Opinion

Weekly survey: What’s weirdest and most unusual cover version you’ve ever heard?

A million years ago, I was in a Sam the Record Man in Winnipeg browsing the 45s when I stumbled upon what appeared to be a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

Punk was in full swing then and I was excited by the idea of a punked up version of the song. I laid down my money–I think I paid $1.59–and ran home.

What I heard was not what I expected.

It took me a little while to appreciate what Devo was doing with this song. Eventually, though, I came around to the point where I started seeking out weird and unusual covers, odd re-imaginings of classics and wonky interpretations of the work of other artists.

So I put it to you: If we were to make a playlist of weird and usual covers, what would it look like?

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.

Alan Cross has 39679 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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