I was recently asked my opinion on several new cover songs. So I thought I would talk about a few here. I’m not gonna bash any artists here, but there are some covers that I don’t like. I like the bands that did them but not their covers.

“Whiskey In The Jar” 

A cover of a cover. Yes this is a traditional Irish folk song originally that was transformed into a modern rock version by Thin Lizzy. Metallica then covered Thin Lizzy’s cover. Now these are the most noted versions of this song. Many , many others have covered this song in many forms. I am still partial to the groove of the Thin Lizzy version. Let’s check out  a traditional version, Thin Lizzy’s, and then Metallica’s :

THE DUBLINERS

THIN LIZZY

METALLICA

 

 “Bad Company”

This is one of my favorite songs of all times. It is one of those magical songs that takes me to a different place and time. I can readily imagine living as an outlaw in the old west. Bad company really captured magic with this song. Five Finger Death Punch covered this song recently. I like Five Finger Death Punch but their cover, not so much. I just feel that they changed the entire vibe of the song. They made it heavier, and changed some of the lyrics in a way that doesn’t sit right with me.  For example:

Bad Co.
Oh I was born 6-gun in my hand
Behind a gun I’ll make my final stand

FFDP
I was born A shotgun in my hands
Behind the gun I’ll make my final stand

Bad Co.
Now these town They all know our name 6-gun sound is our claim to fame

FFDP
Now these towns they all know our names The death punch sound is our claim to fame

BAD COMPANY

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

 

     “SEASONS OF WITHER”

I always preferred the songs that weren’t hits over the ones that were by Aerosmith. I think of all this would be my favorite Aerosmith song of all. I love the haunting progression of  this song, it is pure magic for me. Tesla did a cover of this and stayed true to the song and did it justice in doing so.

AEROSMITH

TESLA

 

“SMOKE ON THE WATER” 

This iconic song and it’s signature riff has been covered over and over. Again we shall look at only three of them. Deep Purple’s original, Loud House’s cover, and Vains Of Jenna’s cover. Of course I love the original in all of its anthemic glory. Loud House covered it and changed it up so much that I feel the song got lost and never found its way home. Vains Of Jenna took a bold move and took out the signature riff of the song and made it work. Let’s listen:

DEEP PURPLE

LOUD HOUSE

VAINS OF JENNA

 

There’s my take on some covers. No disrespect intended to any of the bands who have covered songs. As everything is open to interpretation and music means different things to different people. These are just my opinions. If you want, please share your thoughts on here on these or any other covers.

 

the Hellion