"Other" versions of popular songs Review

Have you ever heard a familiar song on the radio and realized you know the tune, you know the lyrics, but you have no idea who's singing, because it's a different version than the one you're familiar with? Maybe it's a cover verson of one of your favorite songs. Or maybe, just maybe, the version you know is actually a cover of an even earlier original. Sometimes the more obscure version of a popular tune is as good as - or even much better than - the version that gets airplay.

This is my list of "other" versions of popular songs that are even better than the versions most people know.

Shine

The recording most people know, the one that still gets tons of airplay, the original is by Collective Soul. This 1994 recording has become something of an alt rock anthem. A gorgeous song, really. However, you haven't heard Shine in all its glory unless you've heard Dolly Parton's 2001 recording. Dolly turns this edgy rock tune into a beautiful, flowing bluegrass wonder. She takes this song and makes it her own - both with her voice, and with the innovative arrangment, which includes some really great banjo and mandolin playing.

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

Most people don't even know this is a Van Morrison song, because it was Rod Stewart who made it popular after performing it on MTV Unplugged in 1993. And, to Rod's credit, he did a nice job with the song. Van Morrison's version, however, is much more intimate, touching and, ultimately, more soulful. Fans of Van - of which I count myself - will have heard this song on Avalon Sunset, which was released in 1989, and never thought of it as possible top 40 material. The way Van sings it, it's way too private, too small, to make it on to the radio. But it's so much better this way than the way Rod Stewart sings it.

I Fought The Law

I love the recording of this by The Clash. I was lucky enough to see The Clash in concert in 1981, and their live version of this kicked butt. Thing is, it's an old song, written by Sonny Curtis, of Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and it was The Crickets who first recorded it. The original version, which many people aged 40 and under have never heard, is, in my opinion, the better version. It's got that rockabilly twang that few artists pulled off without sounding corny. I love it that The Clash adopted it as a punk anthem, but it's a true blue, American rockabilly classic, and the original recording beats the remake, hands down.

Kiss

This one might get me in trouble, because people love Prince. Hey - I love Prince, too, but I have to say it: when Tom Jones recorded this Prince song, he put the Artist Formerly Known As....to shame. When Prince sings this, it's a good song. When Tom Jones sings it, it just kicks all kinds of butt. I know there are probably people who cringe at the idea of Tom Jones...and young people who don't know who Tom Jones even is, but do yourself a favor: listen without prejudice. Forget about Vegas. Forget about the spandex jumpsuits of 1972. Forget about the big Whitefro. Admit it: Tom Jones has a gorgeous voice...one of the best, even today. And he's fairly oozing with charisma. His version, which was a huge hit in the UK and NZ, but barely made the charts in the USA,  trumps the original. I have a feeling even Prince would agree.

Take it Easy

It was the song that rocketed The Eagles to international stardom, and they do a great job with it. It's a great song. Did you know that Jackson Browne wrote it and gave it to his old friend, Glen Frye because he didn't think it would fit into his own debut album? Browne did eventually record it, though, and his version is just that much sweeter than the Eagles' version. I'm a fan of both The Eagles and Jackson Browne, and they have so much in common, musically, but there's something about the sweetness and sincerity of Jackson's voice that makes me feel he wins this one in a photo finish.

Summertime Blues

It's a rockabilly classic but, unlike the sentiments I've expressed about I Fought The Law, I think this song works better as a bluesy rock number. The original version is by Eddie Cochran, recorded sometime during the late 50s. It's the version that's still played on oldies stations all over America. And for good reason: it's a cool song. Still and all, the live version of this song, by The Who, on their Live at Leeds album, recorded in 1970, is way cooler. It's full of raw energy. Roger Daltrey doesn't sound elegant or refined, but he sounds like he means it, and like he's having a hell of a lot of fun singing it.

Try a Little Tenderness

I have no idea who the first person to record this song was. It's become a standard, really, and I've heard dozens of versions. It seems as if everyone has sung this at one time or another. The version I hear most often, and which is most often considered the definitive one, is by the late Otis Redding. It's a lovely song, very sweet and touching, to be sure. For my money, though, it's well worth finding the somewhat obscure version recorded by none other than the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, for the album, Sweet Bitter Love. Maybe it's because it's a woman singing this song that starts with the weariness women can feel. Or because the string section is so perfect. Or maybe it's just because it's Aretha, but this version gives me a lump in my throat every time I hear it.

Wuthering Heights

First of all, bravo to Kate Bush not only for writing a song about Bronte's masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, but for catapulting the song up the UK charts, to #1. Who woulda guessed it? It's an amazing song. That said, Pat Benetar's cover version is  better. It just is. Kate Bush's voice is always a little too "Creepella" for me and, while Pat Benetar isn't my favorite recording artist, she's got a killer voice for rock and roll. She more than does justice to this great, crazy, haunting tune. I know purists will hate me for this, but there you are.

Mama Told Me Not To Come

Three Dog Night recorded this Randy Newman tune in the 60s or early 70s. It's a goody. It's catchy. It's a fun song, especially at a party. When Tom Jones (yes, I'm going there, again) recorded it with Stereophonics, it was enough to blow the house down. Again, I know purists will be furious, but the remake is just sooo much better. Mostly because Tom Jones sounds as if he's having a ball singing. Secondly because his voice is so powerful - even when he talks, it fills up the room. The arrangements for both recordings are basically the same, but I have to give the edge when  it comes to the organ playing, to Stereophonics.

 Pinball Wizard

The popular version of this song in the USA, the version that made a huge splash on the radio in the 70s, is the one by Elton John, for the film, Tommy. Elton really does a great job with it, and he did a great job as the Pinball Wizard in the movie. Fans of The Who, though, know full well that this song was written for Roger Daltrey's voice, and no one can sing it quite as well as he can. While the original recording, from Tommy - the recording of the rock opera, which came before it was made into a movie and a soundtrack was recorded - is much simpler and just plain better. The Who even recorded some amazing acoustic versions of this song. Elton is cool, but if I had to choose just one version, it'd be the original, the one that's not so radio-friendly, but which has more heart.