MUCH more interesting song. The dead narrator says goodbye to his wife, tells her that he knows she had been screwing around, including his best friend, and threatens to haunt her.