Late Night Music Part 25................."More Cover Songs"

Nothing clever really this time folks, just thought I'd give tribute to tribute songs lol. Some of these were left off my last cover song piece, as they could be considered "unconventional", but I am nonetheless impressed with all of these covers, as they all contain a hint of the original not taking away from the original songwriter's work. One of my favorite hobbies on a boring weekend is to listen to cover songs and compare how they sound. I did that this weekend and came up with the following list.

Beyonce- "Honesty". Beyonce surprisingly gives a great rendition of this Billy Joel classic. I like the fact that Beyonce added her own element to the song, but still kept the song close to its original sound thus honoring Billy Joel. Great slideshow on this video- have I mentioned Beyonce is one of the most beautiful women alive?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iB6Ypr2fPc

Mariah Carey- "I Want To Know What Love Is". Leave it to Mariah Carey to add yet another great cover to her repertoire. This 1984 Foreigner power ballad fits her voice pleasantly, and like Beyonce, she does a great job keeping alot of the original elements of the song keeping it as a tribute to Lou Gramm with a few of her own elements added. Again, let me also say that Mariah Carey is one of the most beautiful women alive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEezh9A5atY


"Careless Whisper"- For some reason, this song from Wham!'s illustrious career seems to be a cover favorite. In fact, it goes across the spectrum as far as genres. Here is a great soulful version from Tamia (again, one of the most beautiful women alive- AND in the top 5 of the hottest sports wives being Mrs. Grant Hill). Also, the dark rock version by Seether- great guitar solo taking the place of the saxophone.


Tamia- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-4AQa5MRJg

Seether- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7imqO-OBVk

Phantom Planet- "Our House". This one is really cool, because if you listen to Phantom Planet, especially their signature song "California", this cover of the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young classic (which was written for Joni Mitchell) is a huge break from the norm of Phantom Planet's usual sound. However, I like the originality they bring to this video and to the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZhfiZ4Rr1o

Faith No More- "Easy". Everyone remembers Faith No More from their controversial video for their hit song "Epic", but this heavy metal group covering the Commodores is one of those cover songs that really leaves you scratching your head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqdan_NA0iA

Metallica- "Turn The Page". This one's for you, Kreslyn. Probably my favorite on the list. You almost feel like Bob Seger wrote this song for Metallica to cover. James Hetfield does a fantastic job of making this song flow from one genre to another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOibtqWo6z4

Poison- "Sexy Back". Ok, I had to throw it in- but seriously how funny is this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPiHZUhUIpM

Alanis Morissette- "King of Pain". From Alanis's "Unplugged" live album, this was cool because Alanis Morissette was, and always has been a pure singer/songwriter, RARELY if ever covering songs. Even the best songwriters have to pay homage to their influences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShZd6SxdaZk

Shaw-Blades- "Your Move". These two former members of Damn Yankees do a great rendition of the classic Yes hit here live. The studio version of this song is also great. This would be the first case ever of a band that I really don't like doing a cover I really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl2HIpPcHMo

Boyz II Men- "I Can't Make You Love Me". From the new Boyz II Men album "Love". They absolutely are majestic on this Bonnie Raitt cover. I remember a few things about this song. First, I heard it probably 100 times in the UK during our trip there for spring break 1995. No, I am not exaggerating, the Brits love this song! Second, love the version in the movie "Duets". Finally, I have a weak spot for a female singing this song karaoke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qNwra0cXjk

Relient K- "Manic Monday". Just something about a punk rock band that is unbelievably dorky already doing a song by the Bangles. Really solid version here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdY4rldNKb0