Good day you lovely lovely lot. I know that there has been a huge hole in your life due to the absence of my words of wisdom. Well rejoice for I have returned to you and bring you a new blog.
Those of you how know me personally (let me start by congratulating you), will know that one of my many many interests is music. I have no talent for it myself, I do however have a great appreciation for it. From Beethoven to Nirvana and from Johnny Cash to Bjork, I have some what of an eclectic taste, though have a special place in my heart for 90's Grunge and Alternative Rock.
One way I have found to show my admiration for all the types of music I enjoy, is by everyday posting (on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter), a link to a piece of music from my past. (So far with a few breaks I am up to 570 songs posted).
A few days ago I posted a song which was a cover of a song I had previously posted. This was the first time it had happened, but I had no qualms about doing so, as both versions are in there own ways brilliant. However it did lead me think about other great songs which were good in the first place but were covered in a way to be different enough, to become classics in there own right. I came up with a list and then shortened it to a Top 5 which I am now going to present to you, (in absolutely no particular order). Beginning with the song that started me out on this chain of thought:
Song: Hurt
Original Artist: Nine Inch Nails (1995)
Covered By: Johnny Cash (2002)
This may be my favourite cover version of any song, and as much as I love the work of Nine Inch Nails and of Trent Reznor who wrote the song, I have to say that I may even like the cover slightly more then the original. There is just something haunting about Johnny Cash's voice, and the fact that he was a man who had faced his demons and was nearing the end of his life (he died less then a year after the release of the song), that gives something extra to his version
Song: Always on my Mind
Original Artist: Elvis Presley (1972)
Covered By: Pet Shop Boys (1987)
OK so technically Elvis was not the original artist to record this song. It was originally written for a female artist Brenda Lee. It was however released in the same year by The King and I would say it is is more widely associated with him. Also yes there have been other covers of this song but I personally think that this is the best one, not only that it is my favourite song by the Pet Shop Boys.
Song: Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Original Artist: Bob Dylan (1973)
Covered By: Guns N' Roses (1987)
I know this may be considered blasphemous by some, but again this may be another instance where I prefer the cover to the original. This is probably because it was the first version I heard and I was a huge fan of Guns N' Roses. The Bob Dylan version is a beautiful soulful lament though an I have come to appreciate it more as time has gone by.
Song: Creep
Original Artist: Radiohead (1992)
Covered By: Scala & Kolacny Brothers (2010)
The newest of all the covers on the list and also a cover of one of my favourite songs of all time. This is so different then all the other cover versions of this song, yet it seems to fit perfectly with the fantastic lyrics of Thom Yorke.
Song: Here Comes the Sun
Original Artist: The Beatles (1969)
Covered By: Nina Simone (1971)
OK after some slightly depressing songs lets finish on something a bit uplifting. The original was written by George Harrison once again showing what a great talent he was. Nina Simone added something absolutely wonderful to an already great song.
Anyway those are the 5 songs I picked for your listening pleasure. Let me know what you think, or if there is a cover song that you believe should replace one of the above.
More blogs to come.
Those of you how know me personally (let me start by congratulating you), will know that one of my many many interests is music. I have no talent for it myself, I do however have a great appreciation for it. From Beethoven to Nirvana and from Johnny Cash to Bjork, I have some what of an eclectic taste, though have a special place in my heart for 90's Grunge and Alternative Rock.
One way I have found to show my admiration for all the types of music I enjoy, is by everyday posting (on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter), a link to a piece of music from my past. (So far with a few breaks I am up to 570 songs posted).
A few days ago I posted a song which was a cover of a song I had previously posted. This was the first time it had happened, but I had no qualms about doing so, as both versions are in there own ways brilliant. However it did lead me think about other great songs which were good in the first place but were covered in a way to be different enough, to become classics in there own right. I came up with a list and then shortened it to a Top 5 which I am now going to present to you, (in absolutely no particular order). Beginning with the song that started me out on this chain of thought:
Song: Hurt
Original Artist: Nine Inch Nails (1995)
Covered By: Johnny Cash (2002)
This may be my favourite cover version of any song, and as much as I love the work of Nine Inch Nails and of Trent Reznor who wrote the song, I have to say that I may even like the cover slightly more then the original. There is just something haunting about Johnny Cash's voice, and the fact that he was a man who had faced his demons and was nearing the end of his life (he died less then a year after the release of the song), that gives something extra to his version
Song: Always on my Mind
Original Artist: Elvis Presley (1972)
Covered By: Pet Shop Boys (1987)
OK so technically Elvis was not the original artist to record this song. It was originally written for a female artist Brenda Lee. It was however released in the same year by The King and I would say it is is more widely associated with him. Also yes there have been other covers of this song but I personally think that this is the best one, not only that it is my favourite song by the Pet Shop Boys.
Song: Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Original Artist: Bob Dylan (1973)
Covered By: Guns N' Roses (1987)
I know this may be considered blasphemous by some, but again this may be another instance where I prefer the cover to the original. This is probably because it was the first version I heard and I was a huge fan of Guns N' Roses. The Bob Dylan version is a beautiful soulful lament though an I have come to appreciate it more as time has gone by.
Song: Creep
Original Artist: Radiohead (1992)
Covered By: Scala & Kolacny Brothers (2010)
The newest of all the covers on the list and also a cover of one of my favourite songs of all time. This is so different then all the other cover versions of this song, yet it seems to fit perfectly with the fantastic lyrics of Thom Yorke.
Song: Here Comes the Sun
Original Artist: The Beatles (1969)
Covered By: Nina Simone (1971)
OK after some slightly depressing songs lets finish on something a bit uplifting. The original was written by George Harrison once again showing what a great talent he was. Nina Simone added something absolutely wonderful to an already great song.
Anyway those are the 5 songs I picked for your listening pleasure. Let me know what you think, or if there is a cover song that you believe should replace one of the above.
More blogs to come.
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