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Battle of the Covers v Originals

It's an age-old controversy- can a cover version ever be better than the original? Purists would say never! How does one judge the pretender to the throne? You decide with these five rounds of originals versus cover versions. But to fan the flames, we’ve suggested some results… based on points for re-interpretation, shock value, and reaction of the public.

Seconds away, and let the bouts commence!

Bout 1. You’ll Never Walk Alone 

Blue Corner: Gerry & the Pacemakers 

Red Corner: Robson & Jerome 

       vs      
 

No-one can doubt the magic of Liverpudlian Lad Gerry Marsden’s anthem, beloved of the Liverpool Soccer Team Kop Crowd. But Robson & Jerome’s 1996 cover did very well, riding on the success of their previous hit, Unchained Melody, and their success in the TV series Soldier Soldier.

Result: Gerry & the Pacemakers win on points. They were the original and best, despite the English public’s affection for R&J. The song has been recorded by at least 80 other “artists” including Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Nina Simone, Michael Crawford, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and the Shadows!

Bout 2. Ain’t No Sunshine

Blue Corner: Bill Withers

Red Corner: Michael Jackson 

    vs      

It’s a great song, it’s sung with real depth and feeling by Bill, yes, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know all that… but little Mikey in his youth does the song some justice too- although I’m not sure about the spoken words bits. However an uppercut from Bill to Michael leaves a bloody nose, LaToya and Janet throw in the towel, and Bill is declared the winner. It’s his song, and he does it best.

Bonus Round: Try this remix by Dubstep too…

Bout 3. Kiss

Blue Corner: Prince

Red Corner: The Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones 

   vs    

There’s no denying that Tom Jones and the Art of Noise gave the Prince-penned song a kick up the Jacksy, and indeed it revived the Welsh Warbler’s career. But how does it compare with the original? Prince’s version is more delicate, but at the end of two minutes in the Ring, the Valley Boyo’s raunchier version, coupled with the AoN’s beats has prince on the Ropes. Jonesy wins on points.

Bout 4. Step Inside Love

Blue Corner: The Beatles 
 

Red Corner: Cilla Black  

   vs   

This Beatles song was an outtake from the White Album. It’s clear that while it’s a great song, with clever chords, Paul McCartney is having trouble singing it at the high pitch required, although he does his best. But Cilla Black was made for the song, where she can master the quiet bits and the blasty/shouty  chorus bits. I’m afraid the Beatles here have a glass jaw, and Cilla gets a knock out in the first minute!

 Bout 5. Smells like Teen Spirit

Blue Corner: Nirvana 

Red Corner: Abigail 

   vs   

I’m afraid the crowd invaded the Ring before this bout could take place, and Abigail was bundled off without even getting her gloves on, leaving Nirvana to win hands down! No Contest!

Bonus Contender: Tori Amos -  
just wrong….