Rock Minutes

For this week I thought I would make another list. Everyone seems to like them and normally they get a lot of responses and create much controversy…two things that I also enjoy. This week I am going to explore the list of…”the greatest remakes or covers of all time.”

In my opinion, rarely does a remake of a song ever capture the essence of the original. But…just every once in awhile the remake is better than the original. This occurrence is rare, but when it happens, it’s something beautiful. These songs are the 10 best remakes of all time, in no particular order. If you feel I have neglected your favorite remake, or cover of all time, please let me know in our comment section. I would be interested in knowing.

“All Along The Watchtower” – Dylan, redone by Jimi Hendrix

I must admit, that for a while in my youth I did not know this was a cover; I thought the Hendrix version was the original. It wasn’t until late in my teens when I found out about the Dylan version. Like most Dylan songs in my opinion, they sound better covered and remade than when done by Bob himself. This just goes to show what a great song writer Dylan is though, its takes a special talent to have songs translate into another artist’s style and their introspection.

“Come Together” – The Beatles, redone by Aerosmith

This was a perfect fit. This is a dirty song meant to be sung by a dirty voice and played with a dirty guitar. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry fit this bill beautifully. There were very few bands any dirtier than Aerosmith back in the 70’s. I personally wish they would have stayed dirty and not made some of the “Armageddon” crap they made later on, but that’s just me. I love Tyler’s vocals on this tune and love the remake, one of my favorites of all time.

“Here Comes The Sun” – The Beatles, redone by Richie Havens

I know I know, another Beatles song, but what can I say, they wrote great songs. And I absolutely love Richie Havens unique remake of this song. Richie has such an interesting and unique guitar style that is really one of a kind on his own. From his “Thumb over the top” fingering to right hand rhythmic patterns, he is truly one of a kind. This song remake is so soulful and richly steeped in American Blues styling that it takes on a life outside of the British Innovation.

“Higher Ground” Stevie Wonder, remade by the Chili Peppers

I think what really makes this just a great remake is Flea’s bass thumbing in a style of 70’s funkadelic. Flea may be one of the great contemporary bass players of our generation and this song allows him to really show off all his skills. This song really is funky with a modern sensibility that makes it pretty stylish and timeless. This remake would sound good at a house party or a retro roller skating party.

“Hurt” Nine Inch Nails, redone by Johnny Cash

I love this remake much better than the original. I sure it helps the fact that I am a huge Cash fan and I use Nine Inch Nail toilet paper to wipe my ass, but nevertheless, this is one song that just crushes the original. I guess Trent’s drug usage did pay off finally, for this song is a power fucking house song. Cash’s haunting voice and near death vocals come through so strong in this remake, that you can see death when you listen to it.

“Me and Bobbie McGee” Kris Kristofferson, redone by Janis Joplin

Well, there’s not much I can really say about this one because it goes without saying. In fact, many people this day do not know this is a remake but it is, and damn if Janis does not kick its ass. Her whisky voice and dirty finger nails make this remake one of the best of all time.

“Wild Night” Van Morrison, remade by John Mellencamp

This was a great song in 1970 and in 1994. Mellencamp puts that great Hoosier-middle America- spin on this tune that makes it one of the all time great remakes. There is something so special about Mellencamp’s roots grunge that makes him stand alone in this world of rock and roll. And this was the perfect song to fit that unique styling and format.

“You Really Got Me” The Kinks, redone by Van Halen

This song comes of Van Halen 1. This was really the world’s introduction to Eddie Van Halen, one of the world’s greatest guitar players of all time. And what a way for Eddie to come into the limelight. He just crushes this song. From his power riffs to his finger tapping and pull offs, this song takes on a whole new life under the tutelage of Eddie’s musical madness.

“Hard to Handle” Otis Redding, redone by the Black Crowes

This is a great cover that most people love…and when most people think of this song, they normally think of the Crowes version. They took a great Motown-blues ensemble and remade it with their own southern rock flavor. It’s a great original and an incredible remake as well.

“2000 man” Rolling Stones, redone by Kiss

This song comes from the Dynasty album released by Kiss in 1979. This song is a song that Ace sings lead on, and it is a great song for Frehley to have remade. He is truly the man from another planet and this song’s idea of the future technology and outer space fits right in with his persona. It’s a great remake and Ace’s guitar playing never sounded better!

-Aaron

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