Music General : Classic tracks vs new artists

Classic tracks vs new artists

It is rare to encounter a song remake that is actually better than the original or classic version. In fact I myself only know of two.

First is Black Betty. The for the longest time though many people recorded their own versions none topped the classic 1977 Ram Jam performance. It was not until 2004's Spiderbait recording that Ram Jam's version was dethroned.

Another example of this was The Sound of Silence with was orinally done by Simon & Garfunkel. Despite many bands covering this song none came close to topping Simon & Garfunkel's original version until Disturbed's verson came out in 2015.

What songs have you encountered where old versions of classics held the crown for decades before someone did a better version?

Beware the sound of one hand clapping.

Re: CLASSIC TRACKS vs new artists…

CAN'T think of ANY!!

"THAT'S SOME BAD SHIT, HARRY!".

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

For me, it's not really about who sings or performs a song better…it's about how the song is interpreted.

I don't think people do covers to compete…they either do it for putting their own spin on it or to express themselves as artists thru it.

Since I often post covers on the board, I'm just putting out there what I find interesting about covers.

Some just do it for the fun of it or as a homage…it's not always that big a deal.

But with many different ways of performing, it adds another dimension.

That's just my opinion.

There are songs I wish more would cover and then there are obviously songs that get done to death.

What I find more interesting is when someone covers a song that the original never appealed to me before and make it into something that I actually do like.

Some can also make a dated song more relevant and make it into a modern song.

I grew up with hearing different mixes of the original artists' tunes or listening to demos and alternate takes or live versions, so that sort of goes with the territory.


I discover a lot of artists that way as well…if they hadn't done a cover of something I searched for, then I might not have ever stumbled onto them.

YouTube is a good platform for that.

Are you okay?

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

I know that some people listen to music to experience the the artists vision and often take the entire album into account.

I prefer to pic and choose based on what sound good to me. I don't even necessarily agree with the message the song may convey. Lets take Green Day's 'American Idiot' for example. On the level of their message I couldn't disagree more politically. Fuck them. On the other hand I enjoy the same music because it has a nice tune.

Beware the sound of one hand clapping.

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

I like The Atari's cover of Boys of Summer as much as Henley's original, but not more. They put the same guitar licks in all the right places.

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

I still prefer the originals of the 2 you mentioned, even though the later versions are very good. I'm trying hard to think of improved remakes of classics, but I've got nothing so far…

Re: CLASSIC TRACKS vs new artists…

NEITHER do I!!

"THAT'S SOME BAD SHIT, HARRY!".

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

It hasn't happened yet, imo.

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

I can't think of a single instance where a cover has been better than the most successful version. They were hits for a reason. Disturbed's Sound of Silence is a disgrace.

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

Disturbed's Sound of Silence is a disgrace

You sir, are a tasteless cretin.

Beware the sound of one hand clapping.

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

This is easily one of the best covers of all time

Re: Classic tracks vs new artists

Pictures of Matchstick Men maybe. Original was released in 1968 by Status Quo and the cover was released in 1989 by Camper Van Beethoven.
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