The first recorded version goes against their more famous cover versions.
If you wanna have a bit of fun with this one (and can stand music occasionally clashing) try playing both files at once (you might have to hit pause for a moment to line them up.
Please be aware that all MP3 files are potentially subject to takedown, and may be removed without notice.
THE ORIGINALS
THE COVERS
THE VERDICTS
Song & Artists
Original Commentary 9/25/2009
Revised Commentary 5/5/2019
Cocaine – J. J. Cale vs. Eric Clapton
I like both versions equally, though I will admit that Clapton’s version has more dirt or grit; it’s also a tad faster and, therefore, more driving. Cale’s version has a bit more authentic Blues to it, though. Verdict: TIE
Many years later, I am pretty played out on Clapton. I know that’s an unpopular opinion. I now award the points to the ORIGINAL.
Cum on Feel the Noize – Slade vs. Quiet Riot
There’s no contest here for me. The glam-rocker in me always prefers Slade to anyone doing a cover of one of their songs. Verdict: ORIGINAL
N/A
I Want Candy – The Strangeloves vs. Bow Wow Wow
The original is fun in a beach blanket bingo way. I think Annabella Lwin is a cutie, and I am partial to the remake, having grown up with it. Verdict: COVER
Over time, the Strangeloves version has grown on me; I now consider the Verdict a TIE.
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – The Arrows vs. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Jett smoked it, even though the Arrows version has its moment from time to time when I’m in the mood. Verdict: COVER
N/A
Once Bitten, Twice Shy – Ian Hunter vs. Great White
Along the same vein of Cum on Feel the Noize, 80’s glam rock just pales in comparison to original 70’s glam rock. Verdict: ORIGINAL
N/A
Kitty/Mickey – Racey vs. Toni Basil
This is one of the exceptions to my above statement. While I usually think Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman were skilled at locking on to trends, repacking them for prefab bands, and recording many one-hit wonders, I think Toni Basil’s update outshines the Racey original. Verdict: COVER
N/A
The First Cut is the Deepest – P.P. Arnold vs. Sheryl Crow
I like them both. Verdict: TIE
Eventually, the Sheryl Crow version did not sound as timeless or relevant as the Arnold version; I now prefer the ORIGINAL.
Mad World – Tears for Fears vs. Gary Jules
The original has an excellent new wave sound, but the slowed-down minimalism of the Gary Jules cover is possibly one of my favorite remakes. It brings out the despondence of the lyrics. Verdict: COVER
I now like both pretty much equally and will transition from one to the other depending on the day. TIE
Hey Joe – The Leaves vs. Jimi Hendrix
The Leaves version is a nice little nod to the Pre-Punk sound of the ’60s, but it’s hard not to give the nod to Jimi. Verdict: COVER
N/A
Tainted Love – Gloria Jones vs. Soft Cell
The Gloria Jones version is severely underappreciated, despite the Soft Cell version being a staple of mine from growing up in the 80s. Verdict: ORIGINAL
N/A
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood – Nina Simone vs. The Animals
Nothing beats the sweet, sultry voice of Nina Simone, and I mean nothing. Though the Animals cover does have its merit. Verdict: ORIGINAL
Honorable mention to the cover version by Santa Esmeralda (you may have heard it in “Kill Bill”), which was not part of this original post (comment added 11/2023)
Hound Dog – “Big Mama” Thornton vs. Elvis Presley
Thornton’s version has something about it that speaks of late nights on the bayou, stale cigarettes, and a beat-up old guitar with a more beat-up amplifier about it, but she’s also going up against the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Verdict: TIE
I still enjoy many of Elvis’ songs, but there is controversy about the legacy of this track. Verdict: NO CHANGE (reconsideration pending).
Piece of My Heart – Erma Franklin vs. Big Brother and the Holding Company
Franklin’s version is soulful, and if it stood uncontested by anyone but the great Janis Joplin, I probably would have awarded her the win, but I didn’t. Verdict: COVER
N/A
Hazy Shade of Winter – Simon and Garfunkel vs. The Bangles
Is this even a contest? Give this one to the folk singers over the pop princesses. Verdict: ORIGINAL
N/A
Money – Barrett Strong vs. The Flying Lizards
This was a hard one; I love them both for different reasons. Verdict: TIE
N/A
Sweet Jane – The Velvet Underground vs. Cowboy Junkies
I did want to award it to the incomparable Mr. Reed, but the Cowboy Junkies cover is one of my all-time favorite songs. Verdict: COVER
N/A
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – The Four Lads vs. They Might Be Giants
This is another one of those tough choices that depends on what the feel is of the playlist I would put it in. I’m a big fan of old standards, but I am also very fond of the staples of my 80s youth. Verdict: TIE
N/A
Venus – Shocking Blue vs. Bananarama
I lean towards the Bananarama version, but this is not one of my favorite songs. I tend to skip both versions in a shuffle. I may be simply awarding points out of obligation. Verdict: Cover
N/A
Just a Gigolo – Louis Prima vs. David Lee Roth
The David Lee Roth version is total cheese, but I would owe it to my grandfather to support the Louis Prima version, even if it weren’t. Verdict: ORIGINAL
N/A