Covering tracks from other artists can be tricky. Are these artists trying to pay homage to the song creator or are they providing their own cheeky treatment? Regardless of the intensions of these artists, these performers have provided a musical renovation with their own refined interpretations.
1. Mad World - Gary Jules
Original Artist: Tears for Fears
Quite a few readers may recognize this cover because it was featured in the movie Donnie Darko. Jules' take on the Tears for Fears hit, however, functions as a stand alone single. The eerie musical tone compliments the stirring lyrics much better than the original.
2. Crazy In Love - Antony and the Johnsons
Original Artist: Beyonce
Although I do recall loving the original 2003 single by Beyonce with its arresting horn section and punchy beats, Antony and the Johnsons' version is both so unsettling and alluring that your ears can't seem to abstain from Antony's maddening weep.
3. Sea of Love - Cat Power
Original Artist: Phil Philips
Readers may also recognize this particular cover because it was featured in the movie Juno. Cat Power hits all the right emotional notes by producing very minimal.
Which cover songs do you think are better than the original?
For more cover song entries:
The 4 Greatest Soul Covers of Rock n Roll Songs
Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs
Nice list. You should make a cover songs playlist and share it. That's something I would want to hear.
ReplyDeleteWill do! Oh man, where do I begin?
DeleteI agree with Mad World and Sea of Love! But I will say, I actually like the upbeat Beyonce version more than the one you posted here ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was Nick's specific reaction as well. :)
DeleteYou're shameless - any excuse to repost that Michel Gondry Mad World video. Not that I'm complaining...
ReplyDeleteHaha! Seriously though, I didn't think about it til after I posted the blog entry. I think I posted that comment before I started this blog post. Maybe it was inspiration for the post; who knows.
Delete