Opinion

Weekly survey: What is the WORST (or at least most inappropriate) cover song of all time?

Most people really enjoy hearing an artist interpret another’s material. Sometimes, though, things should be left well enough alone. Here’s my pick.

I know it has over 61 million views, but the very thought of this recording makes my colon spasm.

Your turn: What’s your pick for the worst (at least most inappropriate) cover version of all time?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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21 thoughts on “Weekly survey: What is the WORST (or at least most inappropriate) cover song of all time?

  • WILLIAM SHATNER – LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS

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    • That’s an awesome track!

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  • Sixpence None the Richer misinterpreting The La’s killer ode to heroin track “There She Goes” as a sappy love song.

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  • Oasis- I Am The Walrus

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  • Father and Son by Boyzone is pretty high in the awful spectrum.

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  • Sting’s cover of Little Wing

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  • William Shantner- Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. It’s too painful to think about much less write about.

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  • I love Weezer but their cover of “Africa” isn’t much different from Toto’s version. And since I’ve heard Toto’s “Africa” lots of times, Weezer’s version just sounds boring and largely unoriginal.

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  • any cover of Heroes is an affront to mankind

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  • On the flip side, every cover of Hozier’s “Take Me To Church” I have ever heard has been better than the original.

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  • I’ve always thought Clapton’s cover of “I shot the sheriff” was pretty shit, even if it did benefit Marley substantially

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  • “Cats in the Cradle” by Ugly Kid Joe.

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  • I have to say, I’ve heard Faith but limp Bizkit has been named once as the worst remake ever, but it’s in my Favorites playlist. I also hear a lot of people say they love Hurt by Johnny Cash, but it’s awful. The worst though, Closr My Eyes Forevet by Ween who are one of my favorite bands, but that’s really bad. Smells Like Teen Spirit by the Meat Puppets too is almost unlistenable

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    • Faith BY Limp Bizkit

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      • and Close My Eyes Forever by Ween. Can’t type apparently

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  • I offer another William Shatner tribute as he sings “Mr. Tamborine Man” by Bob Dylan.

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  • Landslide by Dixie Chicks

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