My Favorite Covers

"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
All Green (originally by The Beatles)

I'm a huge fan of Beatles covers, and this one really sticks out as superb. I discovered this version on an imported CD my Dad bought a while ago called "Rubber Souled", which featured Motown artists singing Beatles songs. It's hard to come by, but you can find the CD used on Amazon. I just love Al Green's energy, and he did a fantastic job covering the song in an original way. I'm surprised this didn't get as much attention as his version of 'Get Back' (in fairness, 'Get Back' did get more exposure, being included on his first major album's track listing).


"Fields of Gold"
Eva Cassidy (originally by Sting)

This is probably the only cover that I would argue is better than the original. I love Sting, and I love the original version of the song, but Eva had a way of putting levels of intensity and passion into a song that I never knew were possible. She has complete control over her voice, and when she belts out those highs, she is somehow able to hit that certain frequency that gives you chills of excitement and amazement.


"Wanting Memories"
Keali'i Reichel (originally by Sweet Honey In The Rock)

This song has a lot of sentimental value, having sung it with an amazing group during my undergrad at SCAD. I love Reichel's version, as it bring me back, yet it's a different approach to the song. It doesn't grow the way our version did, but still retains that same focus, and in my opinion, that same meaning. The song was arranged to be sung a capella, but his instrumentation works - it's simple and supporting, and allows the ribbon like vocal harmonies to drive the song.


"Cry"
Angie Aparo (made popular by Faith Hill)

This is actually the original, but most folks are familiar with the Faith Hill version (it sat at #1 for 11 weeks on the Adult Contemporary charts in 2002), so this could be considered a "cover" of the version they are familiar with. Often times the case - have you heard the original versions of "Respect" and "Satisfaction"? Instead of Aretha or the Stones, search Otis Redding. Angie Aparo had some fame with the song "Spaceship" in the 90's, but "Cry" gave him substantial street cred as a songwriter as well as performer. He's got a distinct vocal timbre that perfectly suits his hybrid pop (with a hint of country) style. And his falsetto kicks ass.


"The Joker"
Fatboy Slim featuring Bootsy Collins (originally by The Steve Miller Band)

This is a really fun version of this song. Fatboy Slim seems to be one of the few artists from the Techno era to survive and thrive. I love songs where the vocalist sounds like they're having a blast recording it, and Bootsy adds a lot of great variations on the lyrics.


"Canon in D"
Thanks to Gravity (originally by Johann Pachelbel)

Great version of this song by what is unfortunatley a now defunct band (they disbanded around 2001). It's not often that you hear a classical song covered by a rock band. I actually edited this song for my mom when she was remarried. It begins rather traditionally, but then explodes with a great drum rhythm, and even tosses an original verse of lyrics in the middle of the song. I also recommend checking out their version of Madonna's "Justify My Love".


"Paranoid Android"
Brad Mehldau (originally by Radiohead)

Mehldau draws people into jazz music who might otherwise completely ignore the genre. He has an appealing sound, and through covers of contemporary artists, a familiar sound. He's actually done a few Radiohead covers, but I this particular one sticks out. Clean, yet has a great sense of chaos. I especially love the percussion track sections that seem to be all 'found instruments'.


Other Notable Mentions:

"Boxing" - Bette Midler (originally by Ben Folds Five)
"Yesterday" - Marvin Gaye (originally by The Beatles)
"Frontin" - Jamie Cullum (originally by Pharrell)
"Get Your Hands off of My Woman" - Ben Folds (originally by The Darkness)
"Tempted" - Rockapella (originally by Squeeze)