Worst Cover Songs Of All Time

Oh shit how did I forget this one

Bricksnbeatles said:
Maybe it's just the nostalgic sap in me, but I like it. Their cover of 'Do It Again' on the other hand is pure trash
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I agree, some of these for sure feel more like "I do not like the style or aesthetics that it was covered with" rather than being a failure in that style or even if you like those otherwise, which I think it what makes a cover horrible.
 
I actually quite like Sid Vicious' cover of My Way. I think it's hilarious! The original song is so pompous - Frank definitely had better songs. And I quite like the Cure's version of Purple Haze, even though I don't think anyone should ever cover Hendrix. It's asking to be ridiculed.

I may be alone here but I LOATHE SRV's cover of anything Hendrix. His covers just reek of self-indulgence and wankery. It's kind of like explaining a joke. He over-plays everything.

There's an Aussie band called the Clouds who did a really good cover of the Wichita Lineman, a song which is generally over-covered. But their version is just wonderful.

My pet hate is when people cover a song and slow it down to make it more "meaningful". I have heard so many covers of the Beatles Help done like that. Again, it's like they're explaining a joke.

One cover I love though is Sonic Youth's cover of the Carpenters' Superstar. Excellent.
 
HamishR said:
My pet hate is when people cover a song and slow it down to make it more "meaningful". I have heard so many covers of the Beatles Help done like that. Again, it's like they're explaining a joke.
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This is a big reason why Rage Against The Machine's cover of Devo's Beautiful World is sooooo bad
 
Today I learned that Weezer has an entire album of covers. I listened to the whole thing and it's tough to choose which was the most offensive. I mean, they did Stand By Me, Billie Jean and No Scrubs but I think folks around here would hate the Black Sabbath the most.

Palate cleanser: Excellent Sabbath cover.

 
Mentaltossflycoon said:
Today I learned that Weezer has an entire album of covers. I listened to the whole thing and it's tough to choose which was the most offensive. I mean, they did Stand By Me, Billie Jean and No Scrubs but I think folks around here would hate the Black Sabbath the most.

Palate cleanser: Excellent Sabbath cover.

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Huh, weirdly enough I thought the Weezer cover was fine (it wasn't very exciting, but it was fine and they changed enough from the original IMO) and the second one was one of the worst cover songs of all time - I couldn't even finish it tbh. But then I just flat out don't like 99% of jazz.

Personally I feel like "this cover done in a style that I hate" shouldn't really count for worst cover songs of all time. It doesn't fit your taste, but that's life, people like different things.

But there are also things that transcend taste differences, and are bad from a more objective (if there is such a thing) POV, where even people who like that style or band would agree it's horrible. Those are the ones I'm more interested in.
 
Fama said:
Huh, weirdly enough I thought the Weezer cover was fine (it wasn't very exciting, but it was fine and they changed enough from the original IMO) and the second one was one of the worst cover songs of all time - I couldn't even finish it tbh. But then I just flat out don't like 99% of jazz.

Personally I feel like "this cover done in a style that I hate" shouldn't really count for worst cover songs of all time. It doesn't fit your taste, but that's life, people like different things.

But there are also things that transcend taste differences, and are bad from a more objective (if there is such a thing) POV, where even people who like that style or band would agree it's horrible. Those are the ones I'm more interested in.
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I do not hate the weezer cover album because I hate the style. I enjoy music pretty broadly, not just heady jazz. Weezer has sucked all the life out every one of those covers. They added nothing but a wash of blandness. Every single song sounds worse than the original. It barely sounds like Weezer. I truly felt embarrassment for them as I listened.

This is a subjective thread and that's fun. David King's drumming gives me goosebumps while I find Ozzy's voice unlistenable. I still think Weezer shred replacing Iommi shred is an atrocity. And to be extra clear, I don't hate Weezer. I have Pinkerton in my vinyl collection. Apologies if I yucked your yum but I stand by it 100%.
 
My entry is anything by Pomplamoose.
I hate everything about that band and its ecosystem of bands, musicians and Youtube channels. The name, the overexcited guy on the piano, the deadpan singer and her mugging for the camera and irritating hand movements, the white guy old school hipster DIY funk ethos.

They have a band called Scary Pockets that does funk covers. They're all great musicians but they exude that Berklee hipster chopster smarminess that turned me off Vulfpeck.
I hate that forced funkification of songs. Similar to how slowing down a song makes it meaningful.

They have a channel where they interview session players and go over their famous sessions. I just can't stand the fake overexcitement for the clicks. You thought Rick beato was fake, freaking Jack Conte has to be the least genuine music guy on Youtube. At least i hope he's playing it up and mugging for the camera. What if he's actually like that in person?! That's a scary thought.

I will post this cover because the bass player Nick Campbell is a beast but I stand by everything I said about the band.

 
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