Last of the youtube music video posts for now (I promise) but another theme this time – interesting (for various reasons) cover versions!
Let’s start with something really off the wall…
< Yuko
Holding Out For A Hero – Yuuko Nakazawa (original song by Bonnie Tyler)
“Holding out for a heeeellllo!” You gotta love Nakazawa, the ‘yankee’ of Momusu for so many years. I have one of her art books!
Jolene – The Sisters Of Mercy (original song by Dolly Parton)
THIS VIDEO IS EVERY SORT OF AWESOME! Best Youtube find ever: 25-year old crappy PAL bootleg video of SoM doing one of their best covers. This is the reason Youtube is the best website on Earth.
I Should Be So Lucky – Mihimaru GT (original by Kylie)
Hiroko, the singer, is cute. The song ain’t.
…speaking of cute girls…
< Alizee
La Isla Bonita – Alizee (original version by Madonna)
When I watch this video I daydream that my name is San Pedro… and the song is ok as well 🙂
West End Girls – West End Girls (original song by Pet Shop Boys)
I like this! So much so, I added the CD to my Christmas list. Bonus props for naming your band after the song!
…in the same vein…
Always On My Mind – Pet Shop Boys (original song, by The King)
It’s my favourite PSB song, but listening to Elvis’s version here it’s clear which is better. The intro to the Elvis video makes it ever more poignant…
…which brings me to…
< Cave Man!
In The Ghetto – Nick Cave (original, again by The King)
Nick Cave’s done oodles of covers, but this is simply a work of art. Plus, he looks like a god in this video. Nick Cave – Visual Kei years before it existed!
…from one god to another…
Jesus Christ Superstar – Laibach (movie version)
Another band that has thrived on covers, virtually none of which are conventional. This is a prime example of the genius of the Laibach cover!
…and speaking of musicals…
Doctor Who Theme – Orbital (1980’s best original version)
This version makes me feel alive! But it’s still a far cry from the 1980’s version of the original, which for me is the defining version. That said, watch this and reflect on how incorrect I may be 🙂
…since we’ve gone all spacey…
< Karen
Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft – The Carpenters (original by Klaatu)
I hereby dub this “Adam’s favourite song that he’s never heard!” Even though The Carpenters really never did a bad song, even they elevated to new heights with this obscure cover! Listen to this, beam your thoughts into space, and experience World Contact Day!
…so now that we’ve left the Planet…
Video Killed The Radio Star – Jon Bernhardt (original by The Buggles)
Finally I know what I really want for Christmas!
Bohemian Rhapsody – Mario Paint (original by Queen)
Holy Moses! Mario Paint was a SNES product! People are still using it! Like this! Again I say Holy Moses!
Battle Hymn Of The Republic – Stryper (traditional version)
Mmm, has this post become derailed somehow?
Could things get worse? Yes, yes they can. Just watch this…
I do prefer the 1974 Dr Who theme, but I’ll never forget the shock of seeing the 1980 theme for the first time after waiting months for new Dr Who.
The 1980 end titles theme is better that the 1974 opening theme however.
Also search for Richard Cheese in You Tube if you want to hear some hilarious covers.
Actually, I have heard and enjoyed “Calling Occupants…”, mate 🙂 And I agree with you that “Jolene” by The Sisters Of Mercy is sublime.
Here are seven more beaut cover versions:
* “Small Town Boy” by Paradise Lost (original: Bronski Beat)
* “Everyday Is Like Sunday” by 10,000 Maniacs (original: Morrissey)
* “Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)” by Erasure (original: Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel)
* “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” by Regurgitator (original: Gene Pitney)
* “Rocket Man” by Kate Bush (original: Elton John)
* “Live And Let Die” by Guns N’ Roses (original: Wings)
* “In The Year 2525” by Fields Of The Nephilim (original: Zager And Evans)
Search ’em out on YouTube, etc. for yourselves…
PS. Some might add Devo’s “Satisfaction” and Faith No More’s “Easy” to the list. I like both bands but have never liked those songs.
Laibach’s “In The Year 2525” is awesome as well, especially since they turn the song upside down with an amazing rewrite of the lyrics…
Snap.
Robert you know how much I dislike doctor who. And I’ll admit I don’t even know the actual theme song. but that cover is BOMBIN’!
If I had an mp3 of that it might make it to my arena/bg play list…
The cogs are turning. One more from my collection:
“Common People” by William Shatner (original: Pulp).
He’s done some other rippers, too 🙂
Where’s the Jovavich covers? Or did she not do any?
Milla has done a version of Lou Reed’s “Satellite Of Love”. But, really, her original material is way stronger.