Just listened to to "let it be" followed by "she loves you" some decent things came out of scouseland.
I'm gonna chuck this one in fromScotland, former founding member of Belle & Sebastian, a lovely person and Mrs B's cousin, Isobel Campbell...
I like Jacques Brel as a writer and performer. He is without doubt, a genius but to my ears the SAHB version of Next is preferable (note: not better...preferable.) Most people would think that Tom Jones' 'Delilah' is the last word on that song....but again, Alex Harvey and the band wring something else out of it. I won't say it's better. it's different and I like it...a lot...and I've seen both perform it live. Off hand, this would probably be one of the best covers of all time... It's great because it wrings stuff out of the original that even Burt Bacharach probably didn't know was in there. It's not better but for me, it's great, probably because the original is great too.
A few more covers that are not necessarily better than the original, but still great versions And not exactly a cover
Still in the mood for covers - Heres a few more starting with The Who and there stunning cover of Barbara Ann, a classic bit of film (from the Kids are Alright) that reminds me of when I was in a band and Townshends 'Another Solo eh?' is just so typical of any band in rehearsal. Then Paul Weller who has never been afraid to throw in a cover or 2 and his version of Neil Youngs Ohio And Ocean Colour Scene (and guest) with The Small Faces Song Of A Baker