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Cover versions that work spectacularly

On first listen to Dave Rawlings Machine 'A Friend of a Friend' last year I was instantly struck at how well his covers of Conor Oberst and Neil Youngs 'Method Acting / Cortez the Killer' worked. Nothing groundbreaking and both versions true to the originals yet they seem to belong to Rawlings.....perfectly paired and to me one of the highlights of 2009. Brings to mind Emmylou Harris's Pancho and Lefty which she put such a fantastic stamp on. Interested to hear or be reminded of others favourites

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Permalink Reply by Henry Jasen on August 30, 2010 at 5:31am

As I said, every piece you chose was an excellent performance by a great performer. I was however reflecting on the initial post, "Cover versions that work Spectacularly", and the last part of the brief text there "Brings to mind Emmylou Harris's Pancho and Lefty which she put such a fantastic stamp on." I thought that the original intent of the post was to find really special covers.
I agree with you that the post turned into a thread about covers that people just happened to like a lot. I'm okay with that. It just got me to thinking about the difference between a great song played pretty much straight ahead, and a maybe even just a good song, which was transformed by the cover performance. Maybe I didn't say enough about Johnny Cash covering "Hurt". But no one can listen to the original and the Johnny Cash version and not think that he did something remarkably successful and different with "Hurt".
I tried to make clear at the outset that this was not about you or the direction of the post - which I enjoyed. I used your post because it had such great examples in all directions and allowed me to point people to some covers that I thought were spectacular.
I also tried to point out that I too like some covers that are not spectacular, because I like the songs and the artists. I don't think that it easy for anyone to tell the difference all the time. I also think that every one has different taste, and that's the way it should be. Otherwise, life would be very dull. If I hurt your feelings, I am very sorry. It was not my intent. I wanted to honor your choices because they helped focus my thoughts as I was monitoring this thread.
I will close with song I haven't decided I like and a cover I haven't decided where it fits in my categories: (Whаt's So Funnу 'bout) Pеace Love Understanding

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Permalink Reply by Jack on August 30, 2010 at 6:37am

I get the distinction Harry is making in noting the difference between covers that work spectacularly as opposed to versions we like because of the performer. That's also how I understood the topic of this discussion. But, either way, it's been a helpful thread because I've picked up a few ideas and have been reminded of people I'd forgotten or knew little about.

Saw Nick Lowe a few years back solo acoustic. Great show. He acknowledged Elvis Costello's "spectacular" cover of "(What's So Funny About) Peace Love & Understanding", noting wryly it made him a million bucks.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Pinson on August 30, 2010 at 8:55am

I hope this can clear up some misunderstandings. To start, I appreciate your concern with any hurt feelings but there are none. I did not take that as personal because I do not expect everyone too agree with me as that would be boring. That is the only problem when you communicate with the written or typed word, it loses the subtle nuance of verbal communication and ends up being so "Black and White" {Sorry, bad pun}.

My initial perception of what you were trying too say was that there are Definitive Versions of covered songs I was trying too say it that can be very subjective. The thing I love so much about this site is the exchange of ideas and the awareness of how much incredible music is out there yet to be heard.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Andrews on August 27, 2010 at 6:04pm

Some Canadiana to go with the Americana. I didn't read the whole thread; sorry for repeats.
Skydiggers - Slow Burning Fire (Tammy Wynette)
Skydiggers - One Day I Walk (Bruce Cockburn)
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings - 49 Tons (Fred Eaglesmith)
Gord Downie of Tragically Hip - If I Had A Hammer (Woody Guthrie)
Jayhawks - Life's Little Ups & Downs (Charlie Pride)
Los Lobos - Bertha (Grateful Dead)
REM - Wall of Death (Richard Thompson)
Teddy Thompson - Tonight Will Be Fine (Leonard Cohen)
The Band w/ The Crickets - Not Fade Away (Buddy Holly)
Steve Earle w/ Marty Stuart - Crying, Waiting, Hoping (Buddy Holly)
The Beat Farmers - Powderfinger (Neil Young)
Lucinda Williams & David Crosby - Return Of The Grievous Angel (Gram)
Maria McKee - Opelousas (Victoria Williams)
Wilco - Who Were You Thinkin' Of (Texas Tornadoes)

As well as those at the top, a few Canadian acts to watch for: Leeroy Stagger (Stormy, Brothers, Carol); The Warped 45s (Radio Sky, Progress), Lee Harvey Osmond (Lucifer's Blues, Blades of Grass, Queen Bee), Dustin Bentall, Ridley Bent, Wendy Bird, Tom Taylor....

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Permalink Reply by chris sweeney on August 28, 2010 at 5:42pm

Thinking today about:

Willie Nelson - Marie (Townes)

David Bromberg - Mr. Bojangles (Jerry Jeff)

Has anyone heard Mary Lee's Corvette doing a full album cover of Blood On The Tracks (Dylan)? It's brilliant.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel T on August 29, 2010 at 10:35pm

I didn't know Mary Lee's Corvette did Dylan. I will look for it , tks.

For you Tom Wait converts, I think the best interpretation of his work can be found on John Hammond Jr.'s "Wicked Grin". There's an album full of cover's, in my opinion, most better than the originals. Sorry, Tom.

I'd also like to say this forum exemplifies what I so enjoy about this site.

Y'all are insane about your music, which means I'm not alone.

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Permalink Reply by chris sweeney on August 30, 2010 at 7:26pm

Daniel,

Mary Lee's Corvette performed "Blood On The Tracks" live - in order, in it's entirety at Arlene Grocery in NYC. I found it through Dylan's website (if he endorsed it I knew it had to be something special!).
I ordered two copies through www.maryleescorvette.com several years ago. I immediately got an email from Mary Lee thanking me for buying it. That's class, huh?

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Permalink Reply by Daniel T on August 30, 2010 at 11:50pm

Chris,

Thanks much my friend. Just ordered the "Blood on the Tracks" CD through the link you so graciously provided.

And yes, any artist that takes the time to e-mail a thanks is a class act.

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Permalink Reply by modernacoustic on August 30, 2010 at 11:46am

Dolly Parton's reworking of Soul Collective's "Shine." I just can't get enough of it.
Also Eilen Jewell singing Loretta Lynn's "Fist City," but it's even better seen live.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel T on August 30, 2010 at 11:54pm

I'm waiting on delivery of Eilen Jewel's Loretta tribute. Your comment is timely. Grant Alden posted a blog a week back about that CD that sparked quite a discussion. He liked it.