Scattered, Smothered and Covered
As always, a great list continues to be a wonderful source of inspiration for us here at acme eclectic. Unfortunately, in a world of lists gone made, it’s not always so easy to find one that really resonates.
Thanks to the fine folks at Spin, however, for providing one that does the trick. Just check out this fantastic list of The 50 Greatest Cover Songs.
I highly recommend that you review the entire list for their comments and, most importantly, full audio clips of all of these songs. But, as a primer, I’ve pulled a bunch from the list that really work for me and would make a great mix on any ipod:
48. The Who, “Summertime Blues” Originally By: Eddie Cochran
46. X, “Breathless” Originally By: Jerry Lee Lewis
35. Joe Cocker, “With a Little Help From My Friends” Originally By: The Beatles
34. Social Distortion, “Ring of Fire” Originally By: Johnny Cash
30. Johnny Cash, “Hurt” Originally By: Nine Inch Nails
29. White Stripes, “Jolene” Originally By: Dolly Parton
18. Lemonheads, “Mrs. Robinson” Originally By: Simon & Garfunkel
17. The Beatles, “Twist and Shout” Originally By: The Isley Brothers
12. Jeff Buckley, “Hallelujah” Originally By: Leonard Cohen
11. Ike & Tina Turner, “Proud Mary” Originally By: Creedence Clearwater Revival
8. Elvis Costello, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love and Understanding” Originally By: Nick Lowe
3. Talking Heads, “Take Me to the River” Originally By: Al Green
2. Jimi Hendrix, “All Along the Watchtower” Originally By: Bob Dylan
1. Nirvana, “The Man Who Sold The World” Originally By: David Bowie
Kurt Cobain & Nirvana take the top spot with David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World"
While there are a few on the complete list of 50 to take umbrage with, and many that are undoubtedly missing, it’s hard to argue with those tracks above as being essential for anyone who appreciates the last 50 years of recorded music and the expertise with which these artists redefined the original versions.
May we be so blessed as to have the next generation of musicians churn out cover songs half as good as these. But I wouldn’t count on it. And if this is Exhibit A, then we are all doomed.
