Covers and Remakes

Well I had a lot of fun with last Fridays post on road trip music. I got a lot of feedback and saw what other people want to listen to. Just a couple of personal notes here, Brian, listening to a road trip playlist of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and AC/DC, I think I would have a few speeding tickets. Matisyahu, (Cornershop, Morrissey, Elliott Smith, Jayhawks....) never heard of any of them.

Now onto today's posting. Covers and remakes. Just what makes a good cover song? First thing is you have to start with a good song. That's why there are so many great covers of Beatle (Rufus Wainwright, Across the Universe, Joe Cocker, With a Little Help From my Friends, Jackson Browne, Golden Slumbers ) and Bob Dylan songs (Ani DeFranco, Hurricane, Rage Against the Machine, Maggie's Farm). Sometimes it's the time between versions, for example, The Allman Brothers, Statesboro Blues in 1971, was a remake of Blind Willie McTell's 1928 hit. Sometimes it's who has a better fan base, The Cues and The Platters both released Only You in 1954. The best compliment, I think, is when you associate the remake as sometimes the better or more popular version. Janis Joplin, Me and Bobby McGee 1971, ( Kris Kristofferson, 1970 ), The Byrds, Mr. Tambourine Man, 1965 (Bob Dylan, 1964), Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, Woodstock, 1970 (Joni Mitchell, 1970 ).

I always like to find an remake of a great song. The late Warren Zevon had two, Back in the High Life Again, (Steve Winwood 1987) and Knockin' on Heaven's Door, (Bob Dylan 1973 ). I also like Ani DeFranco with the Indigo Girls, Midnight Train to Georgia, ( Gladys Knight & the Pips 1973). All of this is subject to your taste in music as always but keep looking out there, you never know just when you will find a hidden gem.

Top 10 Remakes (not mentioned above )

1) All Along The Watchtower Jimi Hendricks 1968 ( Bob Dylan 1967 )

2) Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar), The Doors 1967 (Kurt Weill 1930 )

3) Crazy Love , Marc Cohn & Jackson Browne (Van Morrison 1970)

4) California Girls, David Lee Roth 1985 (The Beach Boys 1965)

5) If You Don't Know me by Now, Simply Red 1989 ( Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes 1972 )

6) Mony Mony, Billy Idol 1987 (Tommy James 1967 )

7) I'm a Man, Chicago 1969 (Spencer Davis Group 1967 )

8) Wild Night , John Mellencamp 1994 (Van Morrison 1971 )

9) Proud Mary, Ike & Tina Turner 1971 (Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969)

10) For Once in My Life, Stevie Wonder 1968 (Jean DuShon 1966 )

not ranked in any order just ten good songs.

Now, what song will be stuck in your head all day?