When cover songs go really, really bad

Anynomous — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:44:24 GMT

The worst cover song being played today is Kid Rock's cover of "Summertime". Absolutely horrible.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jacqueline — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:44:47 GMT

I really didn't like Johnny Cash's cover of the NIN song Hurt...sorry to those that did but I took offense to it the minute I heard it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Julie, Tulsa, OK — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:55:40 GMT

Faith Hill's version of "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart" should be illegal. The Janis Joplin original was a boozy, desperate paean to the desperation of loving a bad man. Faith Hill turned it into something from Sesame Street with her follow-the-bouncing-ball happy little remake. It stinks and should never be on the radio again.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Lisa Finch, Remus, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:56:25 GMT

UB40 royally screwing up the great Neil Diamond classic "Red, Red Wine" and the Fugees butchering "Killing Me Softly" by the untouchable Roberta Flack

When cover songs go really, really bad

Doug, Falls Church, VA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:02:29 GMT

While you nailed the Sheryl Crow cover, I'm going to have to seriously diagree on Marilyn Manson’s “Sweet Dreams” cover. Personally, I think it's one of the best covers ever. Manson brought out the song's true creepiness, and showed that Dave Stewart is the guy people should really be afraid of, not him. The Beach Boys' cover of "California Dreamin'" was similar, although far more subtle.

When cover songs go really, really bad

jim m., Shiner, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:06:58 GMT

"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling"...Hall & Oates...to quote Jeff on Curb Your Enthusiasm, "it's just a big bowl of wrong"

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dinana, OR — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:09:38 GMT

Anything by a group with "A new singer who sounds just like the original" is bad. Journey II, I'm talking to you! Styx too. Copies are NEVER as good as the originals!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Brian, Chattanooga, TN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:10:21 GMT

Mariah Carey, "Bringing On The Heartbreak" (orig. by Def Leppard)

When cover songs go really, really bad

Amy, Bettendorf, Iowa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:10:38 GMT

While I'm at it...Let's talk about all of these country music "stars" that go about covering perfectly good songs and turning them into the depressing sappy crap they like to call good music. Can you say, "Lips of an angel?" Ok, not that that wasn't a totally annoying song before but you get my drift. Don't even get me started on Dolly Parton's "Stairway to Heaven".

When cover songs go really, really bad

Diana, Archer City, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:11:00 GMT

I know I was in the minority at the time, but I didn't really like the Ataris' version of "Boys of Summer" or Rascal Flatts' version of "Life is a Highway", just because they were so similar to the originals. It reminded me of the shot-for-shot remake of Psycho---what was the point if you don't do something new?

When cover songs go really, really bad

steak and eggs — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:14:41 GMT

I'll probably get a lot of abuse for this... but anything performed on American Idol. A few covers are fine, even fun. But if you want a show built entirely on bad, gospel-poseur covers, then you should move your act to Vegas or Broadway and stop making the rest of us weep for our childhood memories.

I can't think of any full cover on the airwaves I've ever been totally disappointed in, but sometimes it irritates me to hear samples of beloved oldies and classics used in today's music. And then some other band/group samples the same thing three or four times and I get confused and go, "WHICH song is this again??" I know there's talent in the music world; can these folks humor me just a little and cut back on all the sampling? I'm not paying you to hear another artist's work! If you like the song so much, then do a full cover. At least then we'll get YOUR interpretation and not a poorly copied and pasted sample of the old.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Samantha — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:14:49 GMT

One that I didn't really dig was a sped-up cover of "Don't Fear the Reaper"...I think it was by the Goo Goo Dolls, but don't quote me on that.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Leslie, Albuquerque — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:14:58 GMT

I actually really liked the Marilyn Manson cover of Sweet Dreams. Personal Jesus was tolerable. Tainted Love? Pass please. I'm still waiting for him to do Like a Virgin. :)
I can't even think of where to begin on my list of awful cover songs...we had a lengthy discussion about this at work a few months ago and a co-worker had a copy of I think Cher (could be wrong) doing Stairway to Heaven, which sort of entered a new realm of previously untouched awfulness. And my personal gripe: rappers need to leave Cat's in the Cradle alone as far as sampling, covering, and remixing. Leave poor Harry in peace.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Aubrey, UT — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:15:17 GMT

I think Madonna did an awesome job of killing and eating Don McClean's "American Pie."Some songs just really shouldn't be messed with!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Rori in Nebraksa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:17:05 GMT

Anyone who tries to touch Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" should be banned from the music industry forever.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Tyler, Madison WI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:17:46 GMT

Disturbed's version of "Land of Confusion" is so bad. They took one the only Gensis song I liked and destroyed it. Also, any punk rock cover of a song is a totally lazy. The only exception is the Ramones cover of "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" (written by Tom Waits). If you'd never heard the song before you'd think it was a Ramones song.

Btw, any cover of a cover it totally lame... I'm looking at you, Jason Castro.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jim, Omaha. NE — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:19:35 GMT

Any Beatle song in any commercial, but that's probably a whole other topic. I can't stand it when the cover artists change lyrics. Tina, you're great, love you, but "I never lost one minute of sleep, I was worrying about the way things might have been" is the exact OPPOSITE sentiment of what Fogarty wrote. And what's more poignant -- seeing "Robert E Lee" as the Band sang in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", or seeing "THE Robert E Lee," as Joan Baez sang. Fallen hero or steamboat? Hmmm.

When cover songs go really, really bad

brian, dover, nh — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:20:24 GMT

almost anything that has been sung on american idol

When cover songs go really, really bad

CG, Greenville SC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:21:34 GMT

Holy cow, there are so many lousy covers, I hardly know where to begin. G&R's version of "Live and Let Die" makes me long for hari-kiri. But the worst cover ever -- okay, one of them anyway -- belongs to Burton Cummings and his massively bad lounged-up "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet." Makes me wonder what kind of grudge he held against Randy Bachman to do that sort of ritual sacrifice.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Lacy, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:27:23 GMT

Fall Out Boy's cover of Beat it actually does make me want to cry. Also in that category for me is Fred Durst's version of Behind Blue Eyes by The Who.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Leslie Fort Worth, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:28:09 GMT

I have to say I completely disagree with you on both Sheryl and Marilyn. I think both songs rock! Another cover that I LOVE and most people would completely disagree...The Cure's lovesong by 311.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Olivia James — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:28:10 GMT

I don't have any one song in particular, but I do find it somewhat irritating that country stars will take a still-popular-right-now song and do their cover. Then there are two versions of the same song. I don't know of too many pop artists that take a still-popular-right-now country song and do a cover.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Anon, USA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:28:43 GMT

Britney Spears doing Bobby Brown's My Prerogative made me cringe...

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kassy, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:31:10 GMT

Alliens Ant Farm with Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, Shout form Disturbed

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dan, trenton, NJ — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:31:33 GMT

you can really pick any Lenny Kravitz song because they are ALL COVERS.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Mark, Seattle, WA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:32:15 GMT

Fall Out Boy's cover of "Beat It" is easily the worst song I've heard in a decade.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kassy, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:32:48 GMT

OH GOD!!!!! JESSICA SIMPSON'S TAKE MY BREATH AWAY...THAT'S THE WORST

When cover songs go really, really bad

Rachel, Dallas, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:39:06 GMT

Back about 10 years or so ago, a one hit wonder called The Braves did a cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. I can't believe the cover actually got radio play (albiet is was on the Top 40 bubblegum pop stations). True Queen fans should be outraged that someone would dare to commit the sacrilege of covering Bohemian Rhapsody.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Bill, Orlando FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:40:09 GMT

The worst of the worst mismatch of cover and artist was broadcast to billions during the Live 8 concerts.

Maroon 5 closed their set by announcing they were going to end by covering a song that inspired them... when they saw Pearl Jam cover it. Seriously. They INTROed their song by announcing they were a step removed from even having the idea to choose this particular cover.

They then launched into a technically correct yet soulless "Rockin' in the Free World." Now, that's a pretty revolutionary song. Neil Young is a revolutionary. Pearl Jam is revolutionary. Maroon 5 is about as revolutionary as Scott McClellen at his White House career peak. They are simply not built to pump their tiny fists in the air and decry "the man," and admitting their newfound counterculture passion was copped from someone else just makes the attempt look ridiculous.

So as to be expected, the performance reeked of fakeness and took all the teeth out of a song that was built to be a great white. Just awful.

Oh, and The Wallflowers' cover of "Heroes" sucks too.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Mary, Toronto Canada — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:41:02 GMT

Celine Dion's destruction of Heart's "Alone". I wish she would have left it alone! It's dreadful!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Toni, Southern California — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:42:06 GMT

TWO: Madonna's "American Pie" as referenced earlier
and Billy Ray Cyrus singing "These boots are made for walking" Jessica Simpson's was pretty bad, too, but Billy Ray Cyrus? It was painful (I thought it was a joke the first time I heard it)

When cover songs go really, really bad

Bronson, SL,UT — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:45:41 GMT

My two cents consist of a very strong recommendation of Richard Cheese. Look him up. He's a lounge singer's version of Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies. Nothing makes me laugh more than hearing his NIN 'Closer' cover.

Hil. Air. E. Us.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Karen N., Boston, MA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:47:31 GMT

Cowboy Junkies covering anything, but in particular, Neil Young's classic 'Powderfinger'. Cringe!!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

phil,mi — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:48:48 GMT

don't forget sex pistols "my way".

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jason, WY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:48:57 GMT

I don't know the artist, but the aucostic cover of 'When Doves Cry' that sounds like a braying (female) donkey is really annoying. It doesn't help that Chipotle thinks this is good 'dining' music. Matter of fact, my wife and I think they play this crap music (usually too loud) to clear out the 8 tables as quickly as possible.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Steve, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:50:14 GMT

Actually, I can't believe no one has mentioned this one yet: "When A Man Loves A Woman", by Michael Bolton. He took a gritty, soulful paean to the depths of obsessed love and turned it into a weepy ballad so lame that Barry Manilow sounded masculine by comparison.

Also the Rod Stewart album of standards is cheesy, Manilow's "Moonlight Serenade", U2's "All Along The Watchtower" are both weak, and I was not crazy about STP's cover of Zep's "Dancing Days"

In counterpoint to one post above, I enjoyed the Fugees "Killing Me Softly"; not as good as the original, but Lauryn Hill was really good on that tune.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Shoaib, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:54:29 GMT

Lets not forget the dsesecration of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Tori Amos. Terrible!!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Moira, Portland, OR — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:55:11 GMT

I once heard an excruciating album called "Eric Burdon Sings The Animals Greatest Hits", which inexplicably included hits by other bands as well. The entire thing was truly awful, but the WORST was his cover of "Paint it Black" by the Stones. Apparently Eric didn't catch on that this is not a happy, good-timey sing-along type of song. His version reminded me of the song in the Jungle Book that goes, "ooh ooh ooh! I wanna be like you-ou-ou!" that the monkey king sings. Spectacularly wrong.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Katie, Spring, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:55:52 GMT

I agree with your comments on "Stripped." I have the CD with the remake, and it's always kinda creepy to listen to. My feeling about Marilyn Manson's version of "Sweet Dreams" is similar...Why turn it into something so creepy?

As for others I don't care for, I could do without the country remake of Hinder's "Lips of an Angel." There seems to be a whole niche out there of country groups remaking Adult Contemporary songs...I never even know who sings the songs, but I usually hear it and wonder why one version of the song wasn't enough???

I can't wait for the good covers post - I have so many running through my head right now...

When cover songs go really, really bad

Brian W. Worcester, MA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:57:30 GMT

Ones that come to mind are Madonna's painfully-slow take on "American Pie," Don Henley's awful reggae-esque version of "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," and Marilyn Manson's take on "Tainted Love" just off the cuff...there are many more, but they've been blocked out for now!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Daisy, Birmingham AL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:58:26 GMT

Worst cover: Guns 'N Roses "Knocking on Heaven's Door". Best cover of the same song: Warren Zevon on his very last album "The Wind"...knowing he was dying made the song so much more poignant.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Alice — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:58:51 GMT

If people are mentioning American Idol, would the house band on "Dancing With The Stars" count? I don't know if it's a money issue or not, but I wish they could just play the real songs.

When cover songs go really, really bad

n, tucson, az — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:01:59 GMT

Oh wow, I ABSOLUTELY HATE Sixpence None the Richer's cover of Crowded House's "Don't Dream it's Over." It is the WORST.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dale, Pennsylvania — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:02:08 GMT

How about Ugly Kid Joe doing Harry Chapin's "Cat in the Cradle"? Absolutely tragic!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Don, Methuen, Mass — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:03:17 GMT

Paul Anka covering "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. It sounded like a skit on Saturday Night Live. Besides, Weird Al's version is much better.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Erik — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:05:00 GMT

I'm not sure if it's necessarily a bad cover (I applaud how it sounds nothing like the original, but then again, IT SOUNDS NOTHING LIKE THE ORIGINAL!), but...

Tori Amos covering Slayer's "Raining Blood" was - at the very least - bizarre.

I'll leave it at that.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kim, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:08:27 GMT

How about Everlast's "Folsom Prison Blues?" That is the worst song. How can you turn a classic into that!?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jennifer, Austin, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:08:50 GMT

Shiny Toy Gun's "Nothing Compares 2 U." They took a tender, ethereal song and turned it into something unlistenable.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ted, Dunkirk, Maryland — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:08:56 GMT

Every song on the soundtrack to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from 1978, with the possible exception of Steve Martin's "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." I thought the "Across the Universe" soundtrack was excellent, though.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dana, Lewis Run, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:09:31 GMT

I think Metallica butchered "Turn the Page".

When cover songs go really, really bad

Amanda, OKC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:09:32 GMT

I don't know if this counts, but how about anytime someone tries to cover the National Anthem at a sporting event? Few do it justice by adding unnecessary runs and hitting notes that weren't written in the first place. It's the National Anthem - a National Treasure if you will. Treat it with the respect it deserves

When cover songs go really, really bad

Larry, Weatherford, OK — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:09:43 GMT

Kudos to CG in the Palmetto State for thinking of Burton Cummings' hatchet job on the classic BTO song, although generally I like anything Cummings ever did, especially the uptempo, boogie-woogie piano stuff. Also, has anybody heard the remake of the 1967 Lee Hazlewood-Nancy Sinatra ode to cowboy psychedelia, "Summer Wine," by Andrea Corr and Bono? Brutal. They both butchered the lyrics of a truly underrated tune. It's easily found on YouTube.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Generosa, Gainesvile, FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:12:05 GMT

I have to agree with Bronson: Punk covers & Ric Cheese are funny--and that's what they're meant to be, so I think they're all in good fun. Covers by 'serious' artists can go totally awry, like anything on the 50 First Dates soundtrack--the most notable of which is 311's cover of Cure's Love Song.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Tom Herwick, Dearborn, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:13:51 GMT

A few come time mind...
U2's cover of "All Along the Watchtower" (awful)
Shinedown's cover of "Simple Man" (way overdone)
Agreed with another person on Kid Rock's "Summertime"
(totally cheesy remake)
ONE MORE..."Behind Blue Eyes" Covered by Limp Bizkit!!! (ugh!)

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jamie, Trumansburg, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:14:55 GMT

I am so happy I'm not the only one who absolutely detests Kid Rock's "Summertime". That song is so god awful. He just crossed Sweet Home Alabama with another classic song.

It seems that music is turning to where the movie industry has gone, nothing but remakes. Not all remakes are bad, just 99%.

I don't think "entertainers" know how to be original anymore. Its easier to "remake" a classic and get money from there.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Trish, San Pedro Calif. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:17:01 GMT

This is SO funny!..I can't believe no one has yet metioned the Jonas Brothers and their remake of Hello Goodbye!! Personally I like it..but i'm really surprised that no die hard Beatles fans have considered it blaspheme!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kathy, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:17:19 GMT

Somany bad covers, so little time...

Faith Hill's "Take Another Piece of My Heart" is horrible. Simply horrible.

Whitney Houston's take on "I Will Always Love You" pales in comparison to the way Dolly originally sang it.

I loathed Madonna's "American Pie."

And would someone please shut Jessica Simpson down? OMG.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Wil, Portland ME — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:17:50 GMT

I liked Sheryl Crow's cover of GnR, which is odd because I'm not a Sheryl Crow fan. I was surprised I liked Madonna's "American Pie"--well her much shortened version because it seemed to fit her. I'm not a big fan of cover versions as a whole. Although, even Elton John admitted that Sinead O'Connor's cover of his "Sacrifice" for the Two Rooms Tribute CD was brilliant. I look at it this way, leave well enough alone. :-) Just my two cents.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sum Guy, Philly, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:19:50 GMT

I heard a terrible cover of Radiohead's "Creep" on the radio the other night. I continued listening out of morbid curiosity in hopes that the DJ would give the name of the female singer who butchered this song. To my dismay, they didn't give the artist's name. It sounded like Melissa Etheridge.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dick, Plainwell, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:21:26 GMT

Toad the Wet Sprocket did a cover of "Rock and Roll All Nite" for the Kiss tribute album "Kiss My A**" about 15 years ago, or so. They turned a happy, upbeat party song into a depressing country dirge. That version makes me want to kick puppies!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Nick, Houston, TX — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:21:35 GMT

I agree with Bill from Orlando that Maroon 5's "Rockin in the Free World" had no soul. However, I got to see them before they were famous and they did an absolutely outstanding cover of "Closer" by NIN. I know that sounds weird, but it was stellar.

As far as the worst cover ever? I heard Manfred Mann do an awful version of Demolition Man by the Police, but the worst ever has to be Michael Bolton doing "Dock of the Bay." It's almost like he was seeking some sort of revenge on Otis Redding.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sam, Albany, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:22:17 GMT

Ozzy doing King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man". Love Ozzy and love the song, but to do it without the middle part is like eating a hamburger with no burger.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Carrie — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:23:31 GMT

Counting Crows completely butchered Big Yellow Taxi. It pains me to hear it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ryan, Illinois — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:23:34 GMT

I agree your picks, especially "Lay Lady Lay". A cover of a cover placed on a tribute album...how lame.

Speaking of Sheryl Crow, how about her cover of Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er" on the Encomium album? Sheryl sounds like an 8-year old girl and totally ruined the song for me; even now when I listen to the original, I hear her butchering it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kaygo, Twin Cities, MN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:28:41 GMT

Run DMC's duet with Sarah McLachlan on Just Like Me which is really Cat's in the Cradle, just retooled. Her vocals are spectacular but then DMC comes in rapping about Cooley High. Dreadful.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Skye - Valentine, NE — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:30:26 GMT

How about Megadeth's cover of 'Anarchy in the UK' - totally unnecessary. Blech.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Bob F., Greenwich, CT — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:31:53 GMT

Celine Dion's cover of ACDC's "You Shook Me All Night Long"...like nails on a chalk board. All the others pale when standing next to that travesty.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Marie, Chicago IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:33:13 GMT

Kid Rock's song "Summertime" ISN'T a cover. Yes, the music is from Lynard Skynard but that is it!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

steak and eggs — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:35:05 GMT

Oh, hahaha. Reading some of these responses has jogged my memory. Covers I dislike:

Madonna - American Pie
Jessica Simpson - These Boots Were Made For Walking
Celine Dion (I think) - Merry Xmas (War Is Over)
Whoever the heck covered Baby Got Back
Sheryl Crow - Sweet Child O Mine
anything Britney Spears covered (sorry; I like some of her recent work, but her covers are awful)
Limp Bizkit - Behind Blue Eyes (I would like this cover except for the weird voice in the background...totally out of place)
Any gospel-poseur version of our national anthem
And while I enjoy Christmas music, I'm getting tired of all the covers. Do we reeeaaally need another version of SAAAAAAANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TO~WN? I think I'll just stick to the orchestras.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Lady Ancasta Meow, Detroit, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:35:12 GMT

I don;t know if this counts as covering or sampling or just pure stupidity, but that song about singing "Sweet Home Alabama" all summer long. I know the background music as coming from Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London." I really like "Werewolves of London," so the sampling hits my angry buttons.
Worst cover I've heard lately is a pop-punk/ska-sounding cover of "Come On, Eileen" with a female vocalist. It just doesn't work. Second worst is the cover of "We're Not Gonna Take It" in the Yaz commercial. I know Dee Snyder has to pay his rent like the rest of us, but did they have to mangle that song?

When cover songs go really, really bad

MJ, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:35:42 GMT

Sex Pistols "my Way" is hilarious. I love it. Madonna doing "American Pie" is atrocious. Who told her to do that song?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Doug, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:36:38 GMT

Worst cover has got to be Scissor Sisters doing Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. They tried to turn it into some kind of upbeat dance tune and the result was horrible.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Brad, Portage, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:39:23 GMT

I have to disagree to the Kid Rock song. I like it because it is not a re make but uses the music track to talk about listening to the song. I have to agree with anything Mariylan Manson remakes is just wrong. Johnny Cash's remake of Hurt brought a whole different angle to it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dawn, Lancaster, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:39:39 GMT

Oh come on, the WORST cover tune EVER....Celine Dion You shook me all night long

When cover songs go really, really bad

Bob, shalimar, fl — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:39:58 GMT

metallica also completely skewered other perfectly good bob seger songs. i agree with the comments against country artists "covering" brand new songs. its like putting a bikini on a hog, it doesn't belong. best cover i ever heard was a band called throwdown with their metal version of baby got back. what a riot!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Miguel Beltran Tacoma, Washington — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:42:21 GMT

There are way to many bad covers songs for me to list. However, Marilyn Manson's "Sweet Dreams" is not one of them. I enjoy The Eurythmics version a lot more but Marilyn's is not bad. I would have to say that my 2 favorite do overs would be "More Than This" by 10,000 Maniacs as well as Echo & The Bunny Men did a great job on "People Are Strange".

When cover songs go really, really bad

Don Ackerman — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:44:43 GMT

Manson's cover of Sweet Dreams was brilliant. Tainted Love and Personal Jesus were OK. I also really liked Smooth Criminal redone by AAF. Not the worst remake but I hated that Barry Manilow sang Ian Hunter's amazing song Ships. I suppose it made Ian a ton of money but, ugh!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sara H.S., Madison, WI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:46:47 GMT

Sheesh- where does one start with this? Well, any of the "new" Journey is suckalicious, mainly because their new singer is a FAR cry from Steve Perry. Same thing with Skid Row's new singer (who maybe in his dreams has as great a rock voice as Sebastian Bach). As far as individual songs, a little bit of me dies inside whenever I hear 311's cover of that Cure song they did (I can't remember which song it was because I've tried to block it from ever coming back into my mind); the same thing happens whenever I hear Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt". I love the guy's music, but he should have left that song alone. Finally, I wanted to strangle Jason Castro from American Idol with his dreadlocks when he covered Jeff Buckley's cover of the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah". Some things should never be messed with, and that song was one of them. I think I heard Jeff Buckley turn in his grave when that kid ruined that beautiful song.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Larry, Weatherford, OK — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:47:53 GMT

Notice nobody's mentioned the Queen of the Remakes, Linda Ronstadt? Maybe it's because every remake she did was better than the original? Well, maybe not "Tumbling Dice," but it was still pretty good.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ashley — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:52:29 GMT

Jacqueline I actually have to disagree with you. I though Johnny Cash's cover of the NIN song Hurt was amazing. I think he truly understood that song, having been a drug adict at one point in his life, and totally captured the essence of it. In my opinion its one of the best covers out there!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Joe, NY, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:52:52 GMT

Kid Rock's "Summertime" isn't a cover. It SAMPLES "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Werewolves of London", but it's NOT a cover.

A lot of music is sampled these days.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sara, Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:59:21 GMT

The Dixie Chick's version of "Landslide" has to rank as one of the worst covers ever! You can't replace Lindsay Buckinham's incredible guitar work with fiddles (FIDDLES!) and Stevie Nicks with Natalie Maines and call it good. In fact, I'm not sure which offends me the most -- the instrumentation or the vocals!

Please -- if you're going to remake a song, at least do it with musicians as skilled as the original artists. . . anything less is simply insulting.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jon Brooks — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:00:43 GMT

While I thought that the Manson Cover of sweet dreams was alright.
I thoroughly disagree with the lady about Johnny Cash having the honor to cover Hurt.
The feelings in this song are SO strong and Johnny gave the same and then some of an incredibly well written and composed song.
I think 311 did not do the Cure a huge favors with their interpretation of Love Song.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kathy, Dayton, OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:04:08 GMT

When I heard the (c)rap version of "Killing Me Softly" I was driving home, I almost ran my car into a tree. That kind of musical destruction should be illegal!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dana, Orlando, FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:13:22 GMT

I agree with Take My Breath Away by Jessica Simpson

But I think Love Song by 311 is great!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kate, Tampa, FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:16:58 GMT

I cry every time I hear Madonna's cover of 'American Pie'...who on earth allowed that monstrosity to come to light?!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ryan, Florida — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:19:53 GMT

I can't think of any bad covers; it's probably because they are so forgettable; however, I think Devo's cover of Satisfaction is great.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Chris McLaughlin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:20:27 GMT

Rascal Flatts: Life is a Highway. They should be stripped of their vocal cords and all musical instruments. Why mess with the perfection of Tom Cochrane's original?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Laura, Syracuse, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:20:47 GMT

Lindsay Lohan - "Edge of Seventeen" Seriously. Why?

When cover songs go really, really bad

bajangirl, Bridgetown Barbados — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:20:49 GMT

The Baha Men doing "Who Let the Dogs Out". The original was crap too, but the remake made me want to turn off the radio

When cover songs go really, really bad

Annie, Mesa, AZ — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:21:27 GMT

"Silent Night" by Stevie Nicks, she sings it really, really bad............................I mean really bad.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Marcus, San Diego, CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:22:11 GMT

To the guy below, Manson already covered "Like a Virgin" and it was cheesy.

and I am going to disagree and say that Manson's cover of Sweet Dreams is actually really good, especially live.

My favorite band is AFI and they have a song called Totalimmortal off their All Hallows E.P. The Offspring covered it for the Me, Myself, and Irene soundtrack. It is awful.

I am also going to agree with Johnny Cash covering NIN 'Hurt.' It was horrible.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Erin, Biloxi, MS — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:22:57 GMT

Rod Stewart's cover of Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately" was a travesty - and it was a big hit for Rod! Blarf! If you want to hear the real beauty of the song, listen to Van's original from the "Avalon Sunset" album, or the later version he performed with The Chieftains.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Doodlebug, Fort Collins, CO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:26:22 GMT

The Flaming Lips' cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the worst cover I've ever heard by ANY band. Don't get me wrong, it could've been someone else doing the cover and it still would have been horrible, but The Flaming Lips manage to take a classic and mangle it beyond all recognition. It's the aural equivalent of stinky dog vomit warming on the sidewalk.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Carol, OKC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:26:50 GMT

Some nasal-voiced Disney Channel-sounding group covered Roxette's "Listen To Your Heart," which makes my stomach churn every time. As mentioned earlier, Michael Bolton's cover of "When a Man Loves a Woman," Britney Spears' god-awful version of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction," and Gavin Degraw killing the Marvin Gaye classic "Let's Get It On."

I disagree with the post that said that the Fugees' cover of "Killing Me Softly" was bad. I think it was quite good. Not as good as the original, of course. But good.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Laura, Fresno,CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:28:25 GMT

Madonna's cover of "America Pie": I cried tears of rage over that one. The Killer's cover of Dire Strait's "Romeo & Juliet": Why oh why! And finally I agree the NO ONE should be allowed to touch "Cats in the Cradle": NO ONE!

When cover songs go really, really bad

audrey, fort wayne In — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:32:51 GMT

Fred Durst's cover of 'faith'by George Michael.

can we say "awkward"?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Melanie, Fort Worth, Texas — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:34:19 GMT

When the Stars go Blue, Tim Magraw, that is just wrong. Ryan Adams originally sang and featured on his Gold cd. The Corrs and Bono made the song popular and I have to say, I love their cover.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Louis, Omaha — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:34:45 GMT

Any cover of a Led Zepplin is bad in my opinion, with the lone exception of Godsmack's cover of Good Times, Bad Times.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Heidi, Lakewood, Colorado — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:38:22 GMT

Another one who disagrees about Marilyn's Sweet Dreams. Even Annie Lennox said that she loved the cover and it was much more how she originally envisioned the song than the poppy version Eurythmics put out.

I also LOVE Rammstein's version of Stripped, but I'm kinda of dark and twisty like that.

As for worst cover...I would just like to thank Jessica Simpson (with all due sarcasm) for destroying one of the biggest and best British pop singer's careers in the US by covering Robbie Williams' smash Brit hit Angel. No record company in the US could do anything for him over here after that. But if you get the chance to listen to HIS version - it's amazing!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Lynn, West Virginia — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:44:13 GMT

Leslie,

Marilyn Manson did do Like a Virgin. It is creepy.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Michelle Capps, Citrus Heights, CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:44:59 GMT

I can't stand Celine Dions cover of AC/DC " Shook Me All Night Long". Yuck, is all I can say, it's a song that only should be sung by a dude, or at least only by AC/DC. I also can't stand the new "Holy Diver", don't know the name of the band, but the lead singer does more screaming in key than anything else. Dio has talent, the band that did the cover, nope none. Never heard the new "Sweet Child". cover and don't care to.

When cover songs go really, really bad

John Tice, Fountain Valley, CA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:45:02 GMT

You can't forget any cover by Pat Boone. "Crazy Train" and "Holy Diver"? Come on!

When cover songs go really, really bad

jerseygirl — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:47:51 GMT

I have to say most of these I am in total agreement with, my least favorite was the combo of Baby I Love Your Way? by Peter Frampton and Freebird, first of all Freebird should never ever be combined with anything to make a weird pop song, but that is besides the point, this song was an abomination. And I have to agree with I Will Always Love You, Dolly's version (she also wrote the song) was soooooo mcuh better

When cover songs go really, really bad

Mark — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:47:53 GMT

Fergie's cover of Barracuda. Made me sick to my stomach when i heard it!

Go to youtube and watch her perform it live on the Today show. it's so pathetic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxXOf-ydEZY

When cover songs go really, really bad

Tracy, Frisco, Texas — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:47:54 GMT

The collective butts of Sheryl Crow, Madonna, and Mariah Carey need a boot to remind them that some covers are never meant to be covers. Not now, not ever. I've always found the Sex Pistols amusing, but their cover of Johnny B Goode had me dying laughing at the ridiculousness of it!
And the list of butchers of Stairway to Heaven is a long one. Dolly Parton, Tiny Tim, Foo Fighters, Sisters Of Mercy,those stupid techno remixes.
What about William Shatner? He mangled Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Rocketman, and Mr. Tambourine Man, while Leonard Nimoy was busy with I Walk The Line and Proud Mary.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Rich, Cincinnati, OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:52:04 GMT

Guns N Roses remake of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is mind-blowingly awful.

When cover songs go really, really bad

rf jackson nj — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:52:45 GMT

Even though it was never released commerically I heard Avril Lavine cover System of a Down's "Chop Suey" during a concert. Words cannot describe the horror.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Mike, Allentown Pa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:59:34 GMT

Pat Boone doing Ozzie's Crazy Train should be used to try an get confessions out of people at Gitmo. Awful, just absolutely awful

When cover songs go really, really bad

sk — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:00:55 GMT

Least fave: Tom Jones covering Prince's "Kiss."

Yuck.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Chris, NYC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:01:49 GMT

"Ghetto Superstar" by Pras absolutely butchered "Islands In the Stream".

Marilyn Manson's "Sweet Dreams" may have been a travesty, but their take on "Tainted Love" was brilliant.

When cover songs go really, really bad

JoAnne, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:02:32 GMT

I reallly REALLY dislike any and all of the covers that Celine Dion does. In particular, she butchered "The Power of Love" by Air Supply. To make matters worse, people now refer to it as being by her, which makes me want to scream. It's an Air Supply song people!! She just did a bad copy.

When cover songs go really, really bad

KM Ronaoke VA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:05:34 GMT

Gene Simmons - 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jane — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:13:28 GMT

Natalie Merchant's bloodless empty cover of Patti Smith's "Because the night." Jesus died for Natalie's vocal sins.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Linda Waldorf, Grove City, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:23:04 GMT

Didn't anyone ever hear Bing Crosby's cover of "Hey Jude"? worst waste of vinyl in history.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Megan, Eagle Mountain, UT — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:23:12 GMT

What "The Perfect Circle" did to John Lennon's "Imagine" should be punishable by a major flogging. It takes a band of absolute bafoons to screw up such a beautiful song.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Drunk At Work — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:29:17 GMT

How about William Shatner doing "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"??? That has to be the absolute WORST cover of ALLLLL time.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Bruce, Centereach, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:30:09 GMT

Orgy - Covering New Order's Blue Monday is horrendous, no wonder it was there only "hit" song.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Girl, Nashville, TN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:31:37 GMT

311's cover of Love Song = WORST THING EVER!!!!

I can no longer enjoy listening to the original anymore. They RUINED that song for me.

I feel like vomiting if I hear even one note of it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Stephanie, McHenry, IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:55:26 GMT

Newest bad cover I've heard is Ashley Tisdale's take on Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." Also totally agreeing with FOB's atrocious "Beat It" and Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal." Classic MJ should not be redone.

I'm usually one that doesn't like ANY sort of cover song, but there's a few exceptions to the rule. Can't wait for the GOOD cover songs article.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Harry Baulsaak, Wilmington, NC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:01:15 GMT

The author of this article mentioned a cover of Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" that was bad but it cannot hold a candle to 2 other covers of that same song. Although the Byrds were usually great at re-imagining Dylan's songs, their version of Lay Lady Lay is the most god-awful thing I have ever heard. Whats with that waaaay over the top chior of female voices singing the chorus? Horrible. But not quite as bad as Duran Duran's version. Don't get me wrong: I love a lot of the work of both those bands. But that was an awful choice. Other horrible covers in my opinion:

UB40 and Chrissy Hynde: "I Got You Babe" (Sony & Cher)
Metallica: "Whiskey In the Jar" (Thin Lizzy)
Billy Idol: "Heroin" (The Velvet Underground)
Guns & Roses: "Live and Let Die" (Wings)
Giant Drag: "Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak)
Rod Stewart: "Street Fighting Man" (Rolling Stones)
Tom Jones: "Kiss" (Prince)
Goo Goo Dolls: "Never Take the Place of Your Man" (Prince)

BUT NOT ALL COVERS ARE BAD - Here are some I dig as good as the original or better:

Husker Du: "8 Miles High" (The Byrds)
Skybolt 6: "Its All Over Now Baby Blue" (Bob Dylan)
Type O Negative: "Cinnamon Girl" (Neil Young)
Smashing Pumpkins: "Landslide" (Fleetwood Mac)
The Cure: "World In My Eyes" (Depeche Mode)
Foo Fighters: "Down in the Park" (Gary Numan)
Magnetic Fields: "I Die, You Die" (Gary Numan)

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sharon, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:06:28 GMT

Fall Out Boy's "Beat It" gets an automatic shut-off when it comes on. My kids don't understand. I just can't stomach it at all. It's just wrong, wrong, wrong. Want to cover the Stones? DON'T! Also, most covers on Sirius Coffeehouse. Sometimes I laugh, right before I turn it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

A. Stevens — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:11:17 GMT

I don't know if AI should count but David Cooks cover of "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey was one of the most goshawful perfomrances I've ever witnessed. He killed that song!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Lillypad, St. Joe, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:12:54 GMT

Anyone ever heard Big N Rich's version of AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long"? Worst. Cover. Ever. I can't believe I am saying this, but it's got the Celine Dion version beat. Hands Down.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sara Kate, Wisconsin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:17:42 GMT

Yeah, I'm one of those demented people that actually likes most covers, if for nothing else than that they provide endless entertainment of making fun of them!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Phillip Baird, Austin Texas — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:19:54 GMT

Every country artist everywhere who remade the Eagles Desperado should be shot. As much as I loved Kiss as a kid, their remake of Dave Clark Five's "Anyway You Want It" was horrible. And last and certainly least is Ann Wilson's remake of the Zeppelin classic "Immigrant Song" It is so bad the producer should be shot as well.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sarah, Moline, IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:24:26 GMT

I can never forget the terrible terrible day when I heard Brittney Spears sing "I love Rock & Roll". How do you take a song that says what it's all about right in the title and make it a dance track?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Warthog, Providence,RI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:27:27 GMT

Pearl Jam's version of "The Last Kiss". Positively dreadful.

When cover songs go really, really bad

The Dude, Bridgeport, WV — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:31:52 GMT

The absolute worst cover ever recorded:
Rod Stewart "Have you ever seen the rain".

His cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's song was horrendous. He took all of the soul out of the CCR song and left it lifeless. Why Stewart's version was ever popular is beyond me because I had to change the channel every time it came on the radio.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jennifer Thomas, Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:45:43 GMT

Jewel's cover of "Sweet Home Alabama". That is wrong on so many levels, I can't even begin to go into it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Emily, Cochranville, PA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:51:50 GMT

Tori Amos - Raining Blood

It was worse, even, than her cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

When cover songs go really, really bad

Benjamin, Chicago, Illinois — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:56:04 GMT

Hands down, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) doing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and CHANGING the lyrics.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Chuck P., Fort Collins, CO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:57:44 GMT

OK folks, I read through them all. Can't believe this one didn't come up(no pun intended). THE WORST cover of all time...Blue Swede's cover of B.J. Thomas "Hooked On A Feeling." The B.J. Thomas original sucked pretty much anyway, but the "hooka-chucka, hooka-chucka, hooka-chucka" that Blue Swede stuck in there for God only knows why has to rank it the rankest!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kenna — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:59:15 GMT

I've not cruised through all the responses here, so I'm not sure if anyone will agree with me...or flame me to pieces, but I hated, hated, HA-TED the Dixie Chicks' rendition of "Landslide". It makes my ears bleed. Seriously...bleed.

When cover songs go really, really bad

John, Sacramento — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:01:59 GMT

The worst cover of all time is Devo's cover of Satisfaction. I remember seeing them on MTV with those stupid red flower pots on their heads, totally butchering one of the greatest songs in rock & roll. Some songs are just too good to be covered.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ali, Louisville, KY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:03:21 GMT

I like covers for the most part, I enjoy hearing new takes on the songs, particularly in new music genres. But there have been some bad ones - doesn't anyone else remember Bruce Willis doing "Under the Boardwalk"? That was atrocious. Michael Bolton did disservice to When A Man Loves a Woman, but he also butchered "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." At some point somebody, I think it was Ginuwine, released a terrible cover of "When Doves Cry," and I wanted to smack the Pet Shop Boys for killing "Where the Streets Have No Name."

Currently I'm really hating "Give a Little Bit" by the Goo Goo Dolls, Kylie Minogue's "Copacabana," and Paris Hilton's version of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy."

I truly did not know Celine Dion did a version of "You Shook Me All Night Long." I'm glad to know this, so I can stay far, far away from it.

When cover songs go really, really bad

P.F., Everett, Wa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:08:01 GMT

2 songs jumped immediately in to my mind - Shawn Colvin (who I normally love) did a cover of "Viva Las Vegas" that sounds like she just woke up. Also, Gnarls Barkley's cover of Violent Femmes' "Gone Daddy Gone" should be banned from the radio. Who could possibly improve on the Femmes?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Ashley, Boise Idaho — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:23:52 GMT

Okay.. a very very AWFUL song has been left out....

William Hung "She Bangs" 'Nuff said.

When cover songs go really, really bad

S.D., Columbus, OH — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:28:57 GMT

On a New Years Eve special several years ago, Wayne Newton did his version of Coolio's "Gansta's Paradise". Just shoot me now!!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Beth, Rochester, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:29:14 GMT

I have one -- Vanilla Ice doing a Heavy Metal cover of his own hit (that I didn't like the first time either) that was only popular because it was sampled from Queen's Under Pressure -- "Ice Ice Baby".

How desperate do you have to be to cover your own work?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Leslie, Albuquerque — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:36:00 GMT

Heidi from Lakewood - I can't agree more and I can't believe I left it off my list. Angels (the Robbie version) is my husband's and my "our song" song. A month after we got married we heard the Jessica Simpson cover and we looked at each other in horror and said, "That nasty little tart ruined our song!" Those were just godawful vocals. *weeps*
Oh and thanks to everyone that pointed out to me that Manson did do "Like a Virgin"...I stand corrected...and slightly horrified.

When cover songs go really, really bad

lisa — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:41:44 GMT

Why haven't I read someone chastising "Papa Don't Preach" by Kelly Osbourne? Terrible.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Travis, Berea, KY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:53:21 GMT

Lenny Kravitz totally butchered "American Woman."

When cover songs go really, really bad

Darius in Santa Barbara, California — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:54:42 GMT

Some loud rock band did the wonderful Randy Newman song "You Can Leave Your Hat On", turning it from a subtle, sexy, clever ode to stripping, to a party-dude celebration song. Those tasteless jerks!!!!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Paula , Capac, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:55:26 GMT

I agree with the comment about Kid Rock and his new "hit" (tongue in cheek. I absolutely hate this song and turn it off when I hear it

When cover songs go really, really bad

J, Texas — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:55:35 GMT

I know I'll get slammed for this but I HATE the cover that pearl jam did of "last kiss". Its sooo bad.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jamie — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:08:55 GMT

I think John Mayer's version of Tom Petty's Free Fallin, takes a great rock song, and turned it into a soft rock joke. Leave Petty Alone, he always does it right the first time!

When cover songs go really, really bad

in shock in jersey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:16:11 GMT

I must really live under a rock, I basically listen to classic rock here in NJ, however, on occasion if I am in the car with someone else and they have another station on, I will hear an occasional cover, and be confused. 90% of the songs mentioned here I didnt even know had been remade, and while I havent heard them I can't imagine how anyone thought it was a good idea to remake these songs...
I must say that unless its for a tribute at a concert or televised program, people should just leave other artists work alone, if you can't find a decent song for yourself well just wait until one comes along or write one yourself

When cover songs go really, really bad

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:20:37 GMT

Ok, I'm showing my age here. My contribution is Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice It's all right (I'm only Bleedin) sung by the Four Seasons and I love the Four Seasons. It was full on comedy! Frankie Valli sings it in his falsetto voice in a sped up tempo. My suspicion is there was either helium or chipmunks involved in producing this one.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sean, Broomfield, CO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:25:00 GMT

Leonard Nimoy's cover of "Proud Mary" ...nuff said.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jeff Johnston, Toronto, ON — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:29:32 GMT

There was a version of Stand by Me by Led Zeppelin. I'm as big a fan of Zeppelin as anyone and the music was great, but Robert Plant singing that song made for the worst cover that I've ever heard.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jon, WV — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:57:56 GMT

Social Distortion's cover of The Man In Black's "Ring of Fire."

When cover songs go really, really bad

shanda, NM — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:02:50 GMT

Korn making a whiney mess of Pink Floyd's "The Wall", all three parts of it!!! And while I like Flyleaf, their version of Nine Inch Nails "Something I Can Never Have" is painful. Really.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Theresa O., Washington DC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:07:12 GMT

David Hasselhoff covering "Secret Agent Man" is absolutely the worst song in any book!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Freemon, Atl, GA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:08:50 GMT

Annie Lennox and I lover her but her cover of Al Green's Take me to the River makes me want to drown her there......... but her take on Whiter Shade of Pale is exceptional......

When cover songs go really, really bad

Kris, Royal Oak, MI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:09:33 GMT

Wow! A "Bad Covers" article with comments and no mention of William Shatner's infamous versions of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Rocket Man" and "Mr. Tambourine Man". I guess everyone thinks they're so bad, they're good! LOL

When cover songs go really, really bad

Stacie, Columbia SC — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:55:52 GMT

Metallica butchered Turn the Page, I'm glad someone mentioned it. No one should ever try to cover Nirvana, Zeppelin, Neil Young or G&R. Although Axel sold himself out by letting Sheryl Crow of all people cover his song, you still have to give him credit.

I have to agree from an earlier post, what's up with the band and singers on Dancing with the Stars? Just plain awful to listen to.

When cover songs go really, really bad

erica, san diego, ca — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:47:46 GMT

katharine mcphee recently did a cover of the waitresses's "i know what boys like" . . . depressing.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Scotty, South Bend, IN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:32:56 GMT

Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" makes me wish that Michigan cedes to Canada. I mean he even use the drum intro to Spin Doctors' "Two Princes". There are five words to describe this song:

Completly lame, um, completely lame.

When cover songs go really, really bad

blake,las vegas,nv — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:12:23 GMT

when i heard my chemical romance and the used cover queen & bowie "under pressure",i went running for a shotgun.and dont get me started on celine dion and those bimbos slaughtering ac/dc.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Jon Saylor — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:16:28 GMT

Clapton screwed up JJ Cales Cocaine and After Midnight. He actually sounded a lot like JJ on both of those. Tim McGraw messed up Ryan Adams As Stars Go Blue also.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Sab, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:33:20 GMT

I think the award goes to Hilary Duff's version of The Go-go's "We got the beat" Horrifying!

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dave, Columbia, MO — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:15:58 GMT

Chris Cornell did a cover of Billy Jean. Completely awful. What was he thinking?

When cover songs go really, really bad

Chica — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:48:15 GMT

The other day I heard The Jonas Bro's singing Hello Goodbye on TV, and I almost cried in disgust.

But, Rammsteins cover of Stripped is pure genius.

When cover songs go really, really bad

Dean, Seattle, Wash — Sun, 31 May 2009 08:13:54 GMT

flyleaf's cover of nine inch nails' something I can never have. They turned it into some new pop rock song and all these little 13 year olds think it's just amazing, arg.