A song murdered by someone.

albarge said:

"To me, the Righteous Brothers’ recording comes across as excessively "mannered," defined in this context as "overelaborate in delivery." While many people may interpret that as contributing to soul, to me it just detracts from the beauty of the song. For that song, at least, I prefer a more straightforward and unembellished interpretation."

I get that and I agree to a certain point. But for me, the clincher that hooks me with the Righteous Brother's version is the vocal gymnastics which even they could not reproduce live that makes the song so special.

But, what you're speaking of here does ring true. The Joan Baez version of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is too smooth and polished....not to mention a woman singing a man's lines (which I don't mind except in this song....it just doesn't work). Some songs are best with all the rough edges in place. Probably all blues are better for the rough edges.....its what makes the blues what they are and a lot of what allowed rock to grow out of the blues.

I think we should start a thread about covers that are better or as good as the originals.

@n80

I'd participate. I think I'd have more to offer there.

Never cared much for David Bowie’s take on “Across the Universe”, but on a positive note (no pun) Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt” tramples Nine Inch Nail’s version. They did write a great song.

Renee Fleming "Somewhere"