By shelz.

Producing a completely original song is probably impossible now.  You might think what you are doing is new, but after a few listens, someone with a decent knowledge of music can find your sonic theme, chord progression, intonation and other sundry elements in plenty of songs that came before.  Don’t feel bad though.  At least you tried.  Some folks just say to hell with all that writing my own music stuff and just sing someone else’s song like it’s really theirs.  Nothing can be said for the originality of that move, but sometimes the duplicate comes out really dope.

Planet Ill has decided that our infinite wisdom allows us to determine what songs should make the definitive “best covers of all time” list and in our infinite generosity we are going to share it with you. Kick back, relax and enjoy the de ja vu of it all.  The best covers ever in the history of ever. Part 1.

“Hard To Handle”

Original Otis Redding – Hard To Handle

Cover The Black Crowes – Hard To Handle

Sample Marley Marl – The Symphony

You might know this song solely for its introduction, which decades later ended up at the front end of Marley Marl’s “The Symphony,” but Otis Redding wrote and recorded this tune way back in 1968.  Since then, plenty of bands have tried their hand at it, including The Grateful Dead and KISS.  No one handled it better than The Black Crowes, though.  It’s a perfect blend of the Southern Rock aesthetic and Redding’s wonderfully lush soulful sound.  Otis was taken from us way too soon, but this is a really great tribute.  “The Symphony” is thrown in because I know you were just thinking you were going to dust it off.  No need to thank me.

“Paper Thin”

Original MC Lyte – Paper Thin

Cover Bahamadia – Paper Thin

You can talk about slept on emcees from January to December, but your conversation has no merit if Bahamadia isn’t included.  She’s been around for a  minute and has given us a classic (yes, classic) album in Kollage.  But whenever I think of Bahmadia, I think of this cover.  She doesn’t make any real changes and Lyte is still valued as one of the best femcees of all time.  But Bahamadia’s voice and this track are a perfect combo. Maybe she’ll let you play with her feet.  Maybe.

“This Woman’s Work”

Original Kate Bush – This Woman’s Work

Cover Maxwell – This Woman’s Work

This is just a beautiful song, period.  It’s amazing how much of Bush’s style Maxwell copied for his delivery.  There are a few notes bent a little differently, but he sang it like Kate sang it and did a hell of a job.  He really took what she did and made it better.  Maybe its because Kate actually wrote this song from a mans perspective.  Or maybe it’s because he’s hot. Who knows?

“Tuesday’s Gone”

Original Lynyrd Skynyrd -Tuesday’s Gone

Cover Metallica – Tuesday’s Gone

Lynyrd Skynyrd has always been the quintessential southern guitar band. They have a signature sound that has been ripped off time and time again but never, ever duplicated.  Metallica decided not to even try to sound like the crew from Florida.  But why should they? They’re flucking Metallica.  Enough said.

“Superstar”

Original The Carpenters – Superstar

Cover Luther Vandross – Superstar

Luther Vandross is the only artist in history to make every (yes i said every) cover he recorded better than the orginal.  Argue all you want, its the truth.  The Carpenter’s were recording during a happy shiny people kind of era where everything was all American and a bit lackluster.  No shots at The Carpenter’s.  Karen’s voice was about as steady as they come and their arrangements were absolutely beautiful.  But we are talking Luther Vandross here.  They made it a hot song.  Luther made it unforgettable.

“Crimson and Clover”

Original Tommy James and The Shondells – Crimson And Clover

Cover Prince – Crimson and Clover

I absolutely adore Prince’s version of this song, but I guess I shouldn’t considering Prince told George Lopez that only one version of a song should exist.  So his versions of “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “One Of Us,” “Creep” and all the other covers he’s done should be removed from my ipod post haste.  And if you’re at a Prince show and he starts belting out one of these tunes I suppose you should turn your back to the stage or go to the bathroom or something.  I love Prince but I think all that puddy he did in the 80’s has affected his brain.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

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