superlertive Songs Episode 4: Cover Me

Covers are arguably as important to the musical landscape as the original recordings. In fact, Rock n Roll music was founded on this premise. Black artists would release so-called “race music” and did not gain mainstream acceptance until white artists covered their songs. Yet another practice was for a wide range of artists to cover the same song if it was a hit at the top of the charts. Today’s scene is entirely different. Covers are often looked down upon as a poor attempt to hold onto past styles. But once in a while, an artist emerges with a great rendition of a song that is better than the original. So much so that you may think it is the band’s original composition. Regardless, cover songs are important because listeners can stay in tune with the band’s truest influences. In this episode I present 5 cover versions I feel are superior to the originals. If you feel I left out a song or disagree with my choices, leave some comments. Try me! 1. Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan) 2. Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies – Come Sail Away (Styx) 3. Mötley Crüe– Smokin’ in the Boys Room (Brownsville Station) 4. Tesla – Signs (Five Man Electrical Band) 5. Fugees – Killing Me Softly (Roberta Flak)