Cover Songs: Yay or Nay?

Hello Everyone!

So after what could possibly be considered the LONGEST day of my life (computer virus meant an hour and a half in ITS, exam tomorrow meant 2hrs in the library with reserved course material, etc) I'm finally home with my books and a cup of tea. I also decided to overrule the TV for a while in favor of my ipod dock. I have to say, I was kind of surprised at the overwhelming number of covers that came on in the short hour long period I had it playing. It got me thinking about the whole concept of cover songs in general... are they good or bad?

Maybe the answer isn't quite so clear cut, but you get my drift... what do you think makes or breaks a cover song? I mean, its really an art form in itself to make a known song sound unknown. For me, its a bit complicated. I'm usually a fan of making the song your own, but at the same time I've always been a fan of originals. Sometimes a cover just goes too far in the wrong direction... it ends up being a butchered piece of art that music fans mourn. 

I've usually enjoyed cover songs. I have to say, I love them in a live environment. I think its fun going to a club to hear a band you dont know when they play a cover. Suddenly, everyone is involved in the show, singing along and cheering. Its a great way to break the awkwardness is a setlist that no one is familiar with. I'm a big Green Day fan, and I know that they've always been big on playing a series of rather odd covers at their shows. When they released American Idiot in 2004, I think this quirk really helped to make their new fans feel like they were a part of the show. Who doesn't know the songs 'Shout' and 'We Are The Champions'? Clearly everyone is going to belt it out and have a great time!

Something that is often said is that a great cover makes you forget there was another version before it. What do you think? What is your opinion of the cover song? What are some of your favorite cover songs and why? 

A Few Covers:

Green Day: I Fought The Law (The Clash), We Are The Champions (Queen)

Guns N Roses: Knocking On Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan)

Johnny Cash: Hurt (Nine Inch Nails)

Me First And The Gimmie Gimmies: I Believe I Can Fly (R. Kelly)

Joan Jett: Love Me Two Times (The Doors)

Sinead O'Connor: Nothing Compares To You (Prince)

ALSO: If you're interested, there are compilation albums out called "Punk Goes _____" and I highly recommend them. Its a bunch of modern punk/pop punk artists adding their own twist to other genres of music. Really interesting takes, check it out. This youtube playlist has quite a few covers from various versions of these compilations!

Thanks for reading, I'll check back in tomorrow after my exam!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Love Song (Sara Bareilles Cover) by Four Years Strong ... I think its a great way of taking a song and tweaking it just enough that its yours but not unrecognizable. Its found on the Punk Goes Pop Volume 2 CD.