A cover version/original version rarity

1) Stones' cover of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."
2) U2's "All Along The Watchtower" (compared to the Hendrix version)
3) "Watusi Rodeo" by Guadalcanal Diary and Reverend Horton Heat
4) Beatles' "Helter Skelter" as done by Oasis
5) Clapton's "Forever Man" covered by Big Head Todd and the Monsters

 

I'm listening to Gov't Mule's version of "Cotez the Killer." Take out the subtle keyboads in the background and it sounds exactly like Neil Young's version. Warren Haynes does an incredible job with it.

 

Forgot one: David Lindley's version of "Mercury Blues" totally destroys Steve Miller's original.

 

Southside Johnny & the Jukes (non-Springsteen) officially released division:
- Without Love (Aretha Franklin)
- Walk Away Renee (the Left Bank, among others)
- Hang Down Your Head (Tom Waits)
- Heart of a Saturday Night (Tom Waits)
- Back in the USA (Chuck Berry)

 

Don't know if this one's been mentioned but I just heard it: if Jimi's "All Along The Watchtower" is the greatest Dylan cover ever (and it is) than the Jason and the Scorchers version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie" gets place money.

 

Elvis Costello division: Roy Orbison's cover of "The Comedians" is far better than the original, and I'd probably take Chet Baker's version of "Almost Blue" over the original. I'd say it's a dead heat with the Dave Edmunds version of "Girls Talk" -- I'll take Elvis' vocals but the Edmunds arrangement.

 

I was just about to mention Edmonds' "Girls Talk." He (with Rockpile) also ties Graham Parker with "Crawling From the Wreckage."

Tom Waits does a great "Somewhere' (from "West Side Story") on the LP Small Change.

 

Elvis's "What's So Funny ('Bout Peace, Love and Understanding)" kills the original. I could always imagine John lennon covering that song.

 

Gov't Mule also does a great job with Neil Young's Don't Let It Bring You Down and Rockin' in the Free World. I actually just found them at www.nugs.net/nugscast/070926.aspx

And no, that's not an illegal download, it's a podcast.

As for my favorite, Phish doing Velvet Underground's Rock and Roll.

 

I saw them at a Warped Tour a couple years ago. They are very fun to watch. The music is stellar, too.

 

I thought Nine Inch Nails' cover of "Dead Souls" was done pretty well.
Can't touch the Joy Division original, but a VERY solid effort.