Easy, breezy, beaut… oh wait, not that. I get so confused all the time sometimes. I was perusing my massive music collection today and came across some really great cover songs. The thing is, it wasn’t the usual covers that everyone knows. I thought I would share some lesser known ones that are my favorites.
"I Can't Tell You Why" The Eagles
“I Can’t Tell You Why” is a song originally recorded by the legendary band The Eagles in 1979. (That’s the year I was allegedly born.) This song is a very emotional tune that could only be pulled off by a great singer. An awesome version that is not very well known is by Brownstone from their 1995 album From the Bottom Up. In the Brownstone version they took out the guitar solos and added a cool refrain of “Tell me why…” that I may or may ot sing over and over loudly and goofily. Their soulful cover was a pleasant update and nod to the original song.
Original: “I Can’t Tell You Why,” The Eagles
Cover:
"The Longest Time" Billy Joel
An interesting remake of Billy Joel‘s 1984 release, “The Longest Time,” by Zhane is perhaps the most drastic song reinterpretations. The original by Billy Joel is an uptempo doo-wop song, but the Zhane version is a 90’s R&B update with a slow tempo. I think the arrangements in this version are genius.
Original: “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
Cover:
"Betcha By Golly Wow" The Stylistics
Arguably one of the best female singers to ever bless a mic, Phyllis Hyman, covered the Stylistics’ 1971 hit, “Betcha By Golly Wow.” This song has been covered by over 20 artists including Prince, but something about Phylis Hyman’s rich, powerful voice transforms the song into a sonic masterpiece. Can you tell I like it a little bit? Betcha by golly wow I do! Tee hee.
Original: “Betcha By Golly Wow,” The Stylistics
Cover:
A few more of my favorite cover songs:
“Four Leaf Clover,” by Atlantic Starr covered by Erykah Badu
“Knocks Me Off My Feet,” by Stevie Wonder covered by Donnell Jones
“Midnight at the Oasis,” by Maria Muldar covered by The Brand New Heavies
“Ribbon in the Sky,” by Stevie Wonder covered by Intro
What are some of your favorite covers/remakes?
“Daydreaming”– Originally done by the Queen Aretha, but Tamia’s version is my jam, too: http://youtu.be/CU4gxsvzDac
“You Belong to Me” — Carly Simon originated, but Anita Baker slayed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbKRrsDZ4MU
“Lies”— Originally by The Black Keys, but Kelly Clarkson put some stank on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjTDBx5GUxs
“You Belong to Me”– Can’t remember if Carly Simon or the Doobie Bros did first, but it’s another Anita Baker joint that sizzles:
Oh I could go on & on, like Badu…oh speaking of Erykah, this “Window Seat” cover is EVERYTHING: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPYssRZw8o8
I do love that “Daydreaming” remake, she definitely does it justice!
One of my alltahm favorite easy breezy beautiful cover songs is “Wild Horses” by The Sundays (OG: Rolling Stones). I remember hearing it on an episode of Buffy and falling in love.
I’m such a dork. But, who will partake in checking me, boo? No one, that’s who. Oooh, I rhymed!
See? Dork.
I am gonna look that song up, and THEN I will block your IP address.
-__________________-
covers are a major pleasure for me:
jamie cullum – lover you should’ve come over (love the original by jeff buckley more but they evoke diff’t moods)
luther vandross – superstar (can’t stand the original carpenters’ version)
madonna & massive attack’s version of marvin gaye’s “i want you” is…sex. on fire.
http://youtu.be/afWYKh32vxg
the orchestral version (http://youtu.be/eGGzrrt5Q2g) is good too but it’s not the same
Oooooh! Now I have new stuff to discover, I love getting introduced to different things…
(oh and I hate the Carpenter’s version too… ick)
i forgot to add usher’s version of superstar is amazing too. it’s on the “so amazing” tribute album.
Isaac Hayes- Walk on By
Though Dionne Warwick slayed it, Isaac but a whole new dimension to it.
Troop- All I do is think of you
Though Michael Jackson & his brothers made an epic record, I must say that the lead singer from Troop equaled Michael here.
The Whispers- I want to know your name
The Intruders were my group from the 70s, but Scottie went just as hard on this joint.
Chaka Khan- I feel for you
Lord knows Prince’s record was better overall, but the harmonica solo on Chaka’s version made it epic
Diana Ross & The Supremes- Ain’t no mountain high enough
In actuality, it’s not in the same league as Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s version. However, it was an excellent remake in that she talked part of it while singing the rest. I thought it was a good tribute to Tammi since it was done when she passed away.
Issac slayed the fuck out of that song… that song is soooooo epic.
i also love the Troop version of “All I Do Is Think of You”, it takes me back to a specific period in my childhood when I stanned for Troop s hard.
Oh & though I love Luther Vandross, the Carpenters original version of “Superstar” was better by a landslide. The horns were tight, and Karen put a dimension to the record with her somber voice that Luther couldn’t replicate.
Um yeah. I dig this. My favorite cover of all time is “Someday We’ll All be Free” as sung by Donny Hathaway (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hehiio1stti)
The Leon Russell version, while I respect the original, is painful: ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvazuyf6exw )
I didn’t even know it was a cover! But yeah every Donny Hathaway song is my favorite song, lol… #ThisMakesSense.