The Recycled Music Cooperative

Livin' Thing - The Beautiful South

2008-09-12T11:08:00.003-04:00

Here it is-the number 1 'Guilty Pleasure' single of all time, according to Q Magazine. And here I thought such a title would involve Michael Jackson in some way.

In 1976, Electric Light Orchestra released the platinum-selling album, 'A New World Record', and 'Livin' Thing' was released as a single late in the year. It reached number 4 on the UK charts, number 4 on the Canadian singles charts, and number 13 on the US singles charts over the Christmas period.

The Beautiful South released an album of covers in 2004 entitled 'Golddiggas, Headnodders and Pholk Songs'. This was one of three singles released from the album, and it reached number 24 on the UK charts, also late in the year.

You Shook Me All Night Long - Celine Dion

2008-09-08T14:44:00.003-04:00

So, it's been a while, hasn't it?

I figured it was time to get back at this. Well, whenever I get the chance to. And today, that chance is one that will make stab your ears with a jackhammer.

This cover of 'You Shook Me All Night Long' by Celine Dion was recently voted the Worst Cover Ever by Total Guitar magazine.

I believe the video shows why. And make sure your stomach is empty. Dry heaves might be better in front of your monitor.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

My Way - Sid Vicious

2008-06-18T18:18:00.002-04:00

When it comes to covers, it just doesn't get any more frightening or terrible than this. Not frightening in a bad or scary way-probably more of a 'what the hell were you thinking' kind of way. Being Sid, I'll go with 'not really thinking because he was shooting heroin.

In 1967, Paul Anka acquired the publishing rights to a French song entitled 'Comme d'habitude' by Claude Francois. By 1969, he had rewritten the tune and the lyrics and came up with 'My Way. but Paul did not want the song for himself. He wrote this song specifically for Frank Sinatra.

In 1969, Sinatra released the album 'My Way' and released the title song as a single. It performed respectably in the US, reaching 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, and did quite well on the Adult Contemporary charts, where it peaked at number 2.

The single reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and became the year's best-selling single-a much better performance than in the mainstream US chart. Amazingly, it reentered the UK chart six times until 1971, becoming the single with the most total weeks on the UK charts at 124.

The song, while considered a signature song of Frank's throughout his career, was not one of his personal favourites. He described the song as 'self-serving and self-indulgent'.

In 1979, Sex Pistols 'bass player' Sid Vicious released a cover that managed to reach number 6 on the UK Singles chart. This version was notable not only for the sped up arrangement, but also for the changed and improvised lyrics. The improvisations were because Vicious did not know the words, and threw in some barbs at former band mate John Lydon (Johnny Rotten).

It was one of only three singles Vicious released on his own, and his death would follow soon after in early 1979.

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)/I Want You - Robert Palmer

2008-06-14T23:01:00.004-04:00

Were there two classier singer-songwriters than Marvin Gaye and Robert Palmer? I mean, these guys made women wet with their just voices-the sound, the feel, the emotion.

I may be wet myself now that I've thought about them.

In 1971, Marvin Gaye released his legendary album 'What's Going On', and released the memorable 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)' as the second single in June of that year. The song relates to Marvin's sad views of how we as humans have dealt with the environment, and has prven a popular song to cover, especially today-see the two different artists, Corinne Bailey Rae and Alicia Keys, performing the song at Live Earth in 2007. It stormed the charts in the US, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart and number 1 on the R&B Singles Chart.

The other Marvin Song in this double-cover, 'I Want You', was released in April of 1976 from the album of the same name. The song is considered one of Gaye's most romantic songs, and reached number 15 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart and number 1 on the R&B Singles Chart, just as 'Mercy Mercy Me' did.

Robert Palmer decided that women weren't getting excited enough by his recordings and cut a cover version that combined both of these singles, thereby making women wetter than water.

Palmer released the dual cover in 1991 after including it on his extra-long 1990 album 'Don't Explain'. It reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, as well as number 16 in the US Singles Chart. Not too shabby.

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Devo

2008-06-12T22:24:00.003-04:00

Back to cool covers. Because I can't take much more crap this week. Maybe next week-who knows?

Seriously-if you don't think Devo are cool, then you are lame. Lamer than a lamoid who is lame as a lamey lamerson who is lame.

The Rolling Stones originally released this single in June of 1965, and would be on the subsequent full length album 'Out of Our Heads' the following month. A smash hit, the song gave the Stones their first number 1 single in the United States.

After controversy arose around the single in Europe (it was oringially played on pirate radio due to 'issues with the lyrics'), it was eventually released in the UK in August of 1965 and also reached number 1 there. This marked the Stones' fourth UK number one single. The song did not feature on the UK version of 'Out of Our Heads' since previously released singles were not added to albums at the time.

In 1978, after a number of years together, Devo released their first studio album entitled 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!'. Their cover of Satisfaction wa splaced right up front, as the second track on the first side of the album (just the second track now). The song was performed live by the band on an early episode of Saturday Night Live and remains a popular cover version by the band.

Mad World - Gary Jules

2008-06-11T22:38:00.003-04:00

My God. Has it been that long since I posted? That's what happens when vacations, new jobs, eating chips, sleeping, and added work after hours get in the way.

And what better way to start than with a cover song so grating, I want to walk right up to Gary Jules and punch him repeatedly in the groin. Yes, he sounds 'deep'. To me, it's deep all right. And I'm pulling up the hip waders to wade through the fecal matter this cover produces. I mean, what was this all about?

In 2001, Jules released the album 'Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets', and included his cover of 'Mad World'. The album literally took years to climb the charts, reaching the UK Top 40 and Billboard 200 in 2004, a good three years later. The cover song was included on the soundtrack to Donnie Darko in 2002, and demand for the song forced Jules to release it as a proper single in 2003. It reached number 30 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart (WTF?) in 2004, while over Christmas of 2003, it became the UK Christmas number 1. How...seasonal.

The original Tears For Fears version was sung by bassist Curt Smith, a rare departure from Roland Orzabal on lead vocals. The 3rd single by the band, it was released in November of 1982 as a single, later to appear on the 'The Hurting' album the following year.

It was also the band's first international hit, breaking in to the Top 40 in many countries, including number 2 in South Africa, number 6 in Ireland, and number 12 in Australia. Surprising success the band and the record label did not foresee, especially since the original idea was to make the song a B-side to 'Pale Shelter'.

Immigrant Song - Dread Zeppelin

2008-05-22T23:01:00.003-04:00

Tortelvis! Tiny Bass! Butt Boy!

This is the greatest cover band ever. I mean, ever. An Elvis impersonator fronting a Led Zeppelin tribute band that plays in reggae fashion? Awesomeness times a thousand.

Way back in them olden days known as the 1970s (1970 exactly, in fact), one of Led Zeppelin's rare single releases came out. 'Immigrant Song' was written in the summer of 1970 and debuted at the Bath Festival, before being released as a single in November of that year, against the wishes of the band. It managed to reach number 16 on the Billboard charts, and was the opening track on Led Zeppelin III, released the month before.

The single was released in Japan with 'Out on the Tiles' mistakenly replacing 'Hey Hey What Can I Do' as the B-side, making that single an incredibly rare and valuable item.

In 1989, Dread Zeppelin recorded their cover version at the home of Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, and released it as a 7" single exactly as Led Zeppelin did, with a cover of 'Hey Hey What Can I Do' as the B-side. It was a surprising success, and the song was included on the band's 1990 debut album, 'Un-Led-Ed'. The album also surprisingly reached 116 on the Billboard Album Chart.

Lovers In A Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies

2008-05-20T22:10:00.005-04:00

Well, that was some break. But in the words of Rainier Wolfcastle, "Laughing time is over."

So, where to start? Well, how about with a cover of Bruce Cockburn? Heh. Cockburn.

Back before the Barenaked Ladies became filler for CRTC-mandated airtime, Steven Page became Jack Layton's shill and gave up his Dante Hicks impressions, and Ed Robertson lost enough weight to create another Rita MacNeil, the band actually put out interesting, creative music. This cover seemed almost perfect for them.

In 1984, Cockburn released the album 'Stealing Fire'. He released 'Lovers' as a single, and it managed to reach number 25 on the Canadian singles chart in August of that same year.

In 1991, the album 'Kick at the Darkness' was released as a tribute to the work of Bruce Cockburn. The song was released as a single in Canada and is considered BNL's first significant singles chart success. It reached number 16 on the Canadian singles charts, and was subsequently included on the band's compilation album 'Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits' in 2001.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Minipops

2008-05-09T15:25:00.003-04:00

I've been really busy this week. And now I'm speanding a few days relaxing, sleeping, and boozing in beautiful Quebec City.

So let me present the most frightening cover version ever made. Well, for now.

That ought to hold you over for a few days.

Home - Westlife

2008-05-03T23:22:00.004-04:00

Canadian jazz and big band singer Michael Bublé released the single 'Home' in 2005 off of his hugely successful album 'It's Time'.

The single managed to top the Adult Contemporary charts, while also making respectable showings on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as the Adult Top 40, Pop 100, Hot Digital Songs, and UK Singles charts. It helped to continue Bublé's attraction to a wide variety of music fans.

Just two years later, in 2007, Westlife recorded and released their cover of the song, the first single from their album 'Back Home'. It was selected for them to record by the world's nicest person and uber humanitarian, Simon Cowell.

As Westlife were already a hit with the more youthful audiences of the UK and Europe, the single performed a bit better than the original. It made number 3 in the UK Single chart, and cracked the top ten in Ireland, Norway, and Sweden, while also being oddly successful in Taiwan. Who knew?

And is that the 747 aircraft you see on the tarmac at Dunsfold Park Airport on Top Gear? And what's up with the double engine?

Instant Karma - Duran Duran

2008-05-01T23:34:00.007-04:00

Less known by it's full title, 'Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)', this song is one of three John Lennon songs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lennon's third solo single for Apple Records, it is also one of the fastest released songs in music, having been written and recorded on the same day, and released about ten days after that.

The single debuted on February 10, 1970, and managed to reach number 3 on the US Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the UK Singles chart.

In 2006, Amnesty International released an album to support their fight against suffering in the Sudanese region of Darfur, entitled 'Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur'. Yoko Ono donated the rights and royalties to Lennon's songs to Amnesty for use in the 'Make Some Noise' project, of which this album was a part.

Duran Duran's cover of 'Instant Karma' was not on the initial release of the album. It was made available as an iTunes bonus track, and then made it's way on to Disc Two of the international (non-US) album.

The band performed the song live a number of times while on tour in 2006, and it has the 'honour' of being the last studio recording featuring guitarist Andy Taylor before he quit Duran Duran. Again.

Tainted Love - Soft Cell

2008-04-30T23:13:00.004-04:00

Psych.

You thought it was a Soft Cell original, didn't you? Well, you're wrong, Bubba. And now you'll be haunted for weeks by the freaky Star People in the video.

Gloria Jones recorded 'Tainted Love' in 1964 and released her first soul album, 'Come Go With Me' in 1966. She also worked as a songwriter for Uptown Records and Motown Records while continuing both her solo and backing vocal careers. She also worked with T. Rex, and dated lead singer Marc Bolan. T. Rex fans know her as the one behind the wheel in the car crash that killed Bolan in 1977.

Soft Cell released the song as their third single in 1981. It managed to reach number 1 on the UK Singles charts, as well as number 1 in numerous other countries. The UK release was backed by a memorable appearance on Top of The Pops. What for, I'm not sure, though I'd make it a toss-up between Marc's pants (please Hammer, don't hurt 'em), or Jimmy Savile's sweater. I'd swear there's a pot of gold at the end of it.

Dead Souls - Nine Inch Nails

2008-04-26T20:02:00.003-04:00

Wow, I've been lazy this week. No posts since Tuesday? Yikes.

In 1994, the movie 'The Crow' was released. It is best known as the movie where Brandon Lee died on set in mysterious circumstances when he was shot by a live bullet.

The soundtrack to the movie featured a number of covers, including this cover of Joy Division's 'Dead Souls'. The song was originally released on the 1981 compilation album 'Still', a collection of rare recordings and their last ever live performance at Birmingham University.

Nine Inch Nails recorded the song for The Crow soundtrack, as mentioned above, and was one of a number of cover songs on the album, which also included the Rollins Band cover of 'Ghost Rider' by Suicide.

Green Green Grass of Home - Tom Jones

2008-04-22T22:58:00.003-04:00

In 1964, Porter Wagoner released the single, 'Green Green Grass of Home', a song written by Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. And while made famous by Porter, it was covered almost yearly for the next few years, including versions by Bobby Bare in 1965, Jerry Lee Lewis in 1966, Johnny Cash in 1968, and Joan Baez in 1969.

The Wagoner original managed to reach number 4 on the US Singles chart by the time 1965 rolled around.

However, one of the more successful versions of the song was by Mr. Sexual Welshman himself, Tom Jones. Jones released the album of the same name, 'Green Green Grass of Home' in 1967, but the single preceded the album during the winter months of 1966. In fact, the single managed to hold on the the number 1 spot in the UK for 7 weeks, and was the Christmas Number 1 for the year 1966.

Lola - Robbie Williams

2008-04-18T23:39:00.004-04:00

In one of the first posts on the blog, I highlighted 'Band on the Run' by the Foo Fighters, from the 'BBC Radio 1 Established 1967' compilation album. Here's another one from that same album, this time by Robbie Williams.

In 1970, The Kinks released the album 'Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One', and in June of that year released what would become one of their most famous singles, 'Lola'. The song detailed a romantic encounter between a man and a transvestite in a London club. Lead singer Ray Davies was inspired to write the song after band manager Robert Wace spent an evening dancing with a transvestite.

The single reached number 2 on the UK Singles charts, while reaching the 9 spot on the US Hot 100 chart.

In September of 2007, Robbie Williams selected the song as his choice for a cover song on the 'BBC Radio 1 Established 1967' album, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the BBC station. No official video or single release was done, as you can see by this lovely overdub of some other footage.

Yay for that. I think.

Live and Let Die - Guns N' Roses

2008-04-16T23:05:00.002-04:00

Any else want a free Dr. Pepper? Well, then tell Axl to get working on Chinese Democracy, would you?

Released in 1973 for the soundtrack to the James Bond movie, Live and Let Die, this Wings wingle was the first rock song to be used as a theme to a Bond movie. The song reunited Paul McCartney with his former Beatles producer George Martin, and also marked the first Bond film that John Barry was not a part of when it came to music.

The single was quite successful itself, reaching number 2 in the US and staying there for three weeks, while it reached number 9 on the UK Singles chart. The song became a highlight of Wings and McCartney's live shows, and he continues to play it to this day, including during Paul's appearance at Super Bowl XXXIX.

Guns N' Roses included their cover of the song on their 1991 album, Use Your Illusion I, notable for being release simultaneously with the album Use Your Illusion II. The song was one of a number of singles off the 'double album' release, only reaching number 33 on US charts, but hitting number 3 in the UK.

Go West - Pet Shop Boys

2008-04-14T22:55:00.002-04:00

Okay-I've had enough crap for one week. How about some fun, campy dance songs? And if it's fun and camp you want, how about Village People and Pet Shop Boys in one?

The Village People released the single off the album of the same title, 'Go West', in 1979. However, it did not enjoy the same success their previous singles 'YMCA', and the big single from the 'Go West' album, 'In The Navy'.

The Pet Shop Boys enjoyed much more success with the song, releasing it in 1993 off the album 'Very'. It managed to reach number 2 on the UK Singles chart, as well as in Austria, France, and Sweden, while it reached number 1 in Germany, but only 10 in Australia.

The music video was honoured with a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 1995, but lost out to the old and decrepit Rolling Stones.

Yvan eht nioj.

Papa Don't Preach - Kelly Osbourne

2008-04-12T21:40:00.006-04:00

It takes a special kind of talent to turn a song into a 'musical abortion'. Strangely, Kelly Osbourne doesn't have that, or any other, talent. And yet she still managed to turn this Madonna single into something resembling drunken monkey vomit being spit up by an elephant with the flu.

Released by Madonna in 1996 as the second single from her third album 'True Blue', the lyrics depicted a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and decides to keep the child. The controversial topic contributed to the single's success, as it reached number 1 in countless markets and on numerous charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot 100 Airplay in the USA, and the singles charts in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Australia.

Osbourne released the song as her debut single from the album 'Shut Up' in 2002. It managed to-through some unworldly reason-reach number 3 in both the UK and Australian Singles charts.

There apparently were whispers making the rounds that her version was about her famous father, Ozzy. Unless Ozzy became a pregnant teenage girl at some point and kept his (her?) baby, I doubt it. I mean, really...

Blue Monday - Orgy

2008-04-10T22:34:00.004-04:00

Remember this abomination? If you didn't, my apologies for reminding you.

I mean, we get it, guys. You made Orgy emo before emo was cool (or depressing?), and you enjoy attempting self-fellatio while showing your 'mad skillz' on the guitar. This song wasn't mean to be 'moaned', either, you douchebags.

New Order released the original 'Blue Monday' in 1983, and is one of the longest tracks (at 7 minutes-plus) to chart in the UK. It is also recognized as the best selling 12" single of all time. And while Bernard Sumner never really discusses lyrics from New Order tracks, there have been guesses that this song is about their friend and former Joy Division singer Ian Curtis' suicide, the effects of cocaine, and even the Falklands War.

The song originally hit number 13 in 1983, then re-charted up to number 9 on the UK Singles chart. It was remixed and re-released twice, in 1988 and 1995.

Orgy released their depressing (in a bad way) cover in 1998 off the album 'Candyass'. Not a very emo title, is it? Anyway, the single actually did well, and everyone who bought it must report to jail for a severe beating. I mean, it hit number 56 on the US Hot 100 chart, and 18 on the US Mainstream Rock chart, and a more baffling number 4 on the US Modern Rock chart and number 2 on the US Dance Club Play chart. Dance Club? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

Hurt - Johnny Cash

2008-04-08T21:40:00.004-04:00

I've been sick, sneezing, and have had those all-over body pains the past few days. So I'm going to post a depressing cover. You'll get over it.

Just say the name Johnny Cash and you immediately think cool. This song was the last single Johnny released before his death in 2003. He released it in 2002 from the album 'American IV: The Man Comes Around', and the accompanying video made it all the more depressing when you think about his health, his wife's Rosanne's health, and how they must have felt those last few months.

The cover was awarded the Country Music Award for "Single of the Year" in 2003, and was the top video on CMT for 2003. The single was released with two more covers, 'Personal Jesus' by Depeche Mode and 'Wichita Lineman' by Glen Campbell.

Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails never released the original version of the song as a commercial single, but did distribute a promotional CD with 6 different mixes. Even without the commercial release, the song managed to reach number 8 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

It's My Life - No Doubt

2008-04-05T21:56:00.003-04:00

I almost forgot about this cover. Then, while following the other half dutifully through a store looking at furniture, it began playing over the in-store system. And all was good in the world.

In January of 1984, Talk Talk released 'It's My Life' as the first single off of their album of the same name. The song was considered a disappointment in the UK, where it only reached number 46 on the UK Singles chart. It managed to reach number 31 on the US charts, and even higher in some European markets.

In 1990, the song was re-released to promote Talk Talk's compilation album 'Natural History: The Very Best of Talk Talk'. This time around it managed to reach 13 on the UK Singles chart.

In late 2003, No Doubt released their cover to promote their own singles compilation album 'The Singles 1992-2003'. The band initially had doubts over recording the song, but in the end decided to record it over covering 'Don't Change' by INXS or writing a completely new song. That decision paid off as it was nominated for a Grammy Award for 'Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal' and won the Grammy for 'Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical' for the 'Thin White Duke' remix of the song.

20th Century Boy - Placebo

2008-04-03T23:15:00.003-04:00

Why bother with clips from the movie our latest cover featured in, or a sad homemade video, when you can just use the clip of Placebo and David Bowie performing live?

Exactly-you don't bother with the others.

In 1997, Placebo were asked to play at David Bowie's 50th birthday party celebration at Madison Square Garden, and selected the T. Rex classic, '20th Century Boy'. They also played the song with Bowie at the 1997 BRIT Awards. A year later, the band recorded a studio version of the song for the soundtrack to the movie 'Velvet Goldmine', a movie in which the band also performed the song. It was never officially released as a single, however.

T. Rex released the original in 1973, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles chart. The song was never an original track on a full-length album, but it was included as a bonus track on the reissue of the band's 1973 album 'Tanx'.

Castles Made of Sand - Red Hot Chili Peppers

2008-04-02T23:17:00.002-04:00

Appearance number two for the Peppers on our little list.

While this video and the more popular recording of the song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers are live, the band did record a studio version of the song and included it as a bonus track through iTunes on 'Blood Sugar Sex Magic', so it qualifies here.

Jimi Hendrix released the song in 1967 in the UK and 1968 in the United States on the 'Axis: Bold As Love' album. It was written about his childhood, and it has been claimed by his brother that Jimi, himself, and their mother are all subjects in the song.

The Chili Peppers included the live version on the 'Out in L.A.' compilation of live tracks, b-sides, and outtakes in 1994, and then added it to the remastered 'Mother's Milk' in 2003. The studio version was actually recorded in 1991, and as mentioned, was made available on iTunes.

By the way-Flea's pants? Awesomeness.

China Girl - David Bowie

2008-04-01T22:21:00.005-04:00

Bet you didn't see this one coming, did you? Okay, maybe if you're a Bowie fan or a music nerd.

No, David Bowie didn't record this song first. He wrote it first, though. Well, he co-wrote it with Iggy Pop. And Iggy was the first to record the song for his 1977 album, 'The Idiot'. The two wrote the song, as well as the 'Idiot' album during their time together in Berlin the late 1970s.

The song, originally titled 'Borderline', was about the feelings Iggy felt toward Kuelan Nguyen, the partner of a French singer also recording at Château d'Hérouville with Iggy and Bowie. She did not feel the same, as you might imagine.

Bowie rerecorded the song and released it as a single off of his highly successful 1983 album 'Let's Dance'. He did so to help his friend Iggy, who was experiencing financial troubles at the time. By releasing the song not only on the album, but as a successful single, Bowie was able to let Pop collect royalties as co-writer.

Sweet, isn't it?

Iron Man - The Cardigans

2008-03-31T22:10:00.003-04:00

Yes, you are reading that right. The Cardigans do the Black Sabbath classic, 'Iron Man'. I don't know what to say, either.

Ozzy Osbourne and Sabbath released the album 'Paranoid' in 1970 with this song, and it has since become a signature song for the band. The song itself was released as a single in October of 1971, only managing to reach 52 on the charts. In 2000, it was awarded the Grammy for Best Metal Performance.

Wrestling fans may even recognize it as the original entrance theme of the famous tag team The Road Warriors.

The Cardigans never released the song as a single, only including it on their breakthrough album 'First Band on the Moon' in 1996. This version lacks the distinctive guitar riff of the original, and is a lot more mellow. You could almost say it was recorded as a ballad, if you weren't aware of the dark lyrics and story behind the song.

Where The Streets Have No Name/I Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Pet Shop Boys

2008-03-30T22:11:00.003-04:00

Well, that was a nice long weekend. Well, from this place - not in holiday terms.

So, what's better than a cool cover song? How about two cool cover songs wrapped in one?

OK, so it's not the greatest work ever done by the Pet Shop Boys, but I've always enjoyed this. In 1991, the boys released 'Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)' as a non-album, double A-side single as a precursor to their first ever world tour. It reached number four on the UK singles chart and number nine in Australia, while failing to break through the mainstream charts in the US.

The main cover is, of course, of 'Where The Streets Have No Name' by U2. It was released in August of 1987 as the third single off of 'The Joshua Tree', and for the most part, is thought to refer to the streets of Belfast, being able to tell a person's religion and social status by their street and address, and Bono's dream of living where the 'streets have no name' to avoid this situation. The song reached a respectable thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100, eleven on the Modern Rock charts, fourteen on the Canadian charts, and an even better number four on the UK charts.

Meanwhile, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' was released by Frankie Valli in 1967. It was released with his vocal group, The Four Seasons, and remained his biggest solo success until 1974's 'My Eyes Adored You'. Artists as diverse as The Lettermen, Lauren Hill, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, and Save Ferris have also covered the song.

Get It On (Bang a Gong) - The Power Station

2008-03-27T20:44:00.004-04:00

Ah, the Supergroup. No, not Supertramp.

In 1984, when Duran Duran went on a break that became a long hiatus, members Andy Taylor and John Taylor joined up with former Chic drummer Tony Thompson to form The Power Station, a supergroup that would see the three musicians record an album of songs with various guest vocalists. When Robert Palmer was invited to sing on one track and discovered the band planned to record the old T. Rex single 'Get It On', he asked to audition for it. He remained with The Power Station for the entire album.

The original T. Rex version, from the album 'Electric Warrior', topped the UK charts in mid 1971, while the US release reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1972. Interestingly, the song had to be released as 'Bang a Gong' in the US due to a similarly titled release around the same time by a band called Chase. Hence, you get The Power Station's title 'Get It On (Bang A Gong)'.

The Power Station released the song as the second single of their eponymous debut, 'The Power Station', and reached only number 22 in the UK. However, it did manage to peak at number nine on the US charts, placing it one spot higher than the original.

If you also wish to watch a really chessy performance of the song, check out YouTube for 'Power Station's Appearance On Miami Vice'. Oh no, you have to go looking if you want to see it. I mean, talk about bad acting. But I don't want to hurt Don Johnson's feelings-just check out the gyrations of The Power Station's second lead singer, Michael Des Barres. Yikes.

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - William Shatner

2008-03-26T21:44:00.003-04:00

I know, I know. I said that home made music videos are the spawn of Satan and smell like raccoon droppings mixed with rancid milk. Well, I'm making an exception. This is absolute genius. And no man is more deserving of it than William Shatner. I laughed like a giddy little schoolgirl.

Anyway...

In 1967, The Beatles released 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', one of their most influential albums and number one on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of 'The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time'. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, the third song on side 1 of the album, was said to be influenced by a drawing made by Julian Lennon, as well as Lucy Cook, daughter of British comedian Peter Cook and a one time love interest of John Lennon.

The following year, in 1968, William Shatner released his debut album 'The Transformed Man', an album of music with spoken word over top. It's a style Shatner played on from his character Captain James T. Kirk in 'Star Trek'.

The internet saw a resurgence of interest in Shatner's work decades later. His cover of this particular song has been named in a variety of fan polls as the 'one of the worst pop recordings ever'.

I just think it's awesome. I mean...it's Shatner! And this video deserves all the publicity it can get. Hat's off to you, mister Adobe After Effects guy.

Cat's in the Cradle - Ugly Kid Joe

2008-03-25T21:53:00.003-04:00

As I drove to work today, I noticed a man pulled over in a parking lot, apparently checking out his truck. But as I passed him, I noticed he was actually bent over, vomiting in the driveway of said lot.

That pretty much sums up how I feel about this cover. No sane human should ever have to hear this again. I apologize for reminding you of its existence.

Harry Chapin released the song off of his 1974 album 'Verities & Balderdash', and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December of that year. It is often mistaken for a Cat Stevens tune, and this Ugly Kid Joe cover of the song has also been mistaken as being by Skid Row or Guns 'n Roses. Even I wouldn't wish that on them.

Ugly Kid Joe somehow reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the UK Singles Chart during 1993, including it on their 1992 release 'America's Least Wanted'. Oh, how witty those boys were with their plays on words.

Here's hoping the ghost of Harry Chapin haunts them every day of their lives.

Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers

2008-03-24T20:29:00.003-04:00

Remember when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were a rock and funk band, all about the fast, hard music? Yeah, me too. Good times, they were. Then they went all 'radio friendly' and mature. Can't scare the old folks anymore...

To me, this cover of Stevie Wonder's 'Higher Ground' came on the tail end of that chapter in the RHCP story. It was released off the 1989 album 'Mother's Milk', and was named by Total Guitar magazine as the second greatest cover song ever in 2000.

Stevie originally recorded the song in 1973 for his 'Innervisions' album. The song reached number four on the US Pop Singles chart and number one on the US Hot Soul Singleschart. It well know for it's unique wah-clavinet sound.

The song has also appeared on soundtracks and in movies after it became popular. But seriously-Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Guitar Hero, and The Pursuit of Happyness and some dirty no-talent Idol hacks 'interpreting it'? Why, Anthony, why? And you, too Stevie...

Must wash dirtiness off hands and out of ears...

Love - The Dream Academy

2008-03-23T21:22:00.003-04:00

Sorry, no 'Life in a Northern Town' this time.

Is there anything more overblown and cringe-worthy than the 'Funky Drummer' drum break sample so prevalent in 80s music? Well, get ready to cringe, my friends. The Dream Academy bring you their cover of 'Love' by John Lennon, complete with the Funky Drummer.

The Dream Academy included this cover on their 1990 album 'A Different Kind of Weather', and released 'Love' as a single. It was also what turned out to be their penultimate single. How'd it do? I can't find that information. Let's say....14. You decide which chart and where.

Night and Day - U2

2008-03-22T20:22:00.002-04:00

Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick-would someone tell Bono to put a shirt on?

In 1990, the Red Hot Organization released the first of the Red Hot Benefit Series, an album titled Red Hot + Blue. The album consisted of modern pop and rock musicians covering the songs of Cole Porter, and the album is named for his musical, 'Red Hot and Blue'.

U2 covered the song 'Night and Day' in a somewhat dark style. And then they spoiled it by allowing Bono to go without a shirt under his jacket in the video. Yeesh. Though I did enjoy The Edge's impression of Aunt Jemima.

The album was re-released in 2006 as a CD/DVD set, with the album digitally remastered and all videos from the album included on the DVD.

None of the songs were released as official singles, but that did not stop the album from selling over one million copies, making it one of the music industry's first major AIDS benefit releases.

Femme Fatale - Duran Duran

2008-03-21T21:25:00.003-04:00

In 1967, The Velvet Underground released the album 'The Velvet Underground and Nico'. It was preceded by the single 'Femme Fatale', which featured Nico as guest vocalist.

The song was written about socialite Edie Sedgwick, a frequent star in several of Andy Warhol's short films. Warhol himself asked Lou Reed to write the song. Sedgwick would die from an apparent overdose just a few years later.

Duran Duran recorded the song for their self-titled 1993 album, 'Duran Duran', which would become popularly known as 'The Wedding Album' because of the cover photos. It was the start of a number of covers done by the band which ultimately lead to the 1995 covers album 'Thank You'.

Unknown to many, Duran Duran actually recorded a video for the song and released it as a single in France only. It became the seventh single off the album, if you include the three worldwide singles and four single-country only singles.

The video was directed by Ellen von Unwerth, who is more popularly known for her work as a photographer in the fashion world, as well as for bands from Duran Duran to Depeche Mode to Britney Spears.

Run Runaway - Great Big Sea

2008-03-20T23:29:00.005-04:00

Before you ask-no, I have no idea why the video uploader squeezed the picture in at the side like that. Now stop worrying and read.

EDIT: Hmmmm, sometimes it plays in full screen. Ignore me.

In 1995, Great Big Sea released 'Run Runaway' off their album 'Up'. The song was a cover of the Slade song from their 1983 album 'The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'. If you are in the USA and don't recognize that album, it's because the album was released as 'Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply' with a different track listing.

Silly Americans.

The song was Slade's biggest US hit, reaching 20 on the Top 40 charts. It reached 7 in the UK Charts.

The Great Big Sea version has a distinct Celtic sound as traditional East Coast music does in Canada. It's also highly energetic and became a hit amongst younger listeners and a staple at dance clubs and bars across the country.

Born to Run - Frankie Goes To Hollywood

2008-03-19T22:23:00.004-04:00

It's strange thinking about Frankie Goes To Hollywood's debut album, 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome', and realizing that there were three full cover songs on the album. While most people are pretty familiar with 'War', they also included 'San Jose (The Way)' (a cover of 'Do You Know the Way To San Jose' by Dionne Warwick), as well as this gem-'Born to Run' by Bruce Springsteen. It also included a snippet of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' in the song 'snatch of fury (Stay)'.

The song, as you can guess by Holly Johnson's comments at the start of this live performance, did not sit well with some of The Boss's fans. But many did enjoy it, and the bombastic Frankie-style recording included the typical up-beat Springsteen style, with Holly's loud, almost Broadway-style voice, along with the unthinkable-a bass solo in place of Clarence Clemon's popular sax solo.

Born to Run was never released as a single by FGTH, but it did become a well known song amongst those who love 80s music, the boss, and the British scene of the time.

Ring of Fire - Social Distortion

2008-03-18T23:45:00.003-04:00

Warning-pointless home made video ahead. If a still photo of the album can be considered a 'video'.

This Social Distortion cover is one of those songs that brings out extremes of opinion-from the 'very good' to 'insert cursing here' comments and opinions. Very little middle ground, it seems. But the internet wouldn't be full of moaners and doomers, would it?

Recorded by the late, great Johnny Cash in 1963 for his 'Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash' album, the song eventually became Johnny's most successful single, remaining at number one for seven weeks. However, this version was actually a cover in itself. Johnny's sister-in-law, Anita Carter, recorded the song as '(Love's) Ring of Fire' in 1962 for her album called, oddly enough, 'Ring of Fire'. Johnny took the song when it failed to prove a hit, and recorded it differently, most notably adding the mariachi horns.

When Social Distortion released their version in 1990 on the self-titled album 'Social Distortion', it also proved a hit, becoming the most commercially successful remake of the song, reaching number 25 on the Modern Rock chart.

Oh Girl - Paul Young

2008-03-17T22:58:00.004-04:00

Would you expect any description other than 'white soul' for the former lead singers of 'Q-Tips'? Who names their band after something you shove in your ear anyway? I might start a band called 'Waxy Build-Up'.

Paul Young embarked on a solo career in 1982 when he signed for CBS Records. He managed to forge a successful career on the heels of the albums 'No Parlez' and 'The Secret of Association'. Both albums, though, highlighted his dependence on covering other artists' music more often than not.

Singles from his first two albums included covers of 'Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)' by Marvin Gaye, 'Love of the Common People' by Waylon Jennings, 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by Joy Division, and even 'Everytime You Go Away', originally recorded by Hall & Oates on their 1980 album 'Voices'.

'Oh Girl' was originally recored by The Chi-Lites in 1972, and released on their album, 'A Lonely Man'. Paul covered it in 1990, and included it on the album 'Other Voices'.

Umbrella - Manic Street Preachers

2008-03-15T21:40:00.003-04:00

Homemade still photo videos are an abomination and should be burned at the stake.

Well, we got that out of the way early. I feel better now.

So, what do you do when the NME asks you to contribute to a CD for the 2008 NME Awards? When you are the Manic Street Preachers, you record the most annoying song of the previous year and make it sound cool, that's what. So there.

In February of 2008, the NME gave away a souvenir box set with the magazine. It included numerous artists, but the Manics' choice stood out. They recored 'Umbrella', originally released by Rhianna in 2007. The less said about it the better.

Two other interesting factoids: The song was not and will not be released as an official single, and Rhianna performed it with British band Klaxons at the 2008 Brit Awards, not the Manics.

Take A Chance On Me - Erasure

2008-03-14T23:18:00.003-04:00

Remember the big Abba revival if the early 1990's? So do I, unfortunately.

Considered part of the driving force behind this revival, Erasure released the EP 'Abba-esque' in 1992 as a tribute to one of their favourite bands. And it was a good thing they did as well, as it marked their first UK number 1 hit. And though it was never officially released as a single, 'Take A Chance On Me' was played quite regularly on US radio, where it hit 51 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.

Erasure - Take A Chance On Me

In an odd twist, the Abba tribute band Björn Again released their own album called 'Erasure-ish' the same year 'Abba-esque' was released as a 'response' to Erasure.

Caravan of Love - The Housemartins

2008-03-13T22:31:00.003-04:00

Isley-Jasper-Isley was a group spun off from the legendary Isley Brothers. Founded in 1984, they released three albums, yet only one single, 'Caravan of Love', was met with any success. The single was released in 1985 and was heavily influenced by Chris Jasper's Christian beliefs.

A year later, in November of 1986, The Housemartins released 'Caravan of Love' as a single only, before including it on their singles album 'Now That's What I Call Quite Good'.

And for those of you not familiar with The Housemartins-yes, that is Norman Cook, aka 'Fatboy Slim' you saw. The Housemartins his first muscial group before experimenting with others like Beats International and Freakpower, as well as alter egos like 'Pizzaman', before settling on Fatboy Slim.

King of the Road - The Proclaimers

2008-03-12T22:11:00.003-04:00

When I was young, I discovered the coolness of Roger Miller singing 'King of the Road'. I also believed I was cool because I sang along while using an old electric shaver as a microphone. I wonder how many different illnesses I caught after holding that thing so close to my mouth.

Miller recorded the song in 1965, and it hit number one on the US Country and UK Singles charts, while also hitting an impressive number four on the US Singles chart.

Charlie and Craig Reid, best know to you and I as The Proclaimers, released the EP 'King of the Road' in 1990, just two years after releasing 'Sunshine on Leith', the album which contained their breakthrough hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'. Interestingly enough, that song didn't become a hit until 5 years later, after it's inclusion on the Benny & Joon soundtrack.

In 2001, 'Sunshine on Leith' was re-released in the US with the entire 'King of the Road' EP tacked on to the end.

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Tori Amos

2008-03-11T23:03:00.003-04:00

Quite possibly the defining song of the 'grunge' movement in the early 1990s, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' launched Nirvana as a mainstream group and pretty much put Seattle on the music map worldwide.

Released in 1992, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' was the first single off of the breakthrough album 'Nevermind'. The success of the single lead many critics and music aficionados to declare it an anthem for Generation X, and some even called it one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

Tori Amos recorded the song soon after for her 1992 EP, 'Crucify'. It only appeared on the US release, however. Her version is a gentle, melodic version played only on piano.

It's amazing how, when played in a manner completely opposite to the original song, you enjoy something you really didn't care for anymore. Tori's version is quite relaxing, and her 'presentation' of the song (as opposed to the screaming, sometimes mumbled singing by Kurt Cobain), allows you to listen closely and appreciate that there actually was something to the lyrics.

Strawberry Fields Forever - Candy Flip

2008-03-10T21:28:00.004-04:00

Is there a band more covered than The Beatles? I could post for years using nothing but covers of Beatles singles, but you might become bored with it all. Unless you're some crazy Beatles fan who listens to them 24/7, alone in your parents' basement, wondering about that hot girl you saw in the Sears catalogue...

Anyway...Candy Flip. Yes, Candy Flip. They were a British electronic band who lumped in with the Manchester (or 'Madchester') music scene. They released 'Strawberry Fields Forever' as a single in 1990, followed by their full-length album 'Madstock...The Continuing Adventures of Bubble Car Fish' in 1991. No, I have no idea what it means, either.

The band were pretty much a one-hit wonder, and the members all moved on to other minor groups or music industry jobs after splitting. I guess it's not a good thing to start your career covering a song by one of the most successful and popular bands ever, and then ride along on the coattails of one of the most influential music scenes ever.

But it was kinda cool owning the 7" single on casette.

Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts

2008-03-09T17:14:00.006-04:00

If you have children, you know this cover. Because your children have the movie 'Cars', and they play it over and over and over. And over. Then again, before playing it once more on top of repeating it after they've played it endlessly.

'Life is a Highway' was released by Tom Cochrane in 1991 on the album 'Mad, Mad World'. The song was his only Top 40 hit in the USA, as well as a staple on Canadian radio.

In 2006, Rascal Flatts recorded the song for the Disney/Pixar movie 'Cars', and it was awarded the 'Favorite Song From a Movie' award at the People's Choice Awards. Which isn't much to be proud of. It's the People's Choice Awards we're talking about here.

The thing that gets me about this video is it's almost typical of movie soundtrack singles. Very little effort other than having the band 'play along', with a dash of move clips thrown in, just in case you didn't know what movie it was from, or had never heard of the movie and needed the studios to market to you some more.

It's just that terrible.

I was never a big Tom Cochrane fan, but at least I could respect him for being a real musician and not dishing out studio-mandated crap, or playing along to something other people wrote for you and called 'your sound'.

But having heard this, I feel for Tom. Did he need the money, or did a studio/record label lackey with the power to sell Tom's music make this decision for him?

Ball of Confusion - Love & Rockets

2008-03-08T21:32:00.003-05:00

While commonly known as 'Ball of Confusion', this Temptations single's full name is 'Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today').

First released in 1970, the song addresses many issues facing the world at it's time of release, including the Vietnam War, corrupt politicians, and segregation, without taking a solid stance or viewpoint. When it came time for Love & Rockets to record the song, they made a slight change to the lyrics so they could add the word 'Reaganomics', a swipe at the US government of the time when their version came out.

Love & Rockets - Ball Of Confusion
Uploaded by jpdc11

Love & Rockets released this as their first single in 1985, though it did not appear on the initial UK LP release of their first album, 'Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven', though it did appear on the Canadian LP and US CD releases.

It was an interesting choice for the band, given their sound and 'look', which was more gothic than Motown, you'd have to agree.

Never Can Say Goodbye - The Communards

2008-03-06T22:47:00.003-05:00

You can never go wrong with a Jackson 5 cover. Well, maybe you can-but this song is just so peppy, fun, and typically 80s. The Jackson 5 released 'Never Can Say Goodbye in 1971, as a single off their album 'Maybe Tomorrow'.

But you may be thinking to yourself, "I know Michael is kinda girly and high-pitched when he sings, but I swear a woman sings this song." And you'd be thinking right. This song also became popular when it was released by Gloria "I Will Survive" Gaynor in 1974.

The Communards - Never Can Say Goodbye
Uploaded by killian45

The Communards' video for the song comes across as typically 80s. The hair, the clothes, the dancing, the absolutely-nothing-to-do-with-the-lyrics video itself...and let's not forget the song, and how it was perfect for the synth-pop of the 80s music scene.

Jimmy Somerville, lead singer of The Communards, was also known for his work as lead singer of Bronski Beat, they of 'Smalltown Boy' fame. You may also remember Jimmy's backing vocals on another cover song, 'Suspicious Minds' by Fine Young Cannibals. I think he broke some of my dishes hitting the high notes on that one.

Gone Daddy Gone - Gnarls Barkley

2008-03-05T20:36:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows Gnarls Barkley for their hit single, "Crazy". But how many other Gnarls Barkley singles could the average Joe name?

If you said zero, you win a year's supply of Turtle Wax. Or not. I can't afford it, really.

'Gone Daddy Gone' was the third US single released by the band in 2006, and was part of a double-single release in the UK along with 'Who Cares?'

The original version was released in 1982 by the Violent Femmes. The song actually includes an entire verse taken from 'I Just Want To Make Love To You', recorded by Willie Dixon in 1954.

If you Google the song title, you'd never know this was a Violent Femmes song. Well, almost never. You'd think it was all Gnarls. And I'm sure there's some nitwit somewhere who does.

Band on the Run - Foo Fighters

2008-03-04T21:59:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, on first listen, some cover songs just rock. And you can't stop listening to them.

Foo Fighters' cover of 'Band on the Run' is one of those songs.

This cover appeared in 2007 as part of the BBC Radio 1 compilation 'BBC Radio 1 Established 1967'. Forty artists covering forty songs, each given a year from which to choose a song that charted in the Top 20. It's a great album, and you may enjoy listening to artists or songs you never believed you'd give a second thought to. Even Britney Spears.

It's albums like this that make the UK scene that much cooler.

Perfect Day - Duran Duran

2008-03-03T23:10:00.002-05:00

In April of 1995, Duran Duran released an album of cover songs called Thank You. While panned by critics on the whole, the album actually produced a few quality cover versions including 'White Lines', 'Success', and the title track, 'Thank You'.

The second single, however, was singled out by the original artist as "the best cover ever done of one of my songs." That song was Perfect Day, originally composed and performed by Lou Reed.

The interesting part about the video to Perfect Day was that original Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor returned to play on the single and appear in the video. He also made a promotional appearance for the single on Top of the Pops. He would not appear with the band again until the 2001 original Fab Five reunion.

As a Duran Duran fan, I have to say that this a version of the band I would have preferred. Sorry Andy Taylor defenders, but Warren Cuccurullo is my choice. Without getting in to a long-winded debate, I prefer him as a creative guitarist, a strong songwriter, and due to the fact that he spent more time with the band than Andy ever did, or ever wanted to.

But I digress.

This certainly wasn't the first cover song Duran Duran recorded, but it is one of the more beautiful tracks they've released. The band also released covers (separate from Thank You) of David Bowie's 'Fame' and 'Diamond Dogs', John Lennon's 'Instant Karma', and a live version of Cockney Rebel's 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)', which included an appearance by Steve Harley.

But as for Perfect Day, well-I wouldn't have started this with any other cover song.