Cover Versions aren't just a cheap way of exploiting talentless pop groups. Done correctly they are a great way of reaching out to potential new fans and showing a band's creative side. The best covers turn the original completely upside down and make it something completely different.
Nearly every band in the history of music has released a cover version in one format or another. Be it an a-side, a b-side, a hidden track or a charity single, everyone can name one or two cover versions that do the original justice or even surpass it.
So what are some of Fuzznut's favourites? Read on and find out what makes us turn the amp up to 11 everytime...
Sure, Version was a mixed bag of songs but this string-laden Smiths cover (with a little bit of the Supremes tacked on at the end) was fantastic and was played in Indie clubs up and down the country. Plus it pissed off several self-righteous Smiths fans which can only be a good thing.
Kate Bush's synthy eighties track was transformed into a festival singalong track by the Maccam rockers. Although they have hidden themselves away from the music scene of late this rocker of a track is still incredibly popular.
Originally by Neil Diamond, this song is infamous for being in Pulp Fiction. Whether it makes you want to run around with a gun and snort illicit substances I'm not too sure but this cover version makes the song trendy as fuck.
Ol' Captain T. Kirk turned this Pulp song into something else - not only did he record it in his infamous talking style, he also roped in a massive choir to sing the last chorus. Sounds strange on paper, but it's really a stroke of genius.
Not many people have heard of this band, but their scarily chipper acoustic cover of the George Michael song always makes me grin like an idiot when I hear it.
In 2006, Radio One released an album called Established 1967 which was a collection of specially created cover versions. Although the album had its fair share of clangers, this cover of The Move's song (which was also the first song played on the station) stood out. It brings the song firmly into the 21st century and makes it sound fresh and exciting.
Originally by John Lennon, this song was covered by Roxy Music in memory of his death. Whilst the original was stark and plain, the Roxy Music version is elaborate and incredibly well-produced.
The NWA released this song about glocks and girls in the early nineties, but this was covered by Ben Folds has made its way onto many a gig playlist. Although you would have thought a gangly white boy covering this song would fail drastically, it sounds really good, in a geeky, ironic way. Even when played on a piano.
This debut single from the Scissor Sisters caused a lot of debate - was it better or worse than the original Pink Floyd version? Although it doesn't surpass the chilled out Pink Floyd track which is a song about lonliness and despair, it does turn it on its head and make it totally discotastic.
You never would have expected Travis to play an acoustic version of Britney's first hit. Despite it being stripped down to the bare bones it works really well. Let's just hope that they don't cover Piece of Me.
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