Songs are like clay in a potter’s hand. Their malleability lures artists to mould it to their own style and transpose it to a completely new creation. Covers of popular songs are aplenty. But how often does one end up being a ear-worm? While some covers faithfully retain the original essence, others push boundaries and end up being pure magical audio delights. Here is a list of some of my favourite covers that hold a special place in my playlist:
1. Batman Evolution Music Video By The Piano Guys
Batman has been re-imagined many a time over the years. The Piano Guys have created this stellar medley that pays tribute to my favourite superhero from three different eras: the fun 1966 television version “Na na na–BATMAN!”, Danny Elfman’s score from the 1989 Tim Burton movie, and Hans Zimmer’s composition from the Dark Knight Trilogy. Don’t miss the iconic cars and interesting visual…
Bobby Vee sang the original version of More Than I Can Say in 1961. The song was written by Jerry Allison and Sonny Curtis. As you can tell, Leo Sayer significantly revamped it.
Michael McDonald‘s cover of I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) hit number one in the fall of 1982. This was his biggest solo song to date. He beat it later with his duet On My Own. Here is a great live version of the song.
Classic soul artist Chuck Jackson made the first popular version of I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near), written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. If you think Michael McDonald took liberties in his live version of the song, listen to this. He changed the song even more in his hit cover version.
Cool cat Taco had a number 2 song and a one hit wonder in the summer of 1983 with Puttin’ On The Ritz. Here’s the video.
Harry Richman introduced this title song from the film Puttin’ On The Ritz. The song was hugely popular in the spring of 1930. Taco dug back over 50 years to find a song and make it his own for the 80’s crowd.
Billy Idol took Mony Mony to number one in the fall of 1987. Here is the original audio.
This one’s probably no surprise. The original is a 60’s classic. Tommy James, who co-wrote Mony Mony, took the song to number 3 in the spring of 1968, as Tommy James And The Shondells. Tommy James accomplished something unique in the 80’s. Two covers of his earlier hit songs took the number one song spot back-to-back. The very next number one song was I Think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany, previously a 1967 number 4 hit for Tommy James. Charts moved lightning fast in those days.
TUNECASTER 