I have no time for U2
One of my old flatmates was a big fan of theirs. I could never see the attraction myself. Musically simplistic drivel spouted by pretentious wankers who call themselves by ridiculous nicknames like Bono and The Edge.

Covers sometimes work well. Aztec Camera once did a downbeat, acoustic guitar version of Jump by Van Halen, which was entirely different to the original but excellent in its own way.

But others are total wank. Much as I like Lily Allen's stuff, I was listening to her cover of Mr Blue Sky last night and it's not a patch on the original ELO classic. The musical arrangement is similar but her voice doesn't work.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 8:41, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

I'm a big fan of cover songs in principle
Metallica's album Garage Inc. is all covers and with a couple of exceptions, all are better than the originals.
Marilyn Manson has done some fine ones too, as have Monster Magnet.

There's a message there I think. Only do cover songs if the name of your band starts with M.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 8:43, Reply)

I would agree with this.
Missy Higgins did a cover of Stuff'n'Nonsense by Enzo - and it was just right as *her* interpretation of the song - she didn't fuck around with it, and try to make it hers, she just took what they did and applied her favourite style to it.
(Poppet some assembly required., Thu 30 Jul 2009, 8:54, Reply)

Hmmm
Not convinced by that theory, Vipros.

M People's cover of Itchycoo Park...
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 9:01, Reply)

I haven't heard that
will check it out. Itchycoo park is a great song
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 9:07, Reply)

You'll regret it
K2k6 is quite right.
(LongJohnBaldry, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 10:26, Reply)

misunderstood what he was saying I think
at the time I thought it was a bit odd that he'd be advocating what sounded like it would be a rubbish song...
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 10:29, Reply)

Marilyn Mansons cover of the Ramones
'KKK took my baby away' is one of the most intense ear-rapes I've ever heard.

I rather like Thin Lizzy's (and also Metallicas from Garage Inc) cover of Whiskey In a Jar.

Finally I heard Lily Allen covering Straight to Hell by The Clash and decided that perhaps these should be judged on a case by case basis. Fucking Lily Allen.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 9:04, Reply)

Her cover
of Everybody's Changing by Keane is quite good though.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 9:07, Reply)

they do need to be judged case be case I guess
The Foo Fighters do a good version of the Ramones' Danny Says.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 30 Jul 2009, 9:07, Reply)