San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Johnny Cash
For me, one of the greatest cover songs is Johnny Cash’s (2002 version of ) “Hurt.” The original, by Nine Inch Nails, lacks the deep emotion and pain injected by Cash. Trent Reznor, who wrote the song, has been quoted as saying, “That song isn’t mine anymore” after hearing Cash’s version.
Three Dog Night
I came across your piece on cover songs last night. My favorite cover song is Three Dog Night’s 1970 version of (Randy Newman’s) “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).” Cory Wells sang this song so well — the way it should be sung — kind of fun and rock and roll. I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said about the perplexing lack of respect for Three Dog Night. I will simply say: I love them dearly.
“It’s All Over Now.”
The Hollies
We live in Kauai now, but we’ve been following you for years as San Diego residents from 1970 through 2018. I would like to officially nominate “Stop in the Name of Love” by The Hollies. (Yes, The Hollies.) It was recorded back in 1983 when Graham Nash rejoined the band. I think if they released it again, today, it could still be a big hit.
Thank you for this fun cover-song story.
Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ 1964 cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” Great article. to get you started. I have listed the original artist first, then my favorite cover version.
1. “All Along the Watchtower” (Bob Dylan), Jimi Hendrix Experience
2. “Naima” (John Coltrane), David Grisman
3. “I Wish It Would Rain” (John Hiatt), Buddy Guy
4. “Billy Jean” (Michael Jackson), Caetano Veloso
5. “Love Is a Long Road” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Del Mccoury Band
6. “Here, There and Everywhere” (The Beatles), Emmylou Harris
7. “Respect” (Otis Redding), Aretha Franklin
8. “Baby, Don’t You Do It” (Marvin Gaye), The Band
9. “Compared to What” (Roberta Flack), Les Mccann & Eddie Harris
10. “Jungle Strut” (Gene Ammons), Santana at Woodstock — as magnificently memorialized in the movie — of “Summertime Blues” absolutely gobsmacked me. As soon as it was over, I jumped up, though not quite as high as (Who guitarist Pete) Townshend did, and screamed: “Show that again!”
It was only after that that I ever heard the original version by Eddie Cochran. With all apologies to Mr. Cochran, his just ain’t quite as good! With Pete Townshend playing those power chords, Keith Moon killing his drum kit, Roger Daltrey doing his microphone twirling and lead screaming, and John Entwistle doing his power bass and response singing, well, if that ain’t heaven, it’s in the same ZIP code!
The Beatles
I enjoyed your article. My favorite cover is The Beatles’ version of The Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout.” Yes, The Beatles
Eric Clapton
I enjoyed your article, but you left my all-time favorite off your list. In my opinion, Eric Clapton’s (1970) version of “Layla” (made under the name Derek and The Dominoes) was greatly surpassed by his (1992) “MTV Unplugged” version of “Layla,” which he (recorded) under his own name.