Can you think of covers of major hits, Motown or otherwise, that were better than.... [Archive]

robb_k

01-18-2016, 07:17 PM

11002
I like The Checkers' "The White Cliffs of Dover" better than Vera Lynn's 1941 version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG-ALoPFAO0

antceleb12

01-18-2016, 07:17 PM

Betty Everett - "It's In His Kiss"
Four Tops - "Walk Away Renee"
Sam Cooke - "You Send Me"
Aretha Franklin - "Respect"
The Isley Brothers - "Twist & Shout"
The Paris Sisters - "Be My Boy"
The Shirelles - "Everybody Loves a Lover"
Janis Joplin - "Me and Bobby McGee"
The Exciters - "Tell Him"
Carole King - "Breaking Up is Hard to Do"

and the list goes on...

robb_k

01-18-2016, 07:28 PM

11003
The Four Tops' "If I Were A Carpenter"
I could list several thousand R&B versions of old standards that I like a lot better. But, I don't have time to list them all.

jobeterob

01-18-2016, 07:38 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FOUqQt3Kg0

It's hard to argue with this one.

jobeterob

01-18-2016, 07:41 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StC5lwA2snM

An Impressions Lover said this was done better by Brian Hyland.

Is that sacrilegious or not?

mr soul

01-18-2016, 07:55 PM

This one wasn't bad.

https://youtu.be/j8vY3vAbAdQ

marv2

01-18-2016, 08:06 PM

The Four Tops "MacArthur Park"

luke

01-18-2016, 10:40 PM

Didn't the Isleys do Twist and Shout originally?

milven

01-18-2016, 10:57 PM

Didn't the Isleys do Twist and Shout originally?
I think there was another version out at almost the same time or a little before, but I don't know the name of the group. But, I wouldn't call The Isleys Twist and Shout a cover version. The Beatles did a cover version of The Isleys.

Someone mentioned Sam Cooke's You Send Me as a cover version. But that was an original song written by Sam Cooke and it was not a cover version.

Also back then, there used to be white cover versions of songs. Teresa Brewer had a top ten hit with her white cover version. I like Teresa Brewer, but this sucks, but not as bad as some of the Pat Boone cover versions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcBXZvaVpg0

lockhartgary

01-18-2016, 11:00 PM

Didn't the Isleys do Twist and Shout originally?
No, the Top Notes originally recorded it. Phil Spector produced this version but Bert Berns, the song's co-writer, hated it. He went on to produce the Isley Brothers' version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDpc-8iR8g

lockhartgary

01-18-2016, 11:08 PM

Janice Joplin - "Piece of My Heart"
Young Rascals - "Good Lovin'"
James Brown - "Think"
The McCoys - "Hang on Sloopy"

lockhartgary

01-18-2016, 11:10 PM

Robb_K, you probably know that 2 of the Checkers were former members of The Dominoes.

robb_k

01-19-2016, 04:08 AM

Robb_K, you probably know that 2 of the Checkers were former members of The Dominoes.
11005
Yes. I knew. Bill Brown, their Bass lead singer [["Sixty Minute Man"), and Charley White, left. and they formed The Checkers.

I didn't realise that this thread was on The Motown Forum, or I'd have only listed Motown remakes.

Also, when did The Eagles record for a Motown label? The whole reason for having a Motown Forum on this website was to have a place where only Motown topics go. The regular Soulful Detroit Forum is for all other music topics. I don't understand why members of this forum can't simply look at topic titles on THAT forum as well, and go there when interested.

antceleb12

01-19-2016, 08:26 AM

I think there was another version out at almost the same time or a little before, but I don't know the name of the group. But, I wouldn't call The Isleys Twist and Shout a cover version. The Beatles did a cover version of The Isleys.

Someone mentioned Sam Cooke's You Send Me as a cover version. But that was an original song written by Sam Cooke and it was not a cover version.

Also back then, there used to be white cover versions of songs. Teresa Brewer had a top ten hit with her white cover version. I like Teresa Brewer, but this sucks, but not as bad as some of the Pat Boone cover versions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcBXZvaVpg0

Milven you're correct. For some reason I thought Theresa's came first.

antceleb12

01-19-2016, 08:27 AM

No, the Top Notes originally recorded it. Phil Spector produced this version but Bert Berns, the song's co-writer, hated it. He went on to produce the Isley Brothers' version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDpc-8iR8g

Correct. This is probably one of the only Spector-produced tunes I really dislike. The Isley Bros got it right.

marybrewster

01-19-2016, 10:02 AM

144man

01-19-2016, 10:38 AM

Janice Joplin - "Piece of My Heart"
Young Rascals - "Good Lovin'"
James Brown - "Think"
The McCoys - "Hang on Sloopy"

I can't agree that Janis Joplin's shouty version of "Piece of My Heart" is better than Erma Franklin's masterpiece.

robb_k

01-19-2016, 12:21 PM

11007
I like Erma Franklin's "Piece of My Heart" better than any other version, and the same with The Five Royales' "Think", and also their version of "Dedicated To The One I Love". I also like The Vibrations' "My Girl Sloopy" better than any remakes [[although I don't really like that song much). I like The Marcels' version of "Blue Moon" better than any of the older versions, and the same for The Barons' "Willow Weep For Me". I also like The Hide-a-Ways' version of "Can't Help Lovin' That Girl of Mine" better than the original Broadway tune [[".....Man of Mine").

Bluebrock

01-19-2016, 12:51 PM

Whitney Houston covered many other artists music:

"In Your Arms" by Diana Ross
"Saving All My Love For You" by Marilyn and Billy
"The Greatest Love of All" by George Benson
"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
"I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Kahn
"I Believe in You and Me" the Four Tops
"All the Man That I Need" by Linda Clifford

While I don't know if her versions are "better" than the original, most had greater commercial success.
Sister Sledge also did a version of "all the man I need". Not sure if it preceeded the Linda Clifford version. Whitney also covered a couple of Sam Dees songs previously recorded by the likes of the Manhattans, and she also did a version of Stevie's "I was made to love her [[him)".

Ngroove

01-19-2016, 01:45 PM

I dunno about you, but from all I heard from Dee Dee Sharpe so far; other than when comparing between her and Chubby Checkers and Gene Chandler; anything done Dee Dee was more charmingly talently adorable.

Such as, the Orlons':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qk7UeGykls

lockhartgary

01-19-2016, 03:16 PM

I can't agree that Janis Joplin's shouty version of "Piece of My Heart" is better than Erma Franklin's masterpiece.

Admittedly, the versions I listed were more often than not the 1st time I heard those songs at all, so they grew on me long before I heard the other versions.

alexstassi

01-19-2016, 03:25 PM

What "Third World" did with this O'Jays tune was outstanding!!!!

https://youtu.be/tZpeg8Lx87k

marv2

01-19-2016, 05:18 PM

Love Seals & Croft, but the Isley Brothers took this song!

The Isley Brothers - Love The One You're With

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brKwex4UXaw

marv2

01-19-2016, 05:22 PM

Ms Mary Wilson covered Norah Jones and took this song home...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c1ZdSmYYtA

marv2

01-19-2016, 06:32 PM

Stevie Wonder's cover of the Beatles "We Can Work It Out":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl3dN1L1XQE

RossHolloway

01-19-2016, 06:34 PM

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Supremes & Temps is better than the original by DeeDee Warwick

Someday We'll Be Together by the Supremes is also better than the original by Jackie and Johnnie

144man

01-19-2016, 10:40 PM

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window - Baby Jane and the Rockabyes:)

robb_k

01-20-2016, 01:27 AM

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Supremes & Temps is better than the original by DeeDee Warwick

Someday We'll Be Together by the Supremes is also better than the original by Jackie and Johnnie
11008
That's a matter of personal taste, and I disagree on both songs. I like the originals better.

RossHolloway

01-20-2016, 10:43 AM

11008
That's a matter of personal taste, and I disagree on both songs. I like the originals better.
From what I've read, even DeeDee Warwick liked the Supremes & Temptations version of IGMYLM better than her own version.

marv2

01-20-2016, 11:20 AM

I think the Supremes & Four Tops did a better version of this than anyone else:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb88TkuBODw

144man

01-20-2016, 02:34 PM

Admittedly, the versions I listed were more often than not the 1st time I heard those songs at all, so they grew on me long before I heard the other versions.

I know exactly what you mean about the version you hear first determining your preference. Bessie Banks's original version of "Go Now" is an acknowledged deep soul classic, but I heard the version by the Moody Blues' version first, and to me that will always be the perfect pop record.

mr soul

01-20-2016, 03:38 PM

Marv2...I think you've got your wires crossed "Summer Breeze" Seals & Croft, "Love The One You're With" Stephen Stills, also Luther does an excellent version.

jobeterob

01-20-2016, 06:00 PM

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Supremes & Temps is better than the original by DeeDee Warwick

Someday We'll Be Together by the Supremes is also better than the original by Jackie and Johnnie

Those are two examples of the cover version becoming the major hit and the better version.

jobeterob

01-20-2016, 06:02 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU_sFZWUK_g

This is a perfect example of how Diana Ross knew to go for the pockets and the hooks and in the process turn out a massive hit.

marv2

01-20-2016, 06:30 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StC5lwA2snM

An Impressions Lover said this was done better by Brian Hyland.

Is that sacrilegious or not?

The Impressions version is the Ultimate version. There are no others as far as I am concerned.

marv2

01-20-2016, 06:34 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU_sFZWUK_g

This is a perfect example of how Diana Ross knew to go for the pockets and the songs and in the process turn out a massive hit.

No it is not. She doesn't have that type of natural ability, talent. Johnny Bristol had to guide her through the entire song.

marv2

01-20-2016, 06:36 PM

Those are two examples of the cover version becoming the major hit and the better version.

I would not say that those covers were necessarily better than the originals.

marv2

01-20-2016, 06:38 PM

Marv2...I think you've got your wires crossed "Summer Breeze" Seals & Croft, "Love The One You're With" Stephen Stills, also Luther does an excellent version.

You are right. Stephen Stills. Thanks.

rovereab

01-20-2016, 07:58 PM

Marvin Gaye's cover of the Beatles' Yesterday is superb. Marvin brings such feeling to the song. Likewise Marvin's cover of Abraham, Martin and John has the same qualities. They sound like they were recorded at the same session!

RossHolloway

01-21-2016, 03:16 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU_sFZWUK_g

This is a perfect example of how Diana Ross knew to go for the pockets and the hooks and in the process turn out a massive hit.

I agree with you 100%. The Supreme's version is light years ahead and better than the original. It's not really even a fair comparison.

RossHolloway

01-21-2016, 03:18 PM

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Dee Dee Warwick.

https://youtu.be/dy-AX5QItPE

marv2

01-21-2016, 03:51 PM

I agree with you 100%. The Supreme's version is light years ahead and better than the original. It's not really even a fair comparison.

The writer and the artist that originally recorded the song not only had to coach Diana phrase by phrase because she does not what to do, he also had to sing on the song with her to make even sound right. I heard the alternate version of Miss Ross trying to ad lib and sound soulful. It was awful!

RossHolloway

01-21-2016, 04:21 PM

The writer and the artist that originally recorded the song not only had to coach Diana phrase by phrase because she does not what to do, he also had to sing on the song with her to make even sound right. I heard the alternate version of Miss Ross trying to ad lib and sound soulful. It was awful!
Well I think history and record sales have proven you wrong.

marv2

01-21-2016, 06:01 PM

Well I think history and record sales have proven you wrong.
I'm not wrong. When they let her sing it her way, it sucked bad!

Roberta75

01-21-2016, 06:10 PM

The writer and the artist that originally recorded the song not only had to coach Diana phrase by phrase because she does not what to do, he also had to sing on the song with her to make even sound right. I heard the alternate version of Miss Ross trying to ad lib and sound soulful. It was awful!

Can you please post a link to the alternattive version that youve heard. Wed love to hear it.

Thanks

marv2

01-21-2016, 06:20 PM

Can you please post a link to the alternattive version that youve heard. Wed love to hear it.

Thanks

It's out there somewhere......go find it!

Roberta75

01-21-2016, 06:29 PM

It's out there somewhere......go find it!

As i thought. Thanks for confirmning.

Roberta

RossHolloway

01-21-2016, 06:50 PM

As i thought. Thanks for confirmning.

Roberta

Why bother Roberta? He just likes to stir the pot. I try my best to ignore him at all cost.

Ngroove

01-21-2016, 07:53 PM

The original singers of songs later covered by "the Sweethearts of Soul", the [[original) Peaches & Herb [[Ed Townsend's "For Your Love", Five Keys' "Close Your Eyes", The Intruders' "United", the numerous "Let's Fall In Love"s, ect) to Peaches & Herb - Honestly, I believe Peaches & Herb practically "steals" them all, made them better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ons5sRLvoeA

Ngroove

01-21-2016, 08:06 PM

Gene Chandler, when doing former pet project, Mel & Tim,'s "Groovy Situation" for himself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFOnZAzjeoU

mysterysinger

01-21-2016, 08:10 PM

Hippy Hippy Shake - Swinging Blue Jeans
I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
How Sweet It Is - Jr Walker [[oo controversial!!)
Do What You Gotta Do - Four Tops
The Wonder Of You - Elvis
You'll Never Get To Heaven - Stylistics
Do You Wanna Dance - Cliff Richard

sansradio

01-21-2016, 08:24 PM

Bette Midler's "Do You Wanna Dance" is my ultimate answer. It's definitive.

lockhartgary

01-22-2016, 11:16 AM

I personally lean more to Mavis Staples' version of "A House Is Not a Home". Again, I heard this version before Dionne Warwicke's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEhrnHw5xh0

sansradio

01-22-2016, 11:54 AM

Sorry, but Luther's "A House..." trumps them all for me. How could I have forgotten?

motownlover1964

01-22-2016, 12:46 PM

Dionne Warwick's cover of "We Can Work It Out" sizzles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-MQkkRkEow

sansradio

01-22-2016, 01:03 PM

Dionne Warwick's cover of "We Can Work It Out" sizzles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-MQkkRkEow

Oh, yes! Don't forget Chaka's version, which is my personal fave.

blkfrost

01-22-2016, 02:05 PM

The Four Tops version of "It's All In The Game".

jobeterob

01-22-2016, 02:53 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtizr2G_7Bk

jobeterob

01-22-2016, 02:54 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvD7RkEkH5A

lockhartgary

01-25-2016, 05:25 PM

While not a major hit [[Smokey's version was an LP track), a very good cover:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh-GRa7bnDM

jobeterob

01-25-2016, 07:49 PM

That's just all BS and a few people that were really there said so.

As Roberta once said to his pal "he has you on ignore dear!"

bradburger

01-26-2016, 05:57 PM

The recently released Deke Richards produced version of 'Light My Fire' by Martha & the Vandellas. [[Available on the '50th Anniversary [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/50th-Anniversary-Singles-Collection-1962-1972/dp/B00AU15IHY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453845757&sr=8-3&keywords=martha+and+the+vandellas)' box set).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1YXZtOjuQ4

There are some great cover versions [[I never did like the Doors original), but this a top class production, and is the best version IMHO. :cool:

Cheers

Paul

luke

01-26-2016, 06:03 PM

Omg. Brad burger. How ya been? How did this get released?

bradburger

04-06-2016, 05:43 PM

Omg. Brad burger. How ya been? How did this get released?

Not bad luke.

How about you?

Check out the M&V '50th Anniversary' box set as it was on that.

Here's another favourite cover of mine that surpasses the original.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99UJaQae0Cw

Cut in Detroit and produced by non other than George McGregor, Mike Valvano, and King Curtis!

Cheers

Paul

oco78

04-06-2016, 05:52 PM

I don't know if it's out of topic, but Ben l'Oncle Soul cover Katy Perry - I kissed a Girl, Soul version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLFd-XKby0g

theboyfromxtown

04-06-2016, 06:19 PM

I don't know if it's out of topic, but Ben l'Oncle Soul cover Katy Perry - I kissed a Girl, Soul version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLFd-XKby0g

He's a breath of fresh air. Bought his albums but dont the Katy Perry version.

oco78

04-06-2016, 06:37 PM

For sure, he makes some intersting covers

Stay [[Rihanna Cover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevM_lguDy4

oco78

04-06-2016, 06:38 PM

My World Is Empty Without You [[The supremes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Rpk0xxURc

oco78

04-06-2016, 06:39 PM

Crazy [[Gnarls Barkley)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ShAMpnrmo

oco78

04-06-2016, 06:41 PM

A totaly insane cover... Aqua - Barbie Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUF1FKHXD18

edafan

04-07-2016, 04:11 PM

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Dee Dee Warwick.

https://youtu.be/dy-AX5QItPE

I don't want to anger pro Diana Rossor please anti Diana Ross fans.

But one of my best listening experiences is when Eddie Kendricks comes in in the middle of I'm Gonna and outsings Diana

edafan