COVERVILLE, 2
My 10 Favorite Covers
Last week, after my Coverville essay about what makes a cover song worthwhile, my friends (and writing colleagues) asked me to share my top ten favorite interpretations. I can't stress enough that a great song stands the test of time and should afford future interpretations by other acts and performers. Off the top of my head, and in no particular order, these are 10 (plus 20 more) of my favorites that I did not mention last week:
"Driving With The Brakes On" by Colin Hay
One of my favorite songs of 2021. It was initially written and released in 1995 by the Scottish alt-rock band Del Amitri. (Check out the original.) Here was Mr. Hay (Men At Work) now sharing his acoustic rendition and claiming it as his own. In fine vocal form, too, his plaintive voice was raw and passionate. I hope you take the time to appreciate this song and his wonderful album of cover songs entitled I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself (Compass Records).
"Freelin' Alright" by Joe Cocker
As stated in my previous article, Cocker is one of the best song interpreters ever. It's shameful that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has yet to vote him in. Regardless, his soulful, gravel-voice reading of Traffic's evergreen classic is funkier, rocks harder, and is better than the Dave Mason-penned original.
"My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane
Okay, it is not a rock song, BUT it's one of my favorite jazz interpretations by the master saxophonist John Coltrane. The original was first heard in the musical The Sound Of Music, performed by Julie Andrews. I started playing this 1961 recording as a college DJ in the late '70s on my weekly jazz program. It never gets old, never dull; it just swings.
"Mama Told Me Not To Come" by Three Dog Night
First heard on singer-songwriter Randy Newman's nearly-perfect album 12 Songs. The rock band Three Dog Night were chart-topping hitmakers in the early '70s with Newman's song and Harry Nillsson's "One." This cheeky song was about debauchery at LA parties. Don't bogart that joint, dude.
This beloved song was written and recorded by Leonard Cohen, then covered by John Cale (Velvet Underground), and then transformed by Jeff Buckley. I used to see Jeff's riveting solo performances at the tiny Irish coffee shop Sin-é in the East Village. Just him, his guitar, and his angelic voice. Suffice it to say, this song would make all of us swoon.
When it was released on the Jeff Beck Group's "Orange" album, it instantly became an FM radio staple on WMMS in Cleveland. (This was my favorite lineup of the JBG.) Written by songwriter, musician, and producer Don Nix, it was first covered by the band Moloch and then by many artists, including Freddie King, J.J. Cale, Delaney & Bonnie, Stevie Ray Vaughan, etc. What is remarkable about Mr. Beck's performance is his complete guitar mastery, and he never leaned on pedals to create his "sound." This rambunctious guitar freak-out stomp is one for the ages.
"Border Song (Holy Moses)" by Aretha Franklin
Most know and love Elton John's "Border Song" from his self-titled album from 1970. After all, he was beginning his recording legacy with lyricist and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Moreover, it was his first song to make the U.S. radio charts, peaking just under 100. When Aretha recorded it and added "Holy Moses" to the title, it charted even higher. Aretha's natural gospel style added an element of spirituality that lifted the song to new heights.
Yes, Devo is from my hometown, and they rented rehearsal space from my father for a short period. I saw them "develop" their sound at the local biker bar in Akron. And I love their sound. Their Rolling Stones’ cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" was required listening at all of our college parties, but I preferred this "deconstructed" Barrett Strong "Money" cover. After all, I first heard The Beatles cover it on their Second Album and was hooked.
"I Can't Write Left Handed" by John Legend & The Roots
Bill Withers wrote and recorded this antiwar creed in the early '70s, and it appeared on one of my favorite concert albums, his Live at Carnegie Hall. John Legend & The Roots perform it with the same mournful empathy and reverence but add a gospel edge that raises it to the heavens. It's both fierce and tender.
"Turn On Your Love Light" by The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead covered many songs live and often made them their own. This gem was written by blues singer Bobby "Blue" Bland, covered by Janis Joplin, The Human Beinz (remember them?), Jerry Lee Lewis, Van Morrison, etc., but for my money, nobody did it better than Pigpen and the boys from Live/Dead. I can play this song any time of day or night and can't help myself but dance. Majestic live Dead in all their glory (and my favorite band lineup). Live renditions of "Good Lovin'" from 1971 are also quite epic.
BONUS TRACK & BACKSTORY
"Mellow Yellow" by Dusty Wright
About five years ago, I was knocking around a version of Donovan's timeless classic. I've always felt he's one of the '60s best singer-songwriters. I knew his son-in-law and thought he might dig it and sing on it. I shared an early rough mix with Jason, and Jason played it for him at Christmas. A few weeks later, Donovan emailed me and told me he liked it, and my rendition reminded him of Mose Allison and Blossom Deary. I was chuffed and honored to get his blessings. And he did add some vocals to it. Moreover, he cleared up the rumors that Paul McCartney sang the "quite rightly's" during the chorus and played bass. Paul didn't, but he did add vocal cheers and claps throughout.
And now, as promised, 30 covers for you to enjoy. That is all. (For now.)
I have always loved The Flying Lizards' version of Money! It seemed to pre-date all of the 1980s New Wave/MTV tracks.
I love your Mellow Yellow too! And the Colin Hay is wonderful. One of the loveliest memories I have of New Year's Eve is the one I spent with some Aussie friends here in LA. As midnight neared, Collin Hay sang Auld Lang Syne for us -- a cappella.