Songs That Have Been Recorded By Many Artists...

My favorite is the one by the Music Machine:

 

"Always on My Mind"

I've heard versions I don't like as much as others, but I've never heard a bad version.

 

"Yesterday"

 

"Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)

 

"Louie Louie"

If you are looking to create a cd of just one song, there is no shortage or diversity of artists who have recorded this song. Such as:

The Kingsman
The Challengers
The Sandpipers
The Surfaris
The Sonics
The Feelies
Richard Berry
Jim Capaldi
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Iggy Pop & The Stooges
Motorhead
Otis Redding
The Pretenders
Tuck Andress
Swinging Medallions
Thee Headcoats
Charlie & The Tunas
Steve Jordan
Mellowdramatics
Ian Whitcomb
Toots & The Maytals
Frank Zappa
Jr. Cadillac
Flamin' Groovies
The University of Washington Husky Marching Band
and finally... Angel Chorus Christi

 

Yup, forgot that one, and I own the album.

I really like this one: Number 9 "Hey Joe"

 

Not at all... I should have made the premise of the thread clear "in the title". It's on me.

 

Cry Me A River is absolutely one of those songs I agree. From Julie London on...

 

Yeah man! I'd add Willy DeVille's version as part of the ... I might consider his live version a minor classic... like Willy himself.

 

I've heard this done appallingly, many times. Admittedly that's because at one point it seemed to be a favourite for hopefuls on TV talent quests. However there have been some proper professional releases that I didn't like much. I didn't think that disco rendition of the song by Santa Esmeralda was too flash.

 

I've heard dozens of covers of "Gentle on My Mind" - one of the most recorded songs ever, I believe, and I don't think I've heard a bad one.Even Dean Martin's version was tolerable.

"Unchained Melody" is another song that's pretty hard to screw up.

 

Great one Mike... even my band from when I was kid with our out of tune guitars got a rise whenever we raved up Louis Louis; if I do say so myself. There's a few on your list I've yet to hear... but I can't imagine not digging any version... or even any band who has it on their set list. I think I once saw Hendrix, Cream, Otis Redding and Sinatra open for The University of Washington Husky Marching Band. Go Husks!

And in addition... Love Love Love the Angel Corpus Christi tune. How much? Never heard of the artist before, but I'm going to search out and buy the recording. That's what this forum is all about for me. Thanks man!

 

Got to search out the Santa Esmeralda version. I'm guessing... so bad it's good.

 

Goffin and King's "Oh No, Not My Baby"

 

An excellent addition, a very strong song... of the versions I've heard, standouts as I remember have been: Areathas', Dusty Springfields', Maxine Browns' and the version by Fontella Bass in addition to Carole Kings own recording.

 

I've read a quip in Rolling Stone, or somesuch, that there has never been a bad recorded version of "Fever."

 

I'm not a big fan of the Grateful Dead's attempts at Johnny B. Goode. Priest's cover wasn't a favorite, either.

 

I've never heard a bad one... it's a really really strong song.

 

Agreed about The Dead's cover. Not familiar with, I assume you mean "Judas" Priest? I also assume it wasn't a reprimand that came out of The Vatican.

 

I'm not really into Metal... not really at all, but I actually like that version. The drive and energy suits the song. Maybe I'm a closet Metal Head. I think Chuck would dig it also... and not just because of the royalties.

 

Holy Crap!!! Lou baby; who knew. Guess you did.

 

They do a great job with Joan Baez's Diamonds and Rust. This, not so much, at least to my ears.

 

You forgot Tim Rose. Weirdly, Billy Roberts, the man credited with writing "Hey Joe" doesn't appear to have ever recorded it. The song appears to be based on his former girlfriend, Neila Miller's "Don't Go To Town", which was recorded to acetate in 1962 and released a few years ago.