Almanac Music: Favourite Cover Versions Part 3

 

 

 

 

There have been thousands if not millions of cover versions over the decades. Many have been made to make a quick buck or simply because the artist has run out of ideas or both.

 

I’m generally not a fan, but I thought I’d share some of my favourites that have been produced faithfully and respectful the original artist in mind.

 

I’ve only listed songs that I felt are at least the equal if not better than the original

 

21.  ‘Working Class Hero’ – Marianne Faithfull 1979. (Orig John Lennon – 1970) So saddened to hear of the loss of Marianne last week. Fearless and muli-talented, she led a very full and challenging life. Broken English will be played to 11 this weekend.

 

 

22.  ‘Man Who Sold The World’ – Nirvana 1993 (Orig David Bowie – 1970) Nirvana only recorded this for MTV’s Unplugged series but they did a fine job.

 

 

23.  ‘Wichita Lineman’ – Glenn Campbell 1968 (Orig Jimmy Webb – 1968) Whilst Webb recorded this song he actually wrote it specifically for Campbell who requested it.

 

 

24.  ‘All Along The Watchtower’ – Jimi Hendrix 1968 (Orig Bob Dylan – 1967) An absolute classic and always reminds me of the wonderful film Withnail and I.

 

 

25.  ‘Lonesome’ – Adalita 2010 (Orig Maurice Frawley – 2006) This song was included on a superb 3CD set called Long Gone Whistle compiled by Paul Kelly and friends to honour the late Maurice Frawley. Originals and interpretations from fellow Australian artists. A fantastic recording and salute to a humble legend.

 

 

26.  ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ 1977 – Brothers Johnson (Orig Shuggy Otis – 1971) Purportedly Shuggy was a boy genius and his original is excellent but the cover can bring on ‘white man overbite’ upon dancing so be warned!

 

 

27.  ‘Tomorrow Wendy’ – Broderick Smith 1993 (Orig Andy Prieboy and Concrete Blonde – 1990) One of Australia’s finest artists, this was the perfect song for Broderick to cover with his exceptional range. Taken from the underrated album My Shiralee.

 

 

28.  ‘Dolphins’ – Tim Buckley 1973 (Orig Fred Neil – 1966) Fred was a great songwriter and made other musicians rich in the process. I’m not sure that was the case with this one but certainly it’s synonymous with the late Tim Buckley.

 

 

29.  ‘Everybody’s Talkin’’– Harry Nilsson 1969 (Orig Fred Neil – 1963) Another cracker from Fred and beautifully executed by Nilsson. It remains one of the most famous introductions to a film in Midnight Cowboy.

 

 

30.  ‘Wide Open Road’ – Weddings, Parties, Anything 1995 (The Triffids – 1986) Originally recorded on 3RRR’s first ‘Used and Recorded By’  compilation album, this is a live version from one of the legendary WPA Xmas Shows in 1998.

 

 

 

To read more from Ian Wilson click here.

 

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