Yes that’s right, folks… I’m about to stick my ladle in and stir things right the shiz up by braving the controversial world of covers!

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to this subject, and whilst I’m rather inclined to say I’m more opinionated than many – most, even – I actually think I give covers a pretty fair chance before dismissing them.  And maybe it’s because I’m also a musician, and because I like to play other peoples’ music, that I actually have immense respect for a cover well done: a cover which adds depth and interest, or respectfully puts a new slant on a record whilst leaving the original to be enjoyed as a separate entity, musically different, but equally brilliant.

Conversely, I have little or no respect whatsoever for a cover that adds nothing to the song musically, but is released on the back of a major label and lapped up by the masses. (This is usually the result of an uninspired artist hoping to gain popular appeal or financial success by rehashing – but not really changing – an already brilliant but perhaps less mainstream song).  Examples of particular shoddiness include Ronan Keating’s mediocre cover of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, and Matt Cardle’s abominable cover of Many of Horror* by Biffy Clyro.

*Many of Horror was tactfully renamed Collide when released by the X Factor, because the sensible men at the top thought that maybe the original title was a tad inappropriate for a Christmas record.  They did rather overlook the fact that domestic violence (whether physical or psychological) isn’t really an appropriate subject for an Xmas hit either, but heigh-ho!  Apparently if you cheese a record up enough, the words “I’ll take a bruise, I know you’re worth it: When you hit me, hit me hard!” sound romantic.

In any case, many music snobs (and yes, I know that sounds a bit rich coming from me) dismiss covers outright, stating that one cannot improve on an original record, or that trying to demonstrates a total lack of imagination.  I can’t ever agree with that sentiment, and I’m about to show you why with some of the most imaginative and brilliant covers of all time.  These aren’t covers that improve on the originals (and yes, they do exist!), because to my mind, all of these originals are fantastic in their own right.  To further illustrate the point, I’m creating a double-feature video playlist**, so that each of these records can be appreciated twice over.  So enjoy.  Then enjoy again! 🙂

**Many of these songs, sadly, aren’t available on Spotify.  I apologise for the fairly poor  visuals, but with all due respect, you should be listening with your ears!

p.s.  Some of these songs are iconic.  Twice! … So wise up!

p.p.s.  Huge respect to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Joss Stone and especially to Mark Ronson, for each making this list twice!  (Gn’R almost got a second credit, but I decided that neither Live and Let Die, nor Sympathy for the Devil really took a big enough leap to qualify.  [Besides, Paul McCartney’s head might just explode if Wings got a look in, too!] Feel free to scorn me for that later!)

All Along The Watchtower – Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix

Hotel California – Eagles/Gipsy Kings

Valerie – The Zutons/Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse

Oh My God – Kaiser Chiefs/ Mark Ronson feat. Lily Allen

Fell In Love With A Girl (/Boy) – The White Stripes/Joss Stone

I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness/Lemar

Knocking on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan/Guns N’ Roses

(Money [Can’t) Buy Me Love] – The Beatles/Blackstreet

Yesterday – The Beatles/Boyz II Men

The Chokin’ Kind – Waylon Jennings/Joss Stone

I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston

and finally (perhaps one of the most ContrOVERSial covers of the last decade)…

Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd/The Scissor Sisters