This song's even better than the original!

Jacqueline Brunet — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:23:51 GMT

Love Spit Love - How Soon is Now (Theme Song from Charmed). Excellent cover of an already amazing song.

This song's even better than the original!

Ben L. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:29:39 GMT

By admitting that you enjoy a Depeche Mode tribute album, you completely discredit yourself as a music aficionado. Sorry

This song's even better than the original!

Lisa S., Nebraska — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:30:29 GMT

'Turn the Page' (by Bob Seger) covered by Metallica and 'Hard Luck Woman'(by KISS) covered by Garth Brooks.

This song's even better than the original!

Scott, South Bend, IN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:36:42 GMT

"I Will Survive" by Cake. This has been my favorite cover since it came out on Fashion Nugget. The original is one of the all-time greats, but the catchy rhythm of Cake's version better suits my tastes, and it never gets old.

This song's even better than the original!

Ian, Murfreesboro, TN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:38:58 GMT

Who in the world hired this guy to talk about weird metal music in the middle of msnbc.com's entertainment section? Could we get anymore obscure? Nobody has heard the Revolting Cock's version of a bad Rod Stewart song.

This song's even better than the original!

Robert, Baltimore Maryland — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:25:11 GMT

The Donnas do a lot of great cover songs like Ratt's "Round and Round", Judas Priest's "Livin' After Midnight" and Men Without Hats' "Safety Dance". I think the best cover though is Van Halen doing "You Really Got Me".

This song's even better than the original!

sarah WA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:27:05 GMT

I love Elton John and was a little leary of anyone covering his songs, but I have to say that I was quite impressed with Tim McGraw's version of Tiny Dancer......

This song's even better than the original!

Mary, Detroit — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:37:02 GMT

Fugees (Lauryn Hill) Killin' me softly - takes a dead old song that totally grossed me out when my mother loved it, and turns it into a LIVE, sing-along any time JAM! I love that song!

This song's even better than the original!

steak & eggs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:49:04 GMT

Some folks were ripping on The Goo Goo Dolls cover of 'Give A Little Bit'... but I actually like it. It feels like a real Goo song. Enthusiastic but not to the point of silliness.

Also Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss." It feels a lot more serious than the oldies original, and appropriately so. (Come ON, you're singing about getting your girlfriend killed in a car crash! Some sad songs can get away with happy sounding tunes, but this isn't one of them.)

And I like Paul Young's version of "Everytime You Go Away," too. It lacks the soul of the Hall & Oates original, but I enjoy the style. Plus it's catchy.

Carl Carlton's cover of 'Everlasting Love' is nice, and if it counts, Diana Ross' version of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough.' It just feels...more dramatic somehow.

Can't think of any more at the moment. Some covers I used to like until I realized how amazing they were not. Maybe I'll change my mind about my choices in a few years. Hahaha.

This song's even better than the original!

CO Girl, CO, USA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:50:18 GMT

Orgy's cover of Blue Monday; Fear Factory's cover of Cars; No Doubt's cover of It's My Life; Alien Ant Farm's cover of Smooth Criminal just to name a few...

This song's even better than the original!

Heather, San Gabriel, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:51:19 GMT

I agree with Tainted Love and Walk This Way. I'd also like to add Gloria Estefan's Turn the Beat Around. Until I watched a one hit wonder show, I didn't realize that was a disco song! Honorable Mention to Phil Collins' version of True Colors.

This song's even better than the original!

Lori, Cleveland OH — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:52:11 GMT

This one is obscure but awesome. Regina Spektor did a cover of the Beatles' "Real Love". This isn't a well-known song - it was a forgotten demo that was uncovered and remastered as part of the Beatles Anthology back in 1996 or so. It isn't even a great Beatles song. But Regina Spektor covered it as part of a John Lennon tribute album last year and it's just amazing. It's beautiful and moving and one of the rare instances where a Beatles cover is better than the original.

This song's even better than the original!

B. Hendel — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:52:20 GMT

Baby Got Back by THROWDOWN. Hilariously good

This song's even better than the original!

Mario Guerra — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:53:09 GMT

I know this may not be the greatest cover of all time, but in 1977 KISS covered the Crystal's "Then He Kissed me" by converting the tune to "Then She Kissed Me." The song is featured on their "Love Gun album. This is a great song which does the original more than justice. Anybody who loves the 50's and 60's oldies will love this 70's hard rock version.

My honorable mentions go to George Thorogood's cover of Bo Didley's " Who Do You Love," and any Hank WIlliams Jr. cover's of his dads originals.

This song's even better than the original!

Missy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:55:00 GMT

While I love Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" and think that RunDMC's "Walk this Way" is one of the greatest rock songs ever, I really, really loved Alanis Morrissette's tongue-in-cheek cover of Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps". It's on youtube, so if you haven't heard it, do yourself a huge favor and google it. It's the perfect spotlight of how truly awful that song is...

This song's even better than the original!

Charles Perez, Marion, NY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:57:44 GMT

I'm sure lots will disagree, but I think that Elton John's cover of "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" was better than the original (all due props to the Fab-Four).

Maybe it's just because this was the version that played when I was just starting to love music, but I think the arrangements are better, too.

This song's even better than the original!

jeremy, wakefield, rhode island (via us army germany) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:59:51 GMT

i'm more of a hard-music listener, and maybe that's why i feel they have good covers. or, if could be that they are disregarded because of their edge, and they truly are great covers. while i don't know all the band names that originally did the songs, i have heard all the originals. here are some i find amzingly well done... message in a bottle - machine head (the police) tainted love - marilyn manson (don't know the original band's name) blue monday - orgy (again, don't know) tom sawyer - deadsy (rush) holy diver - killswitch engage (dio) in the air tonight - nonpoint (genesis/phil collins) that's just a few that i have. i listen to most of the original artists for those covers too. i know it's a blog, and therefore opinion, but maybe you should open your mind a little.

This song's even better than the original!

Court, Columbia MO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:01:12 GMT

Susanna and the Magical Orhestra's cover of Joy Division's "Love will Tear Us Apart" and Greg Laswell's cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" are both amazing (and both made it into primetime TV thanks to a welcome trend of hipster soundtracks for shows). So is Galaxie 500's cover of The Modern Lovers' "Don't Let Our Youth Go To Waste," Cat Power's cover of Oasis' "Wonderwall," and nine inch nails' cover of Queen's "Get Down, Make Love." Those are five of my favorites off the top of my head.

This song's even better than the original!

Amy (Carrollton, TX) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:02:56 GMT

Frente's cover of "Bizarre Love Triangle" (New Order) is amazing. I also love The Dickies doing "Nights in White Satin." And although I love nearly everything on Saturday Morning (punk covers of cartoon themes), my favorite has got to be Sublime's version of "Hong Kong Phooey."

This song's even better than the original!

Elderly Gent, Missouri — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:07:35 GMT

It's hard to pick just one, but the leader of the pack has to be "All Along the Watchtower" with Jimi Hendrix covering Dylan.

Others high on the list would be "Blinded by the Light" by the Manfred Mann Band, that zany Sinead O'Connor's take on Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U"

This song's even better than the original!

Rory D — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:08:51 GMT

I'd say it's a tie:

The Clash "I Fought the Law"
The Who "Summertime Blues"

Both versions bring out the raw, visceral power of the tunes.

This song's even better than the original!

Chris, MI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:11:21 GMT

My favorite part of the RevCo cover is also how, after finishing the "KY Jelly" line, Al can't help but chuckle at himself a little. It adds such a nice touch.

To partially redeem Marilyn Manson, I have a great fondness for their cover of Soft Cell's cover of "Tainted Love". It's a lot more... tainted.

One of my favorites is also the Suicide Machines' cover of Minor Threat's "I Don't Want to Hear It".

What talk of great covers would be complete without mentioning Cake's "I Will Survive"? They were a little cover-happy on that album, too, but "Perhaps" is also very nice.

This song's even better than the original!

Ken Kirby, Kenosha, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:13:11 GMT

Stevie Ray Vaughn's cover of Hendrix's Little Wing - Simply awesome.

This song's even better than the original!

Toni, Southern California — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:14:33 GMT

It's hard to believe that Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" was a cover because to me, they did the definitive version.

Run DMC's "Walk this Way" was also awesome.

My List (I don't necessarily think the covers are BETTER, so much as quite good:
The Beatles "Twist and Shout"
The Beatles "Words of Love"
Marvin Gaye "I heard it through the grapevine"
The Bangles "Hazy Shade of Winter"

This song's even better than the original!

Marie, Bayonne, NJ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:18:06 GMT

Fleetwood Mac's "Black Magic Woman" - covered by Santana

This song's even better than the original!

Jason, SF, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:18:10 GMT

One band is all you need:
Me First & The Gimme Gimmes

This song's even better than the original!

StarDust, Bham, AL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:23:05 GMT

I love Yael Naim's version of "Toxic." It's so eerie and sweet, which is a tough combo to pull off.

This song's even better than the original!

Andrew, Goodyear AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:25:51 GMT

Disturbed's cover of "Land of Confusion" really just fires up any feelings of throwing off the oppressors in life and is a just plain great Fight Song. The video is beyond belief as well.

This song's even better than the original!

Elise, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:26:14 GMT

Anything by Cake. They do their own songs, which are all pretty great, but their cover of "I Will Survive" is amazing. John McCrea's deadpan vocals on this transcends that happy, disco vibe and turns it into a post-breakup classic. Anyone who is going through a divorce will love it. See also Cake's covers of Willie Nelson's "Sad Songs and Waltzes", Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" and Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night". Amazing, each and every one.

This song's even better than the original!

JoAnne, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:28:42 GMT

I just loved David Cook's version of "Hello", as well as his (okay....Chris Cornell's) version of "Billy Jean". But the best American Idol cover was definitely Chris Daughtry's version of "hemorrhage". I still listen to it all the time.

On a non American Idol note, I love Love Spit Love's version of "How Soon Is Now". Yes, the Smith's original was flawless, but Richard Butler did a wonderful take on it. Although one of my friends swears that the LSL version completely destroys the angst in the song.

It's a trainwreck and hard to watch, but the Kermit the Frog version of "Hurt" was priceless.

This song's even better than the original!

Sarah — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:57:14 GMT

The worst cover EVER would have to be Limp Bizkit's cover of George Michael's "Faith." I wanted to beat Fred Durst for puking into the microphone every time he growled the word "faith."

This song's even better than the original!

kmh, Belchertown, MA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:59:58 GMT

I think that Manfred Mann's Earth Band's cover of Springsteen's Blinded by the light is better that the original. ( They also did a great cover of "For You", but it is much better live)

This song's even better than the original!

Paul, Knoxville, TN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:03:34 GMT

Fountains of Wayne has a great version of "...Baby One More Time."

This song's even better than the original!

Scott, Germantown, MD — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:06:02 GMT

Pearl Jam: Yellow Leadbetter (Little Wing)

This song's even better than the original!

Kaitlyn — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:07:11 GMT

Hands down, HIM's cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game." A great uptempo goth rock take on the sleepy beachy feel of the original. Must be cranked each time it's on!

This song's even better than the original!

Jillian McGrath, Braintree, MA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:08:18 GMT

Baby Got Back by Jonathan Coulton is awesome

This song's even better than the original!

Michael Chicago, IL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:12:56 GMT

Manic Monday Bangles
Nothing Compares to You Sinead O'Conner
Two prince songs that were done better by others. Two other classics:
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
Mr. Tambourine Man (or any other Dylan Song) The Byrds

This song's even better than the original!

mike — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:15:56 GMT

Walk this Way? Are you nuts? I mean, if you want to cite it for historical significance and influence, fine. But the track sounded like garbage. Complete garbage.

This song's even better than the original!

Brandon, Louisville, KY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:17:02 GMT

How about the elephant in the room?

Jimi Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower" took an already incredible song (by arguably the greatest songwriter of the 20th century) and made it something truly transcendent.

Goodness, even Dylan himself admitted that it "overwhelmed him" and that "he took license" with the song in subsequent performances as a result of Hendrix's interpretation...

Pretty high praise from the guy who wrote the darn thing.

This song's even better than the original!

Nichole, Nashville, Tn — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:20:12 GMT

Bloodhound Gang's "Smooth Criminal"

This song's even better than the original!

Ted, Dallas Texas — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:20:42 GMT

The Nixons' cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man". Works great without the piano and they totally rocked it out. Also check out Theory of a Deadman's cover of Skynyrd's "What's Your Name?". Awesome heavy and hard take on an already incredible southern rocker.

This song's even better than the original!

Jeff — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:22:53 GMT

Snoop Dogg's Gin and Juice as covered by the Gords is one of the best ever.

This song's even better than the original!

Sherri, Orlando, FL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:31:54 GMT

Johnny Cash's covers of NIN's "Hurt" and Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" are worth checking out, as is Ministry's new "Cover Up" CD, which includes the aforementioned "Lay Lady Lady" and "Do You Think I'm Sexy" (as RevCo, of course), as well as "Under My Thumb," "Radar Love," "Black Betty," "What a Wonderful World," and much, much more. This is my favorite Ministry CD since "Psalm 69." Don't miss the hidden track of Ministry's "Stigmata" covered by an unknown person who sounds a lot like Willie Nelson!

This song's even better than the original!

Len DArcy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:33:00 GMT

Joan Jett has an album called The Hit List which is the best Cover Album of all time. Her "Love Hurts" and Pretty Vacant are the best.

This song's even better than the original!

Metal Head, Rock City, USA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:35:40 GMT

"Pump It Up" by Buckcherry. Takes the keyboards that were in the Elvis Costello original and replaces them with guitars...

This song's even better than the original!

Silas, Southern California — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:37:10 GMT

Some of my favorite covers:

The Cure - Hello I love you (Doors)
The Ventures - Paint it Black (The Rolling Stones)
Wes Montgomery - Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)
Tricky - Black Steel (Public Enemy)
Tool - No Quarter (Led Zeppelin)
Rage Against the Machine - The Ghost of Tom Joad (Springsteen)
Foo Fighters - Darling Nikki(Prince)
Alkaline Trio - Lucretia My Reflection (The Sisters of Mercy)
Sun Ra - Pink Elephants on Parade (Disney’s Dumbo)
Isis - Streetcleaner (Godflesh)

This song's even better than the original!

Chris Seattle Wa. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:47:23 GMT

Just quickly browsing thru all the comments I've noticed that what I think is one of the best covers of recent times has not been mentioned and that is Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails Hurt.

This song's even better than the original!

George M, Philadelphia — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:47:34 GMT

For all of you old-school hip hop fans out there, Rage Against the Machine did a sick cover of Eric B and Rakim's Microphone Fiend on their Renegades album

This song's even better than the original!

Debbie Search — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:48:36 GMT

Hole's gritty cover of "Gold Dust Woman" made the song believable and the lyrics surprisingly understandable.

This song's even better than the original!

Wendy, Pasadena, MD — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:55:05 GMT

I have to go with Jeff Buckley's cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Hauntingly beautiful.

This song's even better than the original!

Michael, Frisco, Tx — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:57:26 GMT

Jason Falkner's cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Side's Now". Actually, one whole disc of his Everyone Say's It's On album is cover songs of the likes of The Kink's, Brian Eno, Magazine, Etc......If you can find it give it a go.

This song's even better than the original!

David B., Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:01:39 GMT

Stones covering Berry's'Around and Around'. Nothing else grooves as much. Also, Aretha Franklin doing Springstein's 'Pink Cadilac'

This song's even better than the original!

Dave, Columbia, MO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:04:08 GMT

The Replacements covering Kiss's "Black Diamond" is pretty fantastic.

This song's even better than the original!

Jeff, San Diego, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:04:19 GMT

Boyz-N-The Hood by Dynamite Hack was a great cover and to Jason in SF, you couldn't be more right about one of the greatest cover bands ever. Anyone who hasn't checked them out should give them a listen.

This song's even better than the original!

Joe — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:05:02 GMT

By far the Brian McLoughlin Band cover of Prince's "Purple Rain". Only to be heard live.

This song's even better than the original!

Leslie, Albuquerque — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:06:16 GMT

I've always really liked Kula Shaker's cover of "Hush" and David Bowie's cover of "O Superman" (not that Laurie Anderson's original wasn't awesome).
I also have to give Robbie Williams props for "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" (if you've seen Finding Nemo it's the ending credit song)...he did a great job taking lots of classic standards like "Mack the Knife" and giving them some new kick while staying true to the original material. Actually the whole Swing When You're Winning cd is worth a listen.

This song's even better than the original!

Bill, Florida — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:08:33 GMT

Stand By Me by the Pousette-Dart Band is much better than the original. Then again, the same can be said about John Lennon's version.

I also like I Am The Walrus (originally by The Beatles) covered by Men Without Hats (from their Sideways album).

Speaking of The Beatles, I like some of their early covers -- You Really Got A Hold Of Me, Baby It's You, and Anna (Go With Him), but I do really dislike some of their other covers, like Twist and Shout, Boys, Roll Over Beethoven, and Rock And Roll Music.

The Austrian singer Wolfgang Ambros and the British singer Bryan Ferry both released albums entirely of Bob Dylan songs. The former is sung in German.

Also singing in German, the Austrian folk/pop group STS has recorded some terrific covers, including Komm (Help! by The Beatles), Irgendwo (Nowhere Man, also by The Beatles) and Hilflose Hoffnung (Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young).

This song's even better than the original!

Venus Doom, NJ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:09:34 GMT

Kaitlyn, you nailed it! Better still is HIM's version of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper." Ridiculously goth and quite long, but beautiful and infinitely listenable.

Placebo's cover of Sinead O'Connor's "Jackie" is unbearably intense, and it's a fresh take, too; Brian Molko singing Sinead's lyrics about a lost (male) lover transforms the song completely in a riveting way.

This song's even better than the original!

Regina Phelangie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:09:43 GMT

Queensryche did a cover of Scarborough Fair back in the 90's that was really haunting. Great remake!

This song's even better than the original!

TJ Maines, Longview TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:11:00 GMT

I'm another fan of For the Masses, but a couple that I feel were left out - Dear Prudence by Souixsie & the Banshees, Always on My Mind by the Pet Shop Boys, God Only Knows by Jonatha Brooke, Maybe I'm Amazed by Jem, and A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox.

This song's even better than the original!

Ellyn, CT — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:12:13 GMT

Cat Power's funky version of "New York, New York" (though it's just "New York" for her) is excellent. It's short, sexy and leaves you wanting more.

This song's even better than the original!

Michele, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:13:04 GMT

Rob Thomas does a beautiful cover of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time.

This song's even better than the original!

Kelli, NY NY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:16:25 GMT

Cat Power's "I Found a Reason".

This song's even better than the original!

tim, san diego ca — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:18:20 GMT

aerosmiths cover of the beatles "come together" is the best cover ever. steve tylers voice at his finest and grittiest.

This song's even better than the original!

Nicki, Chicago, IL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:22:17 GMT

"Boyz in the Hood" by Dynamite Hack!!! How has anyone missed that one?! :)

This song's even better than the original!

Jill — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:23:10 GMT

Although she has hit pretty much bottom now, Whitney Houston, sure did a fine job on Dolly Parton's, "I will always love you". Cha Ching Dolly !

This song's even better than the original!

Michael, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:24:19 GMT

What about WD-40's rendition of Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine"? or better yet, Neil Diamond's tribute to WD-40's rendition of "Red Red Wine"?

This song's even better than the original!

A. Nonymous Denver CO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:28:02 GMT

I will have to respectfully disagree and say that Run DMC's cover of 'Walk This Way' is an abomination, and a blight on the world.

This song's even better than the original!

Deidre - Grand Rapids, MI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:28:56 GMT

A few of my favorties:
Mat Weddle - "Hey Ya!" (Outkast), Matchbox Twenty - "Never Going Back Again" (Fleetwood Mac), Stereophonics - "Handbags and Gladrags" (Rod Stewart), The Gourds - "Gin and Juice" (Snoop Dog)
Favorite Cover Albums: "Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin" & "I am Sam" Soundtrack.

This song's even better than the original!

Eve, Fox Lake, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:31:38 GMT

Smash Mouth - "I'm a Believer", The Monkees are great but Smash Mouth really got this one right!

This song's even better than the original!

Misty, Spokane, WA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:32:26 GMT

In response to Jason in San Francisco... THANK YOU! Nobody ever lists Me First & the Gimmee Gimmees and they are masters of the covers!

This song's even better than the original!

Ron, Buffalo NY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:34:20 GMT

I can't believe no one has mentioned William Shatner's awesome version of Elton John's "Rocketman"! An all-time classic. Also Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" (and yeah, Kermit's version is pretty good too).

This song's even better than the original!

Eve, Hamilton, NJ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:36:17 GMT

Violent Femmes covering "Do you really want to hurt me?"
Concrete Blond covering "Everybody Knows" and "Little Wing"

This song's even better than the original!

Allie, New Orleans, LA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:37:13 GMT

The Gourds remake of Gin and Juice
HA-larious! Download it, you'll be on the floor laughing.

This song's even better than the original!

Matt — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:38:54 GMT

HELLO -- Jeff Buckley's cover of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen is the best cover song of all time. WHY? Because he made it his own, and transcended the original. Plus, it should make you cry when you listen to it. Pure genius.

This song's even better than the original!

Just-A-Rock Chick, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:42:48 GMT

For my money, nothing gets better than the Wondermint's cover of ABBA's "Knowing Me, Knowing You." I hated the original, but love the cover. John Mellencamp's cover of "Like a Rolling Stone" is good stuff, as is the White Stripes version of "One More Cup of Coffee." Sheryl Crow's cover of D'yer M'ker on the Encomium Led Zep tribute album is great! Captures all the bounciness of the original. Although, I also liked her unconventional cover of Sweet Child O' Mine. I also love the "For the Masses" album. And I don't think that liking good music should discredit anyone from being a critic OR a music fan.

This song's even better than the original!

Laurie D, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:43:07 GMT

Gary Jules cover of Tear's for Fears Mad World is infinitely better than the original.

This song's even better than the original!

KG, Twin Cities, MN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:49:29 GMT

Almost every song by Eva Cassidy s a great cover. Over the Rainbow is a popular choice. Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker. Seal's version of Fly Like an Eagle. Aretha Franklin's Eleanor Rigby. I Heard It Through the Grapevine by just about anybody because it's such a great song.

This song's even better than the original!

Ron — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:51:23 GMT

311's cover of Love Song by The Cure

This song's even better than the original!

steak & eggs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:53:57 GMT

Whoops, forgot this one.

"The Beautiful Ones" as covered by Mariah Carey and Dru Hill. It's slower than Prince's version, but I really like it.

This song's even better than the original!

Mike S, Milwaukee, Wisc. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:58:55 GMT

Jimi Hndrix' version of Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" is the greatest cover song of all time. It not only took a "good" ballad and turned it into a masterpiece, but it also defined the Hard Rock genre and laid ground for countless artists to follow.

This song's even better than the original!

John , Skillman, NJ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:02:12 GMT

I think the best cover is "Stop Your Sobbin' " by the Pretenders. They took, to my ears, a sappy and silly early Kinks song and mad it a classic.

They never recorded it, but I also heard The Replacements do an excellent version of Petula Clark's "Downtown."

This song's even better than the original!

MattDY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:02:27 GMT

Any song covered by THE DAMNED. Whether it be "Help","Eloise", "Alone Again or", Bar Room Blitz","Feel Alright" or "Too Much to Dream", "This Could be the Last Time", they are fantastic.

This song's even better than the original!

Andrea, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:09:19 GMT

I would have to go with two - and both are covers of Fleetwood Mac/Steveie Nicks - Smashing Pumpkins "Landslide" and Hole "Gold Dust Woman".
I do think though, that much worse than Limp Bizkit's cover of "Faith", is their cover of "Man Behind Blue Eyes"!

This song's even better than the original!

Tami NJ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:10:28 GMT

I think the best cover of all time is "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. So good and iconic many people don't even know it's a cover of an Otis Redding song.

This song's even better than the original!

Kelly, NY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:11:06 GMT

Ilove Faith No More's cover of the Commodore's Easy. Better than the original.

This song's even better than the original!

Paul O, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:12:58 GMT

Bettie Serveert's cover of the Bob Dylan song "I'll Keep It With Mine," from the I Shot Andy Warhol soundtrack. Absolute perfection.

This song's even better than the original!

Lynne, PA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:13:04 GMT

Marianne Faithfull's cover of Lennon's "Working Class Hero" is amazing!

This song's even better than the original!

Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:16:53 GMT

Here are a few nobody's mentioned. Some folks may not know that these were covers.

Harry Nilssen's cover of "Everybody's Talking" (Fred Neil)
Arlo Guthrie's cover of "City of New Orleans" (Steve Goodman)
Jimmy Buffett's cover of "Southern Cross" (Stephen Stills)

This song's even better than the original!

doe — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:18:07 GMT

in the "hey, if you're gonna cover something make it your own" department: Aztec Camera's cover of JUMP (by Van Halen)

This song's even better than the original!

Chad P. Chicago, IL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:21:05 GMT

Duran Duran's cover of Led Zeppelin's "Thank You" on the "Encomium" tribute album. Its is stunning appropriate how they pulled it off, and Simon LeBon almost channels Robert Plant at a couple of points.

This song's even better than the original!

mcellisd murfreesboro tn — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:27:19 GMT

actually ian, somebody from murfreesboro does know RevCo's cover of rod stewart...
but there's a really great album out by The Replicants that is nothing but covers...
the cars - just what i needed
wings - silly love songs (maynard from tool sings)
t-rex - life's a gas
missing persons - destination uknown
bowie - the bewlie brothers (an absolutely great version of that)
gary numan - are friends electric
pink floyd - ibiza bar
syd barrett, john lennon, steely dan, and others
a great album that i have loads of respect for, mainly because of the audacity of doing only covers...

This song's even better than the original!

henry willett — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:27:56 GMT

No contest: Alanis Morrisette doing "My Humps."

This song's even better than the original!

Brian, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:33:16 GMT

Eddie Murphy's "The Greatest Love of All", on Coming to America! Best update ever!!!

This song's even better than the original!

Gable, Cleveland, Ohio — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:33:47 GMT

Don't see any mention of Nirvana, Unplugged, doing "Plateau", "Oh Me", and "Lake of Fire" from the Meat Puppets. Phenomenal.

This song's even better than the original!

Karen, Irmo, SC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:36:00 GMT

Hall and Oates "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" - originally done by Righteous Brothers.

This song's even better than the original!

Mike, IA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:38:06 GMT

Nirvana "The Man Who Sold the World"

This song's even better than the original!

Justin C., Sacramento, California — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:38:59 GMT

Reba McEntire covered Bobbie Gentry's "Fancy". It not only outdid the original in emotional resonance, it became her signature hit.

This song's even better than the original!

Bruce, Mesa, AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:39:44 GMT

Almost any song sung by Frank Sinatra automatically became the definitive version, no matter how great the original singer was.

This song's even better than the original!

Laurah in NY — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:43:01 GMT

I can't believe no one mentioned Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version of Somewhere over the Rainbow. Hands down.

This song's even better than the original!

mark Katzenberger, San Francisco CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:51:36 GMT

Ike & Tina Turner - Proud Mary
Hazy Shade of Winter - Bangles

...and Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme - Black Hole Sun

This song's even better than the original!

Katie Spring, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:52:41 GMT

I agree with a lot of the covers listed here...One that is on the good/bad line, but really funny every time I hear it:

Boyz N the Hood by Dynamite Hack...The first time we heard it, my husband and I had to listen a little more closely - we couldn't believe it :o)

This song's even better than the original!

James, Spokane WA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:54:24 GMT

Some great covers listed here! My favs:

1. Cheap Trick's: Magical Mystery Tour (Beatles)
2. Mr. Big's: Wild World (Cat Stevens)
3. Maynard Ferguson's: Stoney End (dozens of artists did this, not sure who actually wrote it, and of all people, Barbara Streisand.
4. Jimi - Watchtowner/Dylan... mentioned a hundred times here as it should be.

This song's even better than the original!

Steve H, Temecula, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:55:54 GMT

Great call on including RevCo's cover of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy"- I spit my coffee all over my windshield the first time I heard it on the radio. I think the best covers are "Satisfaction" by Devo and "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music.

This song's even better than the original!

Thomas Corbett, Missoula, MT — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:58:15 GMT

Tool-No Quarter (Led Zeppelin)

This song's even better than the original!

ElBatcho — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:04:25 GMT

Tori Amos - Smells like teen spirit. Just an intresting take on such a incredible song.

This song's even better than the original!

C. Strap Columbus OH — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:08:21 GMT

Nickel Creek's take on Brittney Spears's "Toxic." Pop violns, anyone?

This song's even better than the original!

Jess Dent MN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:11:49 GMT

Wide Spread Panics cover of Nelly's Hot in Herrre and Johnny Cash's cover of the Beatles' There are Places I Remember are great.

This song's even better than the original!

Lauren, Madison, WI — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:13:45 GMT

I think the cover that Hayward Williams did of Thunder Road (Bruce Springsteen) is outstanding. If you haven't heard it, check it out on his myspace page.

This song's even better than the original!

Jim Webster, burlington, Wisconsin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:15:49 GMT

Luther Wright & The Wrongs cover of Pink Floyd's 'I Need A Dirty Woman' (don't think that is the actual name of the song)

This song's even better than the original!

Daphne, Portland, ME — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:17:24 GMT

I really dig TLC's version of Prince's "If I was your girlfriend."

Of course, I love the original, but TLC's take is quite sexy in its own right.

This song's even better than the original!

Lauren, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:21:52 GMT

Velvet Revolver - Pyscho Killer (Talking Heads cover)

This song's even better than the original!

Pia, New Hampires — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:22:55 GMT

Placebo's cover of DM's "I Feel You." Placebo has some great originals and they know what they can handle for covers. I completely agree with Venus Doom on Brian singing "Jackie" - a whole new level.

This song's even better than the original!

Melissa, Boulder, CO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:26:03 GMT

How has no one mentioned Tori Amos' album "Strange Little Girls"? It's brilliant! She has also done several other covers and her best is "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

And Me First & The Gimme Gimmes take cheesy songs and make them cheestastic! A fabulous cover song band!

This song's even better than the original!

jerry, natrona heights, pa — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:27:04 GMT

There are so many good covers already mentioned and another fantastic cover is "Eight Miles High" by Husker Du. It's not great for it's abiding by the original but rather it's raw sound makes a statement far separated from original. I wonder what Roger McGuinn thinks of it.

This song's even better than the original!

wells St. Paul — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:53 GMT

Really?! Nobody has mentioned (I Can't Get No)Satisfaction by Devo?! Best.Cover.Ever.

This song's even better than the original!

Nick, Baltimore, MD — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:30:04 GMT

Didn't see any mention of the Ataris cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer". Great tune, both versions. Always reminds of years gone past.

This song's even better than the original!

Christy, El Paso, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:33:27 GMT

I absolutely loved NIN's cover of Joy Division's "Dead Souls" that was on The Crow soundtrack. Also, check out Tori Amos' cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on YouTube.

This song's even better than the original!

Jay J. Rochester MN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:46:35 GMT

KISS' cover of the Argent hit "God Gave Rock and Roll to You II" made that song really come to life.

This song's even better than the original!

J.P.M Wildomar, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:59:04 GMT

You all are going to hate me for these:
"Mother"-Christina Aguilera covering John Lennon
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"-Celine Dion
""Purple Rain"- LeAnn Rimes covering Prince
"America the Beautiful"- Ray Charles
"Across the Universe"-Fiona Apple

This song's even better than the original!

Hillary 2008 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:10:28 GMT

Could we call come up with a more boring topic and boring responses? But of course there is nothing more beautiful on earth than Hallelujah covered by Jeff Buckley. (Leonard Cohen/writer also rings all bells with anything he sings or writes.) This nonsense column can officially come to its conclusion now.

This song's even better than the original!

chris, Ogden, Utah — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:12:27 GMT

Motorhead's cover of God Save the Queen.
Slayer's "In A Gadda Di Vidda"

This song's even better than the original!

Karen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:15:32 GMT

My current favorite cover: Patti Smith's version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Now I know what the words are...

This song's even better than the original!

Jeeped, Vancouver, BC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:21:36 GMT

Originally the Guess Who, then Krokus and finally Lenny Kravitz.

All great version of 'American Woman'. I think the latter two worked so well as they didn't try to put their own overspin on their respective covers.

This song's even better than the original!

Joe H., Overland Park, KS — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:31:32 GMT

First I want to give props to Jason, SF, CA. Me First & The Gimme Gimmes are the best cover band in the world.

I’ll probably get bashed for my three favorite covers but here I go…

First would have to Sinead O'Connor’s version of Sacrifice. Elton John is the master and yes, her version is a bit breathy but she sings it with such pain that you feel she understands the loss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGOvB2aSno4

Next would have to be the Indigo Girls cover of Romeo and Juliet. It seems weird to have this girl group cover the song from the male perspective but she the way she covers the lyrics makes you actually feel them. The part where she sings "I'd do the stars with you anytime" makes you believe it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLn3XOo7OqU

And last is U2’s cover of Lou Reed’s Satellite of Love. U2’s not known to do covers very well (see I Can't Help Falling in Love With You) but this is actually a very good cover. If you got to see them perform it live during Zoo TV, it was awesome when the video of Reed came on and sang it with Bono.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q1zWNITuyg

This song's even better than the original!

djai, ct — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:41:16 GMT

Hendrix's "Watchtower", it goes without saying.
Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" is heartbreaking.
Scottish band Travis takes Britney Spears's "...Baby One More Time" and gives it substance. Amazing.
And i don't know if this exactly counts, but here goes: on Sheryl Crow's 'Globe Sessions' she does a Bob Dylan song called 'Mississippi' - a few years later Dylan himself does it on 'Love and Theft'. I knew of the Dylan version first and love it. Then I heard her version and spent the next hour cleansing my ears by listening to the Dylan version again. I know a lot of people don't like Dylan's voice (I guess I'm in the minority), but that's how GODAWFUL her version was. especially after that atrocious G'n'R cover of 'Sweet Child' Sheryl Crow seriously needs to be banned from covering songs. Her early songs are cool, though.

This song's even better than the original!

Rory D — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:42:43 GMT

Sorry, can't agree about Sinatra. Ever hear his version of "Something"? "Stick around Jack, it may show" That's just wrong!

"Stoney End" was written by Laura Nyro, who also penned "Wedding Bell Blues" (a great cover by 5th Dimension)and "Stone Soul Picnic".

How could I ever forget Devo!?!?! Even Mick said it was the best cover of that song.

Couple more:
The Ramones, "Needles & Pins", "Surfin' Bird", "Indian Giver"

This song's even better than the original!

djai, ct — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:43:21 GMT

oh yeah, I almost forgot...Shonen Knife's cover of 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head." Maybe their English isn't the greatest, but there's something so endearing about their cover.

This song's even better than the original!

Nick, Youngstown OH — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:49:03 GMT

All the sickening RunDMC/Aerosmith version of Walk This Way did was forever ruin what was once an excellent avenue for videos and music -- MTV. Once that video came out the taste and sound for music started a downhill spiral that it still hasn't climbed up from. Sickening indeed!!!!!

This song's even better than the original!

Merv, Chambersburg, PA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:50:54 GMT

I'd say "Raspberry Beret" (Prince) and "Battleship Chains" (Georgia Satelites) both performed by The Hindu Love Gods (who were 3/4 of REM + Warren Zevon)

This song's even better than the original!

Jill again — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:18:19 GMT

I almost forgot... was this mentioned?
Type O Negative's "Cinnamon Girl" Love it!

This song's even better than the original!

R Diva, Des Moines IA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:21:12 GMT

There's no way a discussion of greatest covers ever can even begin without mentioning Luther Vandross. His cover of "Superstar"is by far the best ever. He also covered Creeping by Stevie Wonder, as well as songs by other artists.

Other great covers:
Mystery-Anita Baker (orignially done by Manhattan Transfer)
All Along the Watchtower-Jimi Hindrix *The best cover song ever*
I Stand Accused-Issac Hayes (RIP)
Ain't That Peculiar-Chocolate Genius *Please look for this on you tube-it's awesome*

This song's even better than the original!

Jay, Cincinnatti, OH — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:23:12 GMT

This may ruffle some feathers (no pun intended), but Stevie Ray Vaughan's cover of Little Wing is one of the best songs ever, let alone a cover. I respect Hendrix to death, but SRV's Little Wing gives me goosebumps everytime.

This song's even better than the original!

Sarah, Sonora, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:23:51 GMT

George Michael's cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me". As much as I love Bonnie Raitt's original, I like this one more.

This song's even better than the original!

Al, Chesapeake, VA. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:34:00 GMT

A lot of good covers submitted here. A couple of my favorites are R.E.O. Speedwagon's cover of "Little Queenie". Excellent jam and Boots Randolph as guest sax player practically blows the reed out of it! Johnny Winter did a rocking version also. David Lee Roth's cover of "I'm Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" is great.

This song's even better than the original!

Edd Stone — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:38:05 GMT

"It's Tricky": Bloodhound Gang
"Pipeline": Anthrax

This song's even better than the original!

DJ Smilin' Dan Orlando, FL — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:38:17 GMT

Some other Great covers:
The Score's cover of The Beatles "Please, Please Me" : The Jesus & Mary Chain's cover of "My Girl" :
The Cure's cover of "Purple Haze" : The Stranglers cover of ? & The Mysterians "96 Tears" : Ramones cover of Tom Waits "I Don't Want To Grow Up" : also their cover of " Do You Wanna Dance" : and let's not forget Joey Ramone's cover of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" : Bauhaus cover of Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" : Social Distortion's cover of The Stone's "Backstreet Girl" : The Clash's cover of The Bobby Fuller Four's "I Fought The Law" : and Lords Of The New Church's cover of "Let's Live For Today" made famous by the Grass Roots....

This song's even better than the original!

Jason, Boston, MA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:39:29 GMT

Real Big Fish's cover of "Take on Me" and Goldfinger's cover of "99 Red Balloons"

This song's even better than the original!

Camille, Houston, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:40:09 GMT

Foo Fighters - Baker Street...

And I could not listen to a cover album of Depeche Mode - the original cannot be improved upon!

This song's even better than the original!

LB, USA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:41:17 GMT

HA! I never thought I would see "Revolting Cocks" mentioned on MSNBC. You're right though- it's one of the best covers out there. I hated the original, but the cover is amazing.

This song's even better than the original!

Dreamygal, Portland, OR — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:41:22 GMT

Type O Negative's version of "Summer Breeze" is excellent!!

This song's even better than the original!

Jimmytabs, Scranton, PA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:48:20 GMT

Gary Jules cover of Tears fo Fears Mad World

This song's even better than the original!

80s chick, TX — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:53:10 GMT

The entire Across The Universe soundtrack!

This song's even better than the original!

Gene, Prescott, AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:56:35 GMT

Unless I missed it, I didn't see anyone mention Leona Lewis' cover of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (Roberta Flack).

This song's even better than the original!

seymore butz — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:58:32 GMT

Without a doubt Tina Turners cover of CCR's rollin on the river.

80's classic: always something there to remind me
naked eyes.

This song's even better than the original!

kc — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:02:39 GMT

How about mark mcgrath's cover of "the ghost in you"?

This song's even better than the original!

Ralph - Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:10:56 GMT

Speaking of "Tainted Love", listen to Coil's cover if you can find it. Marc Almond, Soft Cell's lead vocalist, appeared in their video.

Members of Tool and Failure (who did a great turn on that Depeche Mode cover album you mentioned) formed a cover band prior to forming A Perfect Circle called Replicants. Their cover of the Cars "Just What I Needed" is required listening.

This song's even better than the original!

Magenta, Eugene, OR — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:17:31 GMT

JEFF BUCKLEY "Hallelujah" - it just feels like the original! Marilyn Manson's "Personal Jesus" is such a great spin on Depeche Mode's original genius! Ziggy Marley's "Drive" put a reggae spin on the Cars classic that now makes the original seem lazy!

This song's even better than the original!

Scott, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:33:01 GMT

Less Than Jake's cover of Surrender by Cheap Trick is rockin'!!

This song's even better than the original!

Scott, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:34:46 GMT

Also, Oleander's cover of Boys Don't Cry by The Cure!

This song's even better than the original!

Bob Wire, Columbus, OH — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:50:16 GMT

Amy in Carrollton - great choice with the Dickies! All of their covers immeasurably improve upon the originals. But, c'mon, really - no one has mentioned the Ramones?! Their cover of California Sun is one of the most inspiring songs I've ever heard.

This song's even better than the original!

Dueydesi — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:50:16 GMT

Tori Amo's cover of Croce's Operator is yummy! Saw PJ Harvey and Bjork do a killer Satisfaction and props to Cyndi Lauper's cover of Orbison's I drove all night.

This song's even better than the original!

g van deusen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:50:47 GMT

All good picks. Another classic, which is arguably better than the original, even if the original is by The Beatles: Joe Cocker's version of "A Little Help From My Friends."

This song's even better than the original!

Mike, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:53:49 GMT

I was saddened to see my secret guilty pleasure album "If I were a Carpenter" pictured at the top of this piece. Nearly every cover on that album is a jewel, and I've LOVED playing it for people as a complee surprise. Really worth checking out.

This song's even better than the original!

RAQ VB, MD — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:56:45 GMT

Coil did a much better version of Tainted Love

This song's even better than the original!

Kate Hinton, Athens, GA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:01:56 GMT

Obviously I am older because no one mentioned the original "I Will Survive" singer, Gloria Gaynor. Perhaps they don't know but I grew up with it and it was an anthem during my high school years. YET, I truly think Cake's version actually outshines it by far.

This song's even better than the original!

Kathy, San Bernardino, CA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:02:55 GMT

How about Red Hot Chili Peppers "Love Rollercoaster"?

Foo Fighter's "Darling Nikki"?

Guns & Roses "Son of a Bitch"?

awesome remakes!!!!!

This song's even better than the original!

Haley, Vincennes, IN — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:33:38 GMT

Speaking of Marilyn Manson, check out the covers of "A Nightmare Before Christmas."

Fiona Apple, Manson, Panic at the Disco and other sing songs from the Tim Burton film. And Manson's cover of "This is Halloween" is pretty sweet.

This song's even better than the original!

Sarah, Toronto, Ontario — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:43:56 GMT

Hands down: Smashing Pumpkins/Billy Corrigan's cover of "Landslide"

This song's even better than the original!

Olive Tree — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:09:00 GMT

I didn't realize how many covers I just loved! A few favorites-

Janis Joplin: "Me and Bobby McGee"
Cake: "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" and "I Will Survive"
Jeff Buckley: "Hallelujah"
Judy Collins: "Suzanne"
Johhny Cash & June Carter Cash: "It Ain't Me, Babe"
Jack Johnson: "Badfish"
They Might Be Giants: "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)"
Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies: "Goodbye Earl"

This song's even better than the original!

John, Chattanooga, TN — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:19:45 GMT

Ryan Adams' cover of Oasis' Wonderwall is incredible. Shinedown does a great version of Skynyrd's Simple Man. Alison Krauss' cover of of Keith Whitley's When You Say Nothing at All is also good. But Johnny Cash beats everybody with his covers of Personal Jesus and Hurt.

This song's even better than the original!

Matt S, Danbury, CT — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:30:07 GMT

Whiskey in the Jar covered by Metallica, originaly by Thin Lizzy is one of the BEST covers EVER

This song's even better than the original!

Paul, Saint Catharines, ON — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:33:24 GMT

I liked the Headstones cover of 'Tweeter and the Monkey Man', originally by the Travelling Wilburys. They messed around with the lyrics far too much (probably because they didn't want to sing about a cross-dressing drug dealer) but the end result is a really rocking song.

This song's even better than the original!

Matthew, Harrisburg, PA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:06:03 GMT

Natalie Merchant's cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" is a once haunting, beautiful and with the precision that honors Bowie's original while at once making it her own. The two, side by side, are a breakthrough; Bowie's tells the story - Merchant's story give the depth, emotional impact and nuance that makes a true cover what it's meant to be. Both respective of the original while claim and re-interpreting the material enough for the covering artist a to make it something all their own. More power to Natalie for having the backbone to both with grace, style and a sense of drama.

This song's even better than the original!

Matthew, Harrisburg, PA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:20:44 GMT

Everything But The Girl's cover of Elvis Costello's "Allison" is an absolute gem of a song (delivered by a female without changing pronounce only adds potency to the song. Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt's stripped down acoustic approach showcase her voice and add a straightforwardness apparent in the original but brought to the fore in the acoustic version. Another worthwhile cover on the same cd is Springsteen's "Tougher Than the Rest," again, the female in the lead vocals and the acoustic approach showcase both the beautiful written song which Everything But the Girl claims for itself completely. Well worth checking out; you'll find listen to all these covers over and over again.

This song's even better than the original!

Mark, Savannah, GA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:21:54 GMT

Lemonheads covering "Mrs. Robinson"

This song's even better than the original!

Jeff G. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:14:55 GMT

Isaac Hayes' covers of "Walk on By" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" will blow your mind.

This song's even better than the original!

Heather, Greensboro, NC — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:26:20 GMT

Definately CHRIS CORNELL'S (NOT David Cook!!) version of "Billy Jean". The first time I heard this song was in concert, and CC sang it unplugged! It was beyond Awesome! That guy has got one of the greatest voices in Rock History!

Also loved Foo Fighter's version of "Darling Nikki". I hear it occasionally on XM, but can't find it anywhere on CD or to download.

I will also mention one not listed yet (I think), and that is 311's cover of "Love Song" (The Cure). Great version!

This song's even better than the original!

Colleen Reese, Gainesville, FL — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:31:05 GMT

I must agree both with the author of this , that Carpenters cover cd is one of my favorite cds of all time. And, Love Spit Loves version is ALSO my favorite cover. I got beat before I had a chance!

This song's even better than the original!

Mike, Lakeville, MN — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:33:25 GMT

How can anyone forget Van Halen's cover of the Kink's "You really got me now"

This song's even better than the original!

Bill Boldin, Richmond, VA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:54:32 GMT

The Beatles doing the Isley Brothers' "Twist and Shout." Most people still assume that the song is a Lennon and McCartney original.

This song's even better than the original!

Michael, Dallas, TX — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:57:36 GMT

Marilyn Manson's "Personal Jesus"
George Michael covering Queen's "Find me somebody to love"

This song's even better than the original!

Beth, Rochester, NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:58:33 GMT

I'm weird, but I love Twisted Sister's Christmas album!!

This song's even better than the original!

Mamie — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:38:51 GMT

The best cover I have ever heard is Obediah Parker's cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya." Totally worth hearing both songs back to back.

This song's even better than the original!

Eddie,phoenix,AZ — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:19:52 GMT

SoundGarden covered "Come Together" from the Beatles.
---AWESOME---

This song's even better than the original!

Terry Grove, West Sacramento, CA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:52:03 GMT

As far as improving on a song by leaps and bounds . . . Metallica's version of "Whiskey in the Jar". Though Thin Lizzy brought it from "folk" song to rock, Metallica just nailed their version!

This song's even better than the original!

D. Lord, Denver — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 03:38:00 GMT

Thank-you so much for mentioning the Depeche Mode tribute album. "For the Masses" was a bit of a love project for Dave Reilly and Jeff Turzo, founding members of God Lives Underwater, and producers of the tribute album. This was not a project about selling as many albums as possible; rather, it was a true tribute to a band who heavily influenced two young artists. It is just too sad that Dave Reilly passed at such a young age. For the most part, the tribute album was filled with amazing takes on songs from a highly influencial band.

Also, kudos on the mention of The Revolting Cocks' version of "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy". To this day, that is still a gritty, dirty, and sexy dance floor tune.

This song's even better than the original!

Sergio, Texas City, TX — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:29:54 GMT

Since RevCo's version of that Rod Stewart song was great I am gonna get into another Al Jourgenson side band. I love 1000 Homo DJ's version of the mighty Black Sabbath's SUPERNAUT. They made a badass song even more killer. Another sweet cover song I love is Heart's version of LOVE HURTS by Nazareth, which was a cover of Roy Orbison & the Everly Brothers. I gotta say that the Nazareth version is way more heart wrenching than all of them.

This song's even better than the original!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:53:10 GMT

crazy - nelly furtado
santeria - aimee allen
i love rock n' roll - britney spears