Reader Request - Best / Worst Cover
September 12th, 2007 - by John
Got a short and sweet reader request this Wednesday; what was the best/worst/strangest cover song you’ve ever heard done live? Personally I think covers can be a great part of the live set- for bands that are just starting out and don’t have a ton of material- or established artists who can really make song their own. But sometimes it just backfires- making you realize what lame original songs the band you’re watching writes. I’ll throw a couple out there to start.
Best: Patti Smith doing Them’s “Gloria,” OR Peal Jam’s take on the Dead Boys’ “Sonic Reducer”.
Worst: Panic! At The Disco’s take on Radiohead’s “Karma Police” & Smashing Pumpkins “Tonight, Tonight”.
Strangest: Meg and Dia’s take on Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” (they changed it to “boy”).
So hit us up with a comment- tell us about a memorable (for whatever reason) cover.
September 12th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Best:
Rivers of Weezer coming out and doing a cover of the Foo Fighters’ “Big Me.” Both bands were on tour together and it was completely surprising.
The Foo Fighters attempted “Buddy Holly” but couldn’t get past the first couple of chords.
Worst: I can’t remember who the guy was, but he was the opening act (again, don’t even remember the concert). But he did Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch” and it made everyone uncomfortable.
September 13th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Best:
Arab Strap doing AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long”
Ben Folds Five and Rufus Wainwright doing George Michael’s/Wham!’s “Careless Whisper”
Interesting:
I heard an acoustic live set on the radio that included Death Cab for Cutie doing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Longest, slowest version of thriller ever…but enjoyable.