I'm normally in favor of a songwriter over a remaker. But sometimes a remaker just absolutely owns a song. Case in point, Sarah McLachlin absolutely owning A Song for a Winter's Night by Gordon Lightfoot. She rocks that song.

Interesting. I'd never heard the song before, so I just gave both versions a listen. I think if you are a McLachlin fan you will definitely prefer her version, it's certainly a lush production that sets itself apart. My personal vote is for Gordo, just because.

But that did get me to thinking. I've heard several covers that I think stood on their own, even though I might not rate them as better than the original, just a different flavor I liked just as well.

The only song that comes to mind is "Can't Explain" by The Who. IMO, The Scorpions do it much better, the way I would have wanted it done had I wrote it. The first time I heard the Scorpions' version on the radio, I bolted upright to listen, then ran out and bought the cassette -I'm dating myself there. Had the Who recorded it later in their career, maybe it would have been produced with more of a metal flavor - who knows? (pardon the expression). Daltrey and Townsend fans, have at it.

Hurt-Johnny Cash

I believe even Reznor said that the song belongs to Cash now.

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

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Wolves of Babylon;1778573 wrote:Hurt-Johnny Cash

This is the one I've thought of. I'm usually a fan of the original.

Absolutely despise Madonna's "American Pie" rendition. Some songs should just not be remade.

I'd add a few to the list where the cover was better than the original:

All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix
Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
Personal Jesus - Johnny Cash
With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker
Lake of Fire - Nirvana
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

Zunardo;1778557 wrote:Interesting. I'd never heard the song before, so I just gave both versions a listen. I think if you are a McLachlin fan you will definitely prefer her version, it's certainly a lush production that sets itself apart. My personal vote is for Gordo, just because.

But that did get me to thinking. I've heard several covers that I think stood on their own, even though I might not rate them as better than the original, just a different flavor I liked just as well.

The only song that comes to mind is "Can't Explain" by The Who. IMO, The Scorpions do it much better, the way I would have wanted it done had I wrote it. The first time I heard the Scorpions' version on the radio, I bolted upright to listen, then ran out and bought the cassette -I'm dating myself there. Had the Who recorded it later in their career, maybe it would have been produced with more of a metal flavor - who knows? (pardon the expression). Daltrey and Townsend fans, have at it.

Friggin' Gordon Lightfoot is incredible, so I can't knock your opinion..

no way is Johnny Cash's Personal Jesus better than DM

I'll add the Turtles' version of It Ain't Me Babe

gut;1778589 wrote:no way is Johnny Cash's Personal Jesus better than DM

I would disagree with you. But to each his own.

I like The Band's cover of Atlantic City better than the Boss' original.

Off topic a bit so I apologize but one of the XM stations was talking about Kelly Clarkson's new song....she just absolutely hammers her Dad....Because of You about 10 years later.

A few of my favorite remakes...

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - Anne Bredon "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
Communication Breakdown - Eddie Cochran "Nervous Breakdown."
Custard Pie - Bukka White "Shake 'Em On Down,"
Dazed And Confused - Jake Holmes "Dazed And Confused"
How Many More Times - Albert King "The Hunter."
In My Time Of Dying - Bob Dylan "In My Time Of Dying"
The Lemon Song - Howlin' Wolf "Killing Floor"
Nobody's Fault But Mine - Blind Willie Johnson "Nobody's Fault But Mine"
Since I've Been Lovin' You - Moby Grape "Never"
Whole Lotta Love - Willie Dixon "You Need Love"

OSH;1778576 wrote:This is the one I've thought of. I'm usually a fan of the original.

i too prefer the nin version.