Cover versions that are better than the Beatles

Shut up, Al Green !!!

 

Smooth as silk!

 

This was discussed before in this thread. The OP did not ask for covers of the Beatles original songs, but for covers that are better than those by the Beatles. This excludes the original performances of songs covered later by the Beatles, but it does not exclude covers of songs that were covered by the Beatles. Check OP for Hippy Hippy Shake - which is not the Beatles original song, nevertheless explicitly mentioned in OP as a relevant case.

 

Well to each his own, but I think you're way off base.

 

like a boss

 

Well that's what makes the world go round, At least we agree on Lucy, and trust me we're in the minority there.

 

I'll even be so bold as to say I think Elton's version of PINBALL WIZARD bests The Who version (the studio version anyway).

 

Not saying it is "better" but I love the harmonies on this CSN version of Blackbird....

 

Day Tripper / If I Needed Someone / I Want You (She's So Heavy)

 

Not necessarily better, but very good nonetheless;

Vocalist Mike Patto and Ollie Halsall on guitar;

Boxer - "Hey Bulldog"

 

Not necessarily better, but very good nonetheless;

Tempest - "Paperback Writer"
Ollie Halsall on guitar/vocals;

 

Not necessarily better, but very good nonetheless;

From London Ontario Canada...Thundermug;

 

This is one of my favourites too. I picked up a 45 of it years ago without knowing anything about it or them except it's a Beatles cover. I loved it straightway. It was produced by Paul too.

My other favourites have been mentioned

Stevie - We Can Work It Out. This gets close to the original. It only just misses out to me as it's one of my favourite Beatles songs. Easily top five if I did that kind of thing.

Mamas and the Papas - I Call Your Name. Magnificent. I do prefer this to the original, which sounds a bit rushed.

Wilson Pickett - One of the records that got me into soul music, which I've now loved dearly for nearly 30 years. The horns coming in is explosive! Magnificent.

I love the Siouxsie and the Banshees Helter Skelter and Dear Prudence covers. I've never liked Joe Cocker's With A Little Help From My Friends as much as most people, but it is a great cover. How they should be done.

Bobbie Gentry did some good ones. Fool On The Hill particularly.

Generally, most Beatles covers I hear are dreadful! There's been some good instrumental ones. A mention of Booker T. and the MGs for covering almost all of Abbey Road for their own LP, which is a good listen.

 

Not necessarily better, but very good nonetheless;

Spooky Tooth - "I Am The Walrus"

 

My very first thought when I saw this thread.

 

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

 

Not possible.

 

Has anybody mentioned Don't Let Me Down by Dillard and Clark?

 

Hey Jude - Wesley Willis

 

Everytime I see this album cover I think it's Linda McCartney

 

*puts up bullet shield*

I love Elton John's version of Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds to bits. For many, many years I thought it was a huge improvement over the original; dreamlike, atmospheric, smooth. The original is - of course - dreamlike in its feel as well but on my first many listens I felt it was too crude and eerie, at least in the verses. The chorus is very uplifting. I have warmed to the Fabs' version in later years, though, primarily the mono mix because (and I don't know if my ears are on straight) the vocals are a wee bit different, in the best sense of the word. But yes, I'll take EJ's version any day.

*puts on blindfold*

 

Just covered one of these covers
Got To Get You Into My Life ala EW&F

 

I like EJs version too. It’s a bit over the top but was perfect for the times. Love the guitar solo.

The mono version of Lucy on Pepper has the vocals treated with varying degrees of flanging so they do indeed sound different (and better).