When the Levee Breaks–Led Zeppelin (Original: Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie). A good cover song for me requires at least one of two qualities: 1. It must transform the original and/or 2. It must somehow get inside the original. If the cover does neither of these two things, it isn’t tribute, it is derogation. It is U2’s abominable Helter Skelter. I don’t want to get into the many, many songs that Led Zep never bothered attributing; I’m not entirely sure that they ever wrote an original song. But, they completely transformed everything they touched, none more than this.
At Last I Am Free–Robert Wyatt (Original: Chic). Throughout his solo career Wyatt has offered unique takes on popular songs (I’m a Believer), little known songs from popular artists (Elvis Costello’s Shipbuilding) and arcana (Stalin Wasn’t Stalling). His version of the Chic song unearths its best qualities.
America—Yes (Original: Simon & Garfunkel). The original really could not be more perfect, and while this version barely resembles it, it takes full advantage of the gorgeous melody to create an equally beautiful statement. I know this group isn’t universally admired here (am I alone?). I love how much Howe takes liberties in the recreation—his incredibly unique guitar lines, then Squire’s power and Bruford’s proficiency.
Contempt–Naked City (Original: Georges Delerue). One of my very favorite pieces of music… I’d never heard the original Delerue composition that appeared in the Godard film before hearing this. The Delerue expresses mournfulness. Zorn couples that with longing and emotion with his sax lines.
Blue Moon of Kentucky–Elvis Presley (Original: Bill Monroe). The definition of transformation.
Big Joe and Phantom 309–Tom Waits (Original: Red Sovine). Another favorite song. The original is great. The cover, nothing like it!
Mack the Knife–Dave Van Ronk (edit: It’s not a cover of the Darin version, but I like that one too. Here’s the original: Brecht/Weill, Lotte Lenya version).
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face–Roberta Flack (Original: Ewan Maccoll). Everything I love about a cover. A unique voice captures the essence of the original but brings to light intrinsic qualities not emphasized in the original.
Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain–Willie Nelson (Original: Roy Acuff)
Wild Is the Wind–Nina Simone (Original: Johnny Mathis). Live at Town Hall version. First recorded by Johnny Mathis for the film of the same name. The sensitivity of this performance breaks my heart. Other good covers: Bowie’s, Cat Power’s).
I Am the Walrus–Spooky Tooth (Original: The Beatles). You may remember how I love this. The Boris cover that dogonab lists is of course a cover of this inimitable Spooky Tooth version, not so much a cover of the original.
Little Wing–Gil Evans (Original: Jimi Hendrix)
Favorite Tribute Albums
Soupsongs Live: The Music of Robert Wyatt. Attributed to various artists but it is really Annie Whitehead’s band with a few others including Phil Manzanera and Julie Tippett.
Ubu Dance Party: A Tribute to the Music of Pere Ubu. It’s unlikely as hell – 38 bands from Ohio that you’ve never heard of, only a half dozen of which might have an official release under their belts – cover the greatest Ohio band of them all, and it works. As I recall, this was put together to benefit a musician who thought up the idea but found himself in a hospital for an extended period midway through. Must be a hell of a guy because, and not to get too sloppy about it, you can feel the love throughout. I don’t think there’s a straight cover to be found here and it’s the better for it. Well done, all, by God, and if you ever happen by one of these bands in a smoke-filled beer hall in an East Cleveland dive raise a glass to ’em because once they did a damn bit of great.
Buck Owens–Sings Tommy Collins. Somewhere around the beginning of Buck’s career he was Tommy’s guitarist. I’ll have a good time seeking out the originals as well as other, in some cases more famous, versions of these great songs. Meanwhile, this serves as a great entry point to the greatness of Buck and his Buckaroos.
Asleep at the Wheel–Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. (Blues for Dixie)
Music Corner w/ Archive 