General Gregory N. Pigott: Late Night Music Part 152....."I Still Can't Seem To Get Out From Under These Cover Songs!"

I used to limit my love of cover song lists to only cover songs that were recorded on albums, but some of the best cover songs are recorded from live performances and are done strictly to honor the original artist for creating an inspirational track that in some cases, sets the standard for many years to come. One of these days, you guys are really gonna understand how much I am obsessed with cover songs.

All covers songs here include the original artist with the covering artist. In another rare occurence, all songs receiving votes were included in this list.

"Marry You"- Queen of Hearts (originally by Bruno Mars). I could listen to these Canadian angels sing all night! I love how they can have so much fun playing the part of brides, not take themselves seriously, but still make a cover sound so awesome compared to the original! I love Bruno Mars, but this song has always seemed like more of a group song than a solo song. It's also always seemed more like a female song too. I like how QOH makes this song sexy plus silly and add their own spice to this song making it really stand out. The original version was released on Bruno Mars Doo-Wops and Hooligans album in 2011 and peaked at #85 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was famously covered by the cast of "Glee" in the wedding episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho696xeghSs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqF_huno40

"What I Am"- Naya Marie (originally by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians). Canada's other best kept secret puts on a spectacular effort here with this cover that blows away the original! Naya Marie is gonna be a star just because she's so diverse. Her video and song variety seriously reminds me of almost like a Mary J. Blige as far as diversity in her music. She also picked a great song to cover here, as she usually does. And like usual, she does it better than the original, which still leaves me baffled as to why Naya Marie is not an international superstar yet. This song was the only major hit for the future Mrs. Paul Simon and her band on their 1988 album Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars when it peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nOD79nMHMw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDl3bdE3YQA

"White Blank Page"- Taylor Swift (originally by Mumford and Sons). You can say whatever you want about Taylor Swift, and yes I admit she's easy to make fun of, but her raw talent is undeniable as proven here in this stripped down session on BBC Radio's "Live 1 Lounge". Her guitar playing is seriously underrated, and she does an outstanding job of making this song so much her own while keeping it very close to the original. This super popular track off of Mumford and Sons debut album Sigh No More was surprisingly never released as a single despite its overwhelming popularity. Taylor Swift is probably one of my favorite cover artists just because she pays so much respect to other artists by doing songs that define that artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4lDqeN9YeY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO7FkUZhLk0

"Time After Time"- Eva Cassidy (originally by Cyndi Lauper). For some reason Cyndi Lauper is just so fun to cover (we'll actually see more of her later). This unreal cover of Lauper's ballad is given new life on several levels here by the late Washington, D.C. singer Eva Cassidy. This track, which was the album's title track, was released on her posthumous album in 2000 after her passing due to cancer in 1996. I listen to this song and I wonder how people like this with great talent never become near as famous as the original artist who was nothing but a sideshow with stupid hair. Despite this, this track shot to worldwide fame and #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984 off of Lauper's debut album "She's So Unusual". The track was also nominated for the Grammy for Song of the Year while Lauper took home the award for Best New Artist the same year. I have to admit though, I first heard this cover version during an episode of "Private Practice" this season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMznNlfLXP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU

"Ordinary World"- Red (originally by Duran Duran). I always like when Christian bands cover non-Christian songs just because it does two things. First, it shows that Christian bands aren't oblivious to the mainstream music scene like some people assume. This shows that they are aware of the talented bands and good tracks that are out there. Also, it gives mainstream music possibly a new meaning. Who would have ever put this song in a religious context before a Christian band covered it? I think you can make a great point that this could have been a Christian song from the beginning. Interesting thought. This single was included on Red's 2009 album Innocence and Instinct that was nominated for Best Gospel Rock Album at that year's Grammys. The single peaked at #10 on the Billboard Christian Rock Charts. The original by Duran Duran was on their self-titled 1993 comeback album peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 famously putting Simon LeBon's hair back in style for a few months several years after we thought they dropped off the earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQeq_T_2VE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDLiVwpv89s

"Closing Time"- General Ghost (originally by Semisonic). Very cool cover here. I also heard this version on "Private Practice". I'm telling you that show has a great soundtrack! I'm sorry it's leaving us this spring :(. This Nashville duo adds a super techno twist to one of the best 1990's rock anthems ever. Despite what most of you are thinking, this song is actually being born. Really listen to the lyrics, it is completely about a woman giving birth to a child. This song famously made Semisonic over night sensations when it peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 off of their album Feeling Strangely Fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cKDjAcg6kc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGytDsqkQY8

"Take On Me"- Sara Bareilles (originally by A-ha). I always felt like I knew a secret when I was into Sara Bareilles before she was big. I'm really glad she made it big because she definitely deserves it. This stripped down acoustic cover of the A-ha classic and one of my karaoke go to songs is super creative and I'm blown away how she can make it completely different from a song we all thought was destined to stay in the 80's. I'm pretty sure this is some sort of bonus track, as I've found it on a few downloading sites, but it does not appear on any of her albums. I really think it should. This song famously made A-ha our favorite Norwegians when they were on top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 from their album Hunting High and Low.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TH3QiyUoSQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914

"Our Love"- Mary J. Blige (originally by Natalie Cole). Is there anything Mary J. Blige can't do? Mary took on this Natalie Cole song on her 1997 breakout album Share My World which also featured another cover song "Natural Woman" on the UK version of the album. This song closed out what would be her best album to that point, which also was nominated for the Grammy for Best R & B Album. Don't get me wrong, I really like Natalie Cole, and this was one of her better songs, but the amount of soul and passion Mary brings to any song is going to blow anything else away. I've said it several times, but I think Mary J may be the best cover artist just because she can do absolutely any song from any genre and absolutely crush it. No other artist has ever been able to do that on her level. Her ability to pay homage to the original artist and yet still make every track original is something that takes true talent. The original version by Natalie Cole off her 1977 album Thankful went to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R & B Singles Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDqvDWpUSQ0

"As We Lay"- Kelly Price (originally by Shirley Murdock). In a great turn of irony, Shirley Murdock plays Kelly Price's mom in this video talking a heartbroken and recently much slimmed down Kelly Price out of her adulterous ways after originally recording the song. Pretty cool on Murdock's part if you ask me. This track and big budget video featuring Vivica A. Fox reached #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the former Mariah Carey backup singer in 2000 off of her album Mirror Mirror and earned Price a Grammy nomination for Best Female R & B Performance. This would be Price's last brush with the top, despite giving an addition to Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida with a stunning performance of "The Gods Love Nubia". I hate that because she definitely has an amazing voice. She actually performed this song with Murdock at the 2011 Essence Music Fest. Wow, I smell a bonus video! Shirley Murdock made this her biggest hit in 1986 off of her debut album Shirley Murdock! when this song went to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytx8eYYgJyw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htVUHrDJqeI

"Time Will Reveal"- Boyz II Men (originally by DeBarge). Man I am so ready for Boyz II Men to make a huge comeback! This acapella version of the DeBarge hit was included on their first Michael McCrary-less album Throwback Vol. 1 in 2004. Few groups have ever been able to sing this on tune and blend this well, and their true raw musicianship is often overshadowed. I am glad to say I saw Boyz II Men in 1998 live at the height of their popularity, but they will always be a group I would love to see perform. Boyz II Men is also a great example of how groups can have loyalty and stay together for several years. Ready to feel old? Boyz II Men burst on to the scene in 1991! During their entire tenure, they have had Nathan Morris act as business manager, not allowing any outside firms or agencies manage the group's finances. Talk about trust! This original track was included on DeBarge's 1983 album In A Special Way and peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 just as DeBarge was peaking in popularity in the mid 80's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnx2eRULAb8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PGc9GsASrw

"Message In A Bottle"- John Mayer (originally by The Police). This one has always been a favorite of mine. This famous cover was included on John Mayer's live DVD Concert Any Given Thursday recorded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2002 to accompany his album Room For Squares. John Mayer I think can strip down any song, play it with blues guitar licks and make it super cool. This original by The Police was included on their 1979 album Regatta De Blanc and went to #1 on the British Singles Chart and #74 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmYys-ZjNrg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbXWrmQW-OE

"Boyz In Da Hood"- Dynamite Hack (originally by Eazy E). This Texas band that uses a "Caddyshack" marijuana reference as their band name boosted their street cred by covering this Eazy E classic on their 2000 album Superfast. I think this video is hilarious because it really shows how stupid most white people look even trying to rap with rock music playing on the track. Super funny! I am gonna also say that no other band has ever found a way to include a Beatles song into a rap cover and make it work. That is if they even tried. The popularity of this video on MTV helped this song peak at #12 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. This famous original recording was one of the first gangsta rap tracks included on Eazy E's 1986 album N.W.A. and the Posse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIo81Fk6J5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGeNDnYcQOA

"How To Save A Life"- Alicia Keys (originally by The Fray). I love when artists cover a song for no other reason than they like the song and want to honor the artist. That's what Alicia Keys does here on a performance from BBC's "Radio 1 Live Lounge". I'd really like to see Alicia Keys put this on an album because I really think the song fits her, especially with her piano playing skills. I think Alicia would like to cover more songs just from listening to her previous albums, but she writes so many good songs, there is no room on her albums. This title track from The Fray's 2004 debut album rode the rise of popularity from it's inclusion on "Grey's Anatomy" to peak at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3PRmu0tr6k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk

"Promise This"- Adele (originally by Cheryl Cole). Very interesting one here. I think Adele takes X Factor winner Cheryl Cole to school on this one. This "Radio 1 Live Lounge" performance completely changes the pace and mood of this song that had recently taken the UK by storm and brings it down about 6 notches to make it a beautiful musical creation by maybe the hottest act on the planet right now. I realize Adele is British, but her singing voice and talking voice are probably the most opposite sounding sounds of all time. This song went to #1 on the British Singles Chart for Cheryl Cole off her 2004 album Messy Little Raindrops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omRxJa97_xY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Mhkai3bjE

"Fix You"- Lizzy King (originally by Coldplay). Sometimes you just find a song that is awesome and have to include it. This California songstress took my breath away with one of my favorite songs ever. Chris Martin knew what he was doing when he wrote this song, and Lizzy King knew what she was doing when she brought me to tears with this emotional cover. For more on Lizzy King check out her website www.lizzyking.com. This song needs no intro- I've had it on here how many times?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkwPpbI8nxM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E

"Skinny Love"- Sophie Madeleine (originally by Bon Iver). This interesting cover was included on Sophie Madeleine's "30 Covers In 30 Days" series on youtube. This forgotten gem by Bon Iver is done wonderfully by Sophie and is masterfully done on ukulele which was a great idea for this song! This New York songtress looks so innocent and oblivious but is quite the talented artist! She reminds me SO much of Nicki Bluhm! For more on Sophie Madeleine check out her website www.sophiemadeleine.com. This song from Bon Iver's 2008 album For Emma, Forever Ago saw some success in Europe despite always being a fan favorite by Bon Iver fanatics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OELK48W4N7Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkwPpbI8nxM

"Good Time"- Sam Tsui and Elle Winter (originally by Owl City and Carley Rae Jepsen). I almost didn't include this one, but I have to admit that this was pretty clever. I know how you guys feel about CRJ, but just give Elle Winter a chance ok? Sam Tsui is so freaking awesome its seriously not fair. He's the Bo Jackson of music, because he does it 100% as a "hobby". I wish I had a hobby I was this good at. I think Elle Winter is a good addition to this song, and I think it's cool Sam Tsui is pushing a young up and coming artist, as she appeared on this season's "The Next Big Thing" on The Disney Channel. The only disappointing about this video is that I was expecting another unworldly mashup by Sam Tsui like he is so well known for. This song written by Relient K front man Matt Thiessen appeared on Owl City's latest album The Midsummer Station and Carly Rae Jepsen's Kiss and peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KV46FYJI2U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec

"I Won't Give Up"- Jayesslee (originally by Jason Mraz). I realize that seemingly everyone is covering this song right now, but I chose this Australian duo as my favorite. They make this song seem so effortless and harmonize on a rather hard song to harmonize on. I like the small changes made to this song, and I imagine it probably made it easier to sing. This track is included on Jayesslee's EP now available on iTunes. For more on Jayesslee, check out their website www.jayesslee.com. This song has become Jason Mraz's go to song and peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 last year on his album Love Is A Four Letter Word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI9rPwl1KuM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-4u9W-bns

"New York State Of Mind"- Oleta Adams (originally by Billy Joel). Oleta Adams is one that never gets enough credit for being a true soul diva! I would tell people to not even waste their time covering Billy Joel, but she really does this song justice! After giving a great effort of Elton John's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" in 1991, she brought home this gem in 1993 on her album Evolution. I would even venture to say that the piano jazz licks are more fitting for this song than Billy Joel originally wrote in 1976 for his album Turnstiles. I was shocked that this song was never released as a single for either artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3EzU7kMmec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZh8YjbDiVk

"Free Ride"- Audio Adrenaline (originally by Edgar Winter Group). Another Christian band recording a mainstream song- see what I mean? This song was on Audio Adrenaline's 1996 album Bloom which peaked at #77 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and was the summit of their popularity when they were arguably the #1 Christian Rock group in the world. I saw them live in 1999 in Jackson and it was one of the better concerts I saw. The original by The Edgar Winter Group peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973 from their album They Only Come Out At Night, and is featured on the soundtrack to the very addicting video game MLB 11 the Show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jaq_tW4o2sc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUTabYaU5Uw

"Turn The Page"- Metallica (originally by Bob Seger). I've always been kinda on the fence with Metallica, but I was quite impressed that they covered such an off genre song for them and made it awesome. This heavier version of the Bob Seger classic was included on their 1998 album Garage, Inc. and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart. The music video starring Ginger Lynn Allen took a much darker feel than the Seger song focusing on the life of a hooker rather than a musician, as the song would lead you to believe. Despite the overwhelming popularity of the song from Seger's album Back In '72, this song never touched the chart, but remains quite possibly his most famous song as well as a karaoke favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jaq_tW4o2sc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe7yOccqdxI

"November Rain"- Amos Lee (originally by Guns N' Roses). Talk about one I never thought I'd see covered, especially by Amos Lee. But I really think he did this song more than enough justice! This is a great live performance from the Philadelphia Academy of Music that I think, from the looks of it, was completely unexpected by the audience. I'm most impressed that this cover is the exact freaking length of the original and makes it the same almost to the point. Guns N' Roses was a talented band, so that in itself makes it super hard. Their songs are some of the hardest to play and sing that I've ever heard. The song from Guns N' Roses 1992 album Use Your Illusion I peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it became not only the longest song to ever reach the Top 10, but the first song in the history of the Billboard Charts to have a song with a guitar solo of over one minute reach the Top 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4917jIhqcuI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE

"This Woman's Work"- Maxwell (originally by Kate Bush). Here is one that I had no idea was a cover! And I have to say, I think Maxwell blows Kate Bush away with his version. His famous two versions in 1997 (MTV Unplugged) and his 2001 (Now) became one of this most well known songs and famous was included in the soundtrack for the 2002 film "Love and Basketball". Maxwell's version would peak at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and would be his last recording for nearly 7 years before he released BLACKSummer's Night in 2009. Kate Bush released her version on her 1989 album The Sensual World where is peaked at #25 on the British Singles Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkeCNeHcmXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4917jIhqcuI

"Angel Of Mine"- Monica (originally by Eternal). Here is another one that I know NONE OF YOU knew was a cover. I hate that I didn't get a chance to include Eternal in the last list, because they were widely considered the British answer to En Vogue just with their look and style. Monica recorded a cover of their version just a year after them and included it on her 1998 album The Boy Is Mine where it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not gonna lie, I've always had a thing for Monica. Any time this woman sings, I'm gonna listen! Once I hear the original version of this song, I am even more impressed because Eternal makes it really sound like a group oriented song, but Monica really makes it work with just her with a very small amount of background vocals- very impressive! Eternal released this song just a year earlier in the UK where it went to #4 on the British Singles Chart and was included as a new track on their Greatest Hits compilation album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eOuK-pYhy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts1qQ8jN8o0

"Somebody That I Used To Know"- Mayday Parade featuring Vic Fuentes (originally by Gotye featuring Kimbra). Man this one right here! I'm so glad I get to include Mayday Parade again! This ridiculously awesome cover was included on the most recent Punk Goes series album Punk Goes Pop Vol. 5 and was a super clever song to include! Mark my words that Mayday Parade will be a globally known band soon. I am so impressed with their sound and their talent. I think if they do this song live enough times it will really help their following. I would love to do this song karaoke- I've already danced around the room twice listening to it. This song really needs no introduction, as it's nominated for this year's Grammy for Record Of The Year by Gotye from his album Making Mirrors where it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftE9uSPpecs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY

"Girls Just Want To Have Fun"- The Maine (originally by Cyndi Lauper). The Maine has got to be one of the funniest bands out there. The last time I included them on a cover song list, it was "I Wanna Love You" by Akon. Now, after building up their street cred, they get in touch with their feminine side with this Cyndi Lauper "classic". (yes I do realize that I have now included two Cyndi Lauper songs on this list- talk about a first AND a last!). This creative cover was also included on the previously mentioned Punk Goes Pop Vol. 5. This cover is so much better than Cyndi Lauper's it's not even funny and it doesn't even make sense for the gender of the band singing it! This original also from Lauper's debut album She's So Unusual somehow went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXoONjpFe3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A

"Hearts A Mess"- Missy Higgins (originally by Gotye). Ok, since I have two Cyndi Lauper songs, I can have two Gotye songs right? I am so glad I got to include Australian artist Missy Higgins with a great stripped down live version of one of Gotye's more obscure songs. This great rendition was included on the Australian radio show "Triple J" in it's "Like A Version" segment. Missy Higgins voice is just so mysterious, powerful, and soulful all rolled into one. I absolutely love listening to this woman perform. This song was included on Gotye's 2007 album Like Drawing Blood where it only charted in Belgium. His very interesting video makes me think I'm watching something that wants to be a part of "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEmTkXr9Ssg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzb3lBOBRrM

"Pricetag"- The Wombats (originally by Jessie J featuring B.o.B.). Another interesting cover from the same radio show by Australian band The Wombats doing Jessie J's catchy tune. They look pretty embarassed to be doing it, but it really is one of those songs that sticks with you. The track from her debut album Who You Are went to #1 on the British Singles Chart and peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z182_85fSWI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvhrPMJe8LE

BONUS VIDEOS- "As We Lay"- Kelly Price and Shirley Murdock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jyosqzu6Jo

"Where I Stood"- Missy Higgins.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9QNRvXH1HI

"Jamie All Over"- Mayday Parade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZaK37dheCM

"Hide And Seek"- Lizzy King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzH9R_Lrr-E

"The Rhythm You Started"- Sophie Madeleine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyHgebxHA7I