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Cover versions better known than the originals


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Old 03-12-2016, 18:47
jackol
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Blondie Hanging on the telephone
originally done by
The Nerves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emy5mA8Ixtc
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Old 03-12-2016, 19:56
FrankBT
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You think that's better known than the Tears for Fears version. I don't think so. It maybe more modern but that doesn't mean it's better known.
Well let's see now. On YouTube, TFF's original - 10,450,155 max. views. GJ,s cover version - 99,859,249 max. views. I rest my case.
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Old 03-12-2016, 19:58
ItsNick
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The original only got to number 3, whereas the Jules/Andrews version is famous as probably the most miserable ever Christmas No 1.
Only?

Getting to No.3 in 1982 was classed as a big hit. Not like these days when if you don't get to No.1 for god knows how long it's a flop.
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Old 03-12-2016, 20:49
Yorkstar
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Boyzone love me for a reason 94, osmonds with the original.
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Old 03-12-2016, 21:37
Multimedia81
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Paul Young - Every Time You Go Away.
Paul's version of Wherever I Lay My Heart is better known than Marvin Gaye's original.
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Old 03-12-2016, 23:20
eugenespeed
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Madness - One Step Beyond (originally by Prince Buster)
Status Quo - In The Army Now (originally by Bolland and Bolland)
Sugababes - Here Come The Girls (originally by Ernie K Doe)
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Old 04-12-2016, 00:36
Barney06
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Together We Are Beautiful . A number 1 hit for Fern Kinney , original version by the writer Ken Leary .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN06N1D8JCI
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Old 04-12-2016, 08:51
mushymanrob
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You think that's better known than the Tears for Fears version. I don't think so. It maybe more modern but that doesn't mean it's better known.
back to the generation thing though isnt it?...
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Old 04-12-2016, 09:09
Phoenix Lazarus
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The Damned's 1985 version of 60s hit, Eloise.

Naked Eyes' 1983 version of 60s hit, Always There To Remind Me.
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Old 04-12-2016, 09:48
mgvsmith
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I was going to say Bowie's version of 'Sorrow' from 1973 and The Merseys version from 1966 are better known than the original by The McCoys from 1965.

The Stones version of 'Time is on My Side' is better known than the Irma Thomas original. The same might be said for Cat Stevens 'First Cut is the Deepest' and P.P. Arnold's original.

I wonder through time and recognition that the original versions can become better known again. For example is Gloria Jones original version of 'Tainted Love' as well known now as the later more successful versions by Soft Cell and Marilyn Manson?
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Old 04-12-2016, 10:12
Brummy Girl
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I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney (Boy Meets Girl was the original version)
Didn't Boy Meets Girl write that song for her rather than it being a song originally recorded by them that she then covered? They also wrote another hit of hers: 'How Will I Know'.
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Old 04-12-2016, 10:54
barbeler
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The Beatles - Twist and Shout
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Old 04-12-2016, 14:14
PhilH36
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I Heard It Through The Grapevine was originally released by Gladys Knight And The Pips, although most people would know the Marvin Gaye version.

Also Patti Smith Because The Night, originally written and recorded by Springsteen. There was a similar thread a while ago in which there was debate about whether this actually counts as a cover since Bruce hadn't released his version at the time Patti made it popular, although Bruce has performed it live on numerous occasions and one such recording appears on the Live 1975-85 box set.

Also for the country fans, the majority of casual listeners would probably associate Independence Day with Martina McBride rather than Gretchen Peters.
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Old 04-12-2016, 17:04
Kymberly
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I personaliy prefer The Isley Brothers Shout to Lulu's version.
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Old 04-12-2016, 17:33
mgvsmith
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One really odd one, and I remember it from a similar thread to this, is that the original version of 'Superstition' is actually by Jeff Beck!
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Old 04-12-2016, 17:34
TheTrader78
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Didn't Boy Meets Girl write that song for her rather than it being a song originally recorded by them that she then covered? They also wrote another hit of hers: 'How Will I Know'.
It was a bit of a dubious selection by me but they did record it (very country sounding) not sure if they released it in some capacity though?



Will Young - Evergreen
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Old 04-12-2016, 17:34
Blondie X
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I personaliy prefer The Isley Brothers Shout to Lulu's version.
So do most people with ears I would imagine
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Old 04-12-2016, 17:37
Blondie X
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I would say Now That We Found Love by Third World is better know than The O'Jays original - please no one mention Heavy D!
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Old 04-12-2016, 20:10
ItsNick
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Aswad - Don't turn around is probably better known than Tina Turner's version.
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Old 05-12-2016, 17:26
dodrade
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Handbags and Gladrags, both the Rod Stewart and Stereophonics versions.
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Old 05-12-2016, 17:43
jackol
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Aswad - Don't turn around is probably better known than Tina Turner's version.
Thats because i doubt many people even heard Turners version. It was released as a b side only
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Old 05-12-2016, 18:06
Elvisfan4eva
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Most of the younger generations know Santa Baby by Kylie rather than Eartha Kitt.
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Old 05-12-2016, 18:07
Elvisfan4eva
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I wonder through time and recognition that the original versions can become better known again. For example is Gloria Jones original version of 'Tainted Love' as well known now as the later more successful versions by Soft Cell and Marilyn Manson?
No, Soft Cell's version is still the best known by far I'd say.
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Old 05-12-2016, 19:51
barbeler
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Song To The Siren - I'm most people associate it with This Mortal Coil, rather than Tim Buckley.
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Old 05-12-2016, 20:20
ItsNick
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back to the generation thing though isnt it?...
You're probably right.

If both versions are well known you'll probably pick the one you like best and as I think Gary Jules version was the most miserable pile of dross I've heard I'd always go for TFF's version.
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