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We’ve got nothing against cover songs. In fact, we love a
good unexpected cover. But certain songs should be retired after a couple
hundred versions. We hereby declare a moratorium on covering the following ten
songs.
10. U2 “One”
Just picture it: an over-earnest bar singer propped up in the corner with his music stand and his bulging folder of song lyrics, closing his eyes during the chorus and actually thinking that he can solve the world’s problems by covering Bono’s inspirational hit.
9. Nancy Sinatra “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”
Dear Jessica Simpson: Your boots are so worn out that you can barely walk in them anymore, and we never want to hear about them ever again. You should stick to designing boots.
8. Fleetwood Mac “Landslide”
It’s not that we have a problem with the Smashing Pumpkins’ or the Dixie Chicks’ versions—it’s everything in between.
7. Oasis “Wonderwall”
Covered by Jay-Z, Ryan Adams, Howie Day, Cat Power, The Beastie Boys, and—most unfortunately—Cartel.
6. Gnarls Barkley “Crazy”
Though the Ray LaMontagne version is kinda cool, the original song was played constantly on the radio for a year, and that was enough. Plus, some would argue that the song’s success lies in its delivery, not the melody.
5. Britney Spears “Oops I Did It Again”
It’s not funny to cover a song simply to be ironic or cute.
4. The Beatles “Hey Jude”
This one is especially annoying when the singer in question gets drunk on the power of leading that crowd singalong part.
3. Bob Dylan “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”
If only because Guns N’ Roses perfected it, so there's really no need for anyone else to attempt a cover.
2. Lynyrd Skynyrd “Freebird”
Because if bands aren’t allowed to cover it, then drunk frat boys will have no reason to request it!
1. Leonard Cohen “Hallelujah”
Enough with the covers of Jeff Buckley’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece. It’s a beautiful song, no doubt, but “Hallelujah” has to be the most overdone encore for singer-songwriters. We’re even getting tired of hearing Brandi Carlile sing this song. And we don't get tired of Brandi Carlile very easily.
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I know we tend to see a reoccurrence of the same song being covered, but when we hear a song that resonates with us; we feel connected to it. Look back in history how traditional songs like "Mary don’t you weep", recently covered by the 'Boss' or 'will the circle be unbroken' these songs have been covered so much that we can’t even pin-point who created them, perhaps music is intended in this way? Perhaps when such a song is created, so many of us resonate with its meaning that the writer soon does not matter at all, for he/she was simply the first gate for that song to pass through, for the many to understand. Only recently I have heard covers of some of these songs that out do all that preceeded them. :)
Maybe it's just me, and the fact that I tend to gravitate toward Dylan and classic blues, but there are a bunch of songs I'd prefer to never hear covered again. The "I'm Not There" Dylan covers album from a couple years back worked primarily because the Dylan songs selected tended to be of the more obscure variety (at least to the extent that Dylan songs can ever be considered obscure). But "Blowin' In the Wind," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," "All Along the Watchtower," "The Times They Are a Changin'," and "Chimes of Freedom" are all off limits, as far as I'm concerned. When Cher, Lawrence Welk, and Mae West have already released covers, it's time to explore new territory.
And although I think it's great that people have discovered Blind Willie Johnson, Muddy Waters, Lightinin' Hopkins et. al., I'm thoroughly sick of old farts releasing their blues covers albums. That's my gripe with the new Ramblin' Jack Elliott album, which is otherwise just fine. These songs have been done to death.
But yes, "Hallelujah," while a gorgeous, moving song, has to be the most overcovered song ever. Every earnest kid with a guitar and a broken heart has taken a crack at it. "Bird on a Wire," another Leonard Cohen gem, has to be way up there, too.
Covers can reveal the limitations of the performer. A great song is open to endless interpretation.
There's no reason to stop covering any particular songs. But, there are plenty of musicians who shouldn't perform covers.
As for Hallelujah, there are beautiful, new, covers to be heard. If you're tired of the song, that's more the fault of the versions you're stuck on...
It might be just me, but I enjoyed The Kooks cover of "Crazy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJdXFfiSVZ8
I couldn't agree more, especially with your #1 choice. However, how could you miss Joni Mitchell's "River"? The original is still breathtakingly beautiful, almost 40 years after its release. Now just about every Christmas album somehow needs to include a version, each one paling in comparison to Ms. Mitchell's.
You know that you are old when you only recognize 8 of these 10 songs. Don't worry my kids are attempting to educate me!
Mustang Sally tops my list.
The article talks about professionals doing covers, but what bothers me more are the endless number of cover bands hitting the local street fairs and dances doing the same 17 songs over and over. Top offenders that MUST be retired are:
Gimme That Old Time Rock n Roll - Bob Seger
Sweet Home Alabama
Play that Funky Music White Boy
Proud Mary (oh God please, not again...)
There are many others that escape my mind right now. Any one want to add some?
Covers are great. I never tire of hearing new versions of old favs as long as they are good. I actually seek out covers of Brel and Leonard Cohen. Don't forget that artists getting covered are financially compensated.In the case of Cohen and Hallelujah, he needs the money if you have read about his recent business manager problems in the press.
I don't care for the Dixie Chicks, but Maria McKee is a favorite artist who never became huge, but has her steady fans. The Dixie Chicks had a huge cover of her song Am I the Only One that kept her comfortable for some time. Melanie is another favorite. Have you heard Alison Moyet cover Mama Mama? Spinetingling.
So my point is, with the horrible state of record sales, I'm sure that most artists are happy to have their songs covered if done well. And I for one am happy to purchase them. I've lost count on how many versions of Hallelujah I have, but look forward to a new one soon!