Some songs are so great that everyone wants to sing them and add their own unique style. Some do it to pay homage to an artist, others feel a certain connection to the song and/or artist, and yet others are just looking to be the next American Idol.
The cover tune is the metaphorical equivalent of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Anyone can do it but not everyone does it right. To make it right, PB&J requires lightly toasted bread, an abundance of peanut butter on both slices of the bread, and a generous slathering of jelly. I’m a grape or raspberry fan myself.
So, let’s get under the covers:
- “Masters of War” Pearl Jam
- Original Artist Bob Dylan
- “War Pigs” Faith No More
- Original Artist Black Sabbath
- “Hurt” Johnny Cash
- Original Artist Nine Inch Nails
- “Hard to Handle” The Black Crowes
- Original Artist Ottis Redding
- “Chimes of Freedom” Bruce Springsteen
- Original Artist Bob Dylan
- “Cortez the Killer” The Dave Matthews Band
- Original Artist Neil Young
- “Billie Jean” Chris Cornell
- Original Artist Michael Jackson
- “Paradise” Pat Green
- Original Artist John Prine
- “Hard Sun” Eddie Vedder
- Original Artist Indio
- “Play it All Night Long” Drive-By Truckers
- Original Artist Warren Zevon
- “Climbing up the Walls” Erin Ivey
- Original Artist Radiohead
- “Rocket Man” My Morning Jacket
- Original Artist Elton John
- “Such Great Heights” Iron & Wine
- Original Artist The Postal Service
- “Hallelujah” Jeff Buckley
- Original Artist Leonard Cohe
- “Little Wing” Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Original Artist Jimi Hendrix
- “Lungs” Lyle Lovett
- Original Artist Townes Van Zandt
- “Breadfan” Metallica
- Original Artist Budgie
- “Badfish” Jack Johnson
- Original Artist Sublime
- “Hey Ya” Obadiah Parker
- Original Artist Outkast
- Love Reign O’er Me Pearl Jam
- Original Artist The Who
- “The Ghost of Tom Joad” Rage Against the Machine
- Original Artist Bruce Springsteen
- “Levelland” Robert Earl Keen
- Original Artist James McMurtry
- I’ve Got to Know Son Volt
- Original Artist Woody Guthrie
- “Signs” Tesla
- Original Artist “Five Man Electrical Band
- “Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters” Pat Green
- Original Artist Walt Wilkins
So, now that I have lit the candle of thought of great cover songs; let me know some of your favorites.
Great music awaits!
