Something intriguing occurs when an artist or band takes on someone else’s song. The interpreter may cover that song by adhering to hallmarks of the original version, but hopefully enough distinctiveness shines through to make it a worthwhile performance and not merely a facsimile. Here are ten of the best cover songs from this past year.
10) “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” – Velvet Revolver
Album: Libertad
One of ELO’s sweetest brews gets spiked with something a bit more virulent. Velvet Revolver plays in hard-rock mode yet preserves the original track’s melodic sensibilities. Slash stirs in a beguiling guitar performance, and the song sounds intoxicating in a whole new light.
9) “Paper Moon” – Erin McKeown
Album: Sing You Sinners
Ms. McKeown plays it cute and sassy, turning this swingin’ old song into a bouncy little ditty that would’ve made Sinatra blush.
8) “Goin’ Out West” – Queens of the Stone Age
Album: Sick, Sick, Sick [EP]
One of Tom Waits’ most fuel-injected tracks shifts into high-octane overdrive with QOTST behind the wheel. One can almost picture Waits and QOTST racing cross-country, barreling toward the same squalid destination.
7) “Stuck Inside Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again”: Cat Power
Album: I’m Not There OST
At times it seems like she’s trying to inject Bob Dylan’s inflections on this, but Cat Power can’t escape the viscous essence of her own voice. For a woman known for delivering remarkable covers, this one ranks as one her finest.
6) “Court And Spark” – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
Album: River: The Joni Letters
Norah Jones slips into this song with sophisticated ease, her sultry voice wafting above Hancock’s sparse and measured arrangement. Joni Mitchell’s songs pose a certain amount of complexity for any interpreter, but Norah Jones consummately succeeds.
Article comments
1 - Pico
Great idea for a "best of" list!
I haven't heard any of these covers but off the top of my head, Josh Roseman's wiggy rendition of the Beatles' "I Should Have Known Better" stands out.
2 - El Bicho
The visuals for I Am The Walrus from the movie worked well with the song. My top cover song is Joan Osborne on Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine."
3 - Glen Boyd
Patti Smith's cover of "Gimme Shelter" was indeed a great one. Ditto her covers of "Changing OF The Guard" and especially "Smells Like Teen Spirit". I didn't include her album on my ten best? Yer kiddin' me. Can I do it over?
-Glen
4 - Dr.Jimmy
Where's the love for The White Stripes blistering version of the Cory Robbins/Patti Page chestnut "Conquest"? Maybe the three most exciting minutes of the year.