Playlist: My Favourite Covers
Here's a bunch of artists singing songs they didn't write.
Hello! Happy Holidays!
I've been collecting a bunch of stand-out covers for a couple of years in the Spotify playlist above, and while revisiting it I decided to explore YouTube for some other cool projects- and I found a few stars.
Check out the list below.
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
Cover by: Jennah Bell
Holy shit???
This cover gives me head-to-toe shivers like nothing else- if you don't listen to anything today, at LEAST check this out. If there's ever been an example of a perfect cover, it's this. I've never heard of Bell, but wow. Her voice is soft, but delivers one of the most commanding performances I've heard in a long time. Plus- there's a puppy, so. Now you have to watch.
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" by Bob Dylan
Cover by: Post Malone
I really didn't know Posty could sing this well!
This is seriously a strong cover, I had no idea he had the pipes- and the variety!
He also filmed an entire livestream of Nirvana covers during quarantine, and they're.. fucking awesome?? I've never been a fan of his rap, but man, does he know how to spit some rock n' roll.
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan
Cover by: Eddie Vedder
I figured I'd put the other Dylan song here.
This video is from the West Memphis Three benefit concert- if you're not familiar, basically it's the case of three teens who were wrongfully convicted for murder and sentenced for life. (Back in the 90s) Vedder was a staunch supporter of the three, which eventually led to their release in 2011. This is such an incredibly moving cover, it made it into the WM3 documentary as well. (West of Memphis)
"Changes" by Black Sabbath
Cover by: Charles Bradley
I don't think I have to explain the power of Bradley's voice- but for added context, in this video he explains that he discovered this song right before he lost his late mother, so this cover is dedicated to her. Oof.
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
Cover by: Bjork and PJ Harvey
Oh my god, this is so sexy.
I didn't know I wanted this, but now that I have it, I missed it. Bjork and PJ sing softly, and kind of spookily, to the Stones classic- and it's guaranteed to stir something inside of ya.
"It Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" by Tame Impala
Cover by: Arctic Monkeys
I wanted to include as little 'Like A Version' covers as possible, since they're just so widespread- but, I mean, this is pretty classic. The way Turner makes the psychedelic Tame staple sound like a swagger-filled Arctic Monkeys original is incredible, and totally worth a listen.
"Across the Universe" by The Beatles
Cover by: AURORA
This cover wouldn't have worked without the eclectic weirdness of AURORA- she adds just enough spacey quirkiness that adds an even thicker layer of psychedelia to the psych-rock classic.
"Lithium" by Nirvana
Cover by: St. Vincent, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic
This is a different sort of cover, since 2/3 of the band are also performing- but St. Vincent fills Cobain's role so lovingly and channels his energy so well that for a minute, Nirvana feels revived.
"If We Make It Through December" by Merle Haggard
Cover by: Phoebe Bridgers
Bridgers has covered so much great shit.
From Neutral Milk Hotel, to The Goo Goo Dolls, to (my favourite) Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees"- she's a fan of classics. There's something so spectacularly sad about her version of "If We Make It Through December" though, that this is the one I had to choose.
"In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel
Cover by: Lera Lynn
Oh my god, this is so cinematic. I can't keep my eyes off this video whenever I put it on- the rolling thunder, Lera's passionate vocals, and that surprise at the end- it's a magnificent tribute to one of my favourite songs of all time.
"I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Nick of Time" by Bonnie Raitt
Cover by: Bon Iver
Awh. This is so sweet.
Bon Iver really shows off here, and thank god he does. His vocals are incredible. This is definitely a tear-jerker, so prepare yourself.
"Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails
Cover by: Johnny Cash
I mean, this is basically the king of all covers, so of course I have to include it.
This was recorded right before Cash's death, so if nothing else on this list makes you cry, this'll do it.