Dan the Man had a rough week last week so unfortunately we weren’t able to get together and pod. This week, though, MattyV went solo and went through his list of 5 songs that are better known by their cover artists than the originals.
“With a Little Help from My Friends” – Joe Cocker
Originally a Beatles tune, Joe made this one his own onstage at Max Yasgur’s farm in front of thousands. The song would become synonymous with the 1960’s and was chosen as the theme song for “The Wonder Years”, a classic show reliving that turbulent time through the eyes of Kevin Arnold and his family.
“Hurt” – Johnny Cash
Who would have thought that a country legend covering a variety of rock & country songs in 2002 would make a song about addiction & suicide his own. Trent Reznor himself has said in many interviews that Nine Inch Nails’ 1995 song now belonged to Johnny Cash because of his haunting & heart wrenching 2002 cover.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
One of Dolly Parton’s first #1 hits (in 1974 and again in 1983), Whitney Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack to her debut movie, “The Bodyguard” co-starring Kevin Costner. It was Costner that suggested the song, playing Linda Ronstadt’s cover of it from 1975. Whitney’s version has been ranked again and again on various lists for love songs to movie soundtracks. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide making it the best-selling single and the best-selling single from a female artist of all time.
“Just a Gigolo/Ain’t Got Nobody” – David Lee Roth
The medley was originally performed by Louis Prima back in 1956 with The Village People doing a cover in 1975. In 1985 “Diamond” Dave’s rendition coupled with the hilariously campy video filled with impersonators did the song become his.
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” – The Dan Band
Bonnie Tyler’s 5th studio album featured this song which was written & produced by the legendary Jim Steinman. It was a staple of 1980’s rock stations and its’ video saw decent airplay on MTV. In 2003, however, parody band The Dan Band were featured in the movie, “Old School” as a wedding band performing an expletive-filled version of the song. In 2005 they released their debut album containing the song along with other covers such as “Lady” by Styx & “Mickey” by Toni Basil.
Junkiosity 