Cover versions?

[andy-hughes]

Love 'em or loathe 'em?

I have vented many times about Witless Usless murdering Dolly Parton's masterpiece, but it has been eclipsed by ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riVFbbRwaZM

which should sound like ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvRps-HJ-p4

It's a bit like lining ujp Diana against Dusty - yes the similarities are there, but they are with a sand castle and the Taj Mahal as well.

I shall have to go for a lie-down now.

[bensmum]

I must admit I'm not really a fan of Stevie Nicks but this does sound good, and anything with Tom Petty has to be good. Agree it is far superior to the other effort.

[mushroom25]

not all cover versions are turkeys - I believe Jeff Buckley was rather good at them.

Conversely there are those, some of whom should know better, that believe The Zutons are a covers band.

[andy-hughes]

Can't argue there mushroom 25, but you have to conceed - if you compare and contrast - the two performances are, to say the least, light years apart in terms of technical ability, emotion, and simple class.

[littleoldme]

Andy, I'm in complete agreement with you about Houston's God-awful caterwauling version of what used to be a beautiful, understated, genuinely heartfelt Dolly Parton song. For me, it is the worst cover version ever (and that includes any of the myriad of horrors spawned by the dreaded Westlife).

Cover versions are not in themselves evil though - Dolly's mate Emmylou Harris springs to mind as someone who has come up with some real crackers over the years - but it requires someone of real talent to put their own mark on a song, rather than just make a third-rate karaoke version of it.

I've mentioned this one before, but when it comes to good imaginative (and chuffing funny) cover versions, I can't help thinking this original:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FTH2fDzyqOM&feat ure=related

is vastly improved by this cover version:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vy9uoZmAde8

(Warning - strong language in both)

[Sooper]

I dont think that all cover versions are bad and there quite a few that i prefer to the original versions. I think it is often (but not always) whichever version you tend to hear first that you adopt as the favourite. I myself prefer Whitney's version to Dolly's rendition possibly as i had never heard Dolly's version. There are a lot of people out there who are probably unaware that they are even listening to a cover version! Tainted Love springs to mind!

[andy-hughes]

no.knowledge

Apoligies for the lack of a response - my PC did not advise me that your answer was there, so I have only just seen it.

The second and third URL's are the same - but my opinions -

Lennon is of course the definitive version, and unbeatable.

Duran I love as a band, and applaud their bravery at putting their stamp on an iconic song, so I like it - thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Again apologies for any misunderstanding, I would never ignore any reply - however much bother I get into for apparently doing so!

A.

[andy-hughes]

Fair comment - I accept that you call it as you see it - as do we all.

I just thought she seemed a little put out by your response, but on reflection, you are as entitled to make an observation as anyone on here - so i am sure we can both move on in the spirit of healthy debate.

The Paul Weller clip has been removed by whom ever!

Never mind - see you on another thread.

A.