The Rolling Stones version of their song “Wild Horses” was released 50 years ago today on the album Sticky Fingers. The Flying Burrito Brothers version was released a year earlier.
Category: Music covers
Covers: Tiny Bubbles
Covers: At Last (not the one you know)
This song “At Last” was first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1968. I first heard it by Taj Mahal who covered it in 1997.
Covers: Down Along the Cove
The last two songs on Bob Dylan’s 1976 album John Wesley Harding point the way out of the austerity and mystery of the rest of the record. They lead right into his next album, 1969’s Nashville Skyline. “Down Along the Cove” is the next to last song. The lyrics are straightforward and almost cliches. It seemed slight then but I like it more now. Dylan didn’t perform “Down Along the Cove” live for the first time for over 30 years.
Covers: Atlantic City
Bruce Springsteen released “Atlantic City” on his 1982 album Nebraska. The best known cover is by The Band from 1993.
Covers: Dreams
“Dreams” is a Fleetwood Mac song written and sung by Stevie Nicks. It’s on 1977’s Rumours. It has been popular again recently because of a Tik Tok video.
Covers: Bein’ Green
“Bein’ Green” was originally performed by Muppet Kermit the Frog in 1970. It’s been covered by a surprising group of artists including Van Morrison, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.
Covers: Mr. Spaceman
Can you think of another song covered by William Shatner, Alvin (of the Chipmunks) and Kermit (with Jimmy Buffett)?
“Mr. Spaceman” is a great Byrds song from 1966. Back then, there was a lot of interest in space travel and everything was positive. It sounds so innocent now. This was before three astronauts died in Apollo 1. The song has a strong country influence which was a preview of the later direction taken by the Byrds.
Covers: Together Again
“Together Again” is a Buck Owens song from 1964. The cover I know best is by Richard and Linda Thompson.
Covers: Rock Island Line
“Rock Island Line” is a traditional song made famous by Lead Belly. The first recording was made by John Lomax at a prison in 1934. Lonnie Donegan’s version helped start the English skiffle movement. This is one of many songs that has both blues and country based versions. The cover I know best is a wild one by Little Richard backed by Fishbone from 1988. The song never sounded like this!
Sad! 