The Cover Song Debate: Round 1

First, let me say this- people who needlessly back into parking spots and struggle with the process are douchebags.  I'm totally ok with someone backing into a spot because it functionally is easier than going forward.  However, I recently saw someone back into a spot in the parking garage at work for no reason at all.  There were open spots on either side and they had to readjust the line of their car four fucking times.  Ask yourself this, was that process worth it later in the day just so you can pull out of a spot without anyone seeing your reverse lights?  I wager that in the parking garage, while everyone is leaving for their commute home, putting your car forward is less helpful because people won't see your reverse lights and let you in.  Granted, the parking garage is not usually crazy busy at quitting time, but my point still stands.  The effort you put in just to get your car in reverse position was much more than just pulling in regular, then backing out regular upon leaving.  Final verdict- if you're going to back into a spot, be competent enough to do it efficiently.  Otherwise, you look like an ass.

Today, we're going to try something called "The Cover Song Debate."  I've heard the old cliche: "The original version is ALWAYS better than the cover version because it is the original."  Well, that obviously can't be true because if Country music allowed the original writers of songs to perform rather than the famous performers, they would go out of business.  Just because a song makes it to the market place first, does not mean that someone can never do it better.  However, it can go both ways.  So let's make some decisions on which versions of songs are better.  Some of these decisions will be easier than others.  Without further ado...

"Radar Love" - Golden Earring (original) vs. White Lion (cover)

This song original came out in the 70's by Golden Earring.  The song definitely rocks, but it was covered by 80's hair band White Lion in what potentially is a better version.  Both versions have similar tempo and both versions sound true to the decade they were released.  It's probably just a matter of personal preference as neither version has a massive flaw that creates a Mike Tyson's Punchout! KO decision. 





Verdict: I grew up in the 80's - White Lion's hair band version FTW!

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"Ballroom Blitz" - The Sweet (original) vs. Tia Carrera (cover)

To be honest, "Radar Love" reminded me of "Ballroom Blitz" this is a similar debate. The original has that 70's sound and definitely rocks. Tia Carrera's version was on the "Wayne's World" soundtrack and she was once the smokin' hot chick that would never date Mike Myers in real life. This one is close to being a push. Rockin' song vs. Tia Carrera's fine ass...





Verdict: I'll go with the original based on the fact that I'm not as into female lead singers. Not trying to be an asshole, just my personal preference. This is by the slimmest of margins.

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"Smooth Criminal" - Michael Jackson (original) vs. Alien Ant Farm (cover)

Michael Jackson was the King of Pop and also the King of Molesting Kids. Alien Ant Farm were somewhat intelligent to release this alternative rock version of "Smooth Criminal." In the end, the novelty has worn off of the cover version...





Verdict: MJ - It is hard to molest kids better than MJ, but it is also difficult to sing his songs better than him. Props for Alien Ant Farm having almost 14 million views on the YouTube video I posted here, though.

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"Best Of You" - Foo Fighters (original) vs. Price (cover)

I know G$ has suggested that the Foo Fighters should play the Super Bowl halftime show. I fully support this idea. Back in 2007, Prince covered "Best Of You" during his own Super Bowl halftime show. Apparently, this was meant as a dig against the Foo's for covering his song "Darling Nikki." Way to get back at them Prince! Nothing shows them like playing one of their song during a performance that 1 billion people watch! In the end, I know what version I highly prefer...





Verdict: Foo Fighters by a landslide!

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We may try this again. Disagree with any of the verdicts? Have any suggestions of future debates? Leave them in the comments and have a great weekend.