Wasn't That Done By Someone Else?

‘All Along The Watchtower’. Not a bad wee tune. Most people know the version by Jimi Hendrix not in its original form by Bob Dylan.

It’s the classic story of a cover version outshining the original. And it’s its nothing new. Is it a compliment to Dylan that his songs have been covered so many times (or insult depending on the band) or a case of an artist being lazy?

From The Byrds’ jingly jangly take on ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ to Axl Roses screeching on ‘Knocking On Heaven’s Door' and Neil Young’s ‘Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues’ and Hole’s ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’

I’ve just heard that Kesha’s covering ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ by Bob Dylan. Now, call me a music snob if you like, but that is just an insult. The song no doubt will rely heavily on Auto-Tune and synths and god know what else over lines that make a grown girl cry.

Also in the ‘Wasn’t That Done by Someone Else?” category: Jeff Buckley’s take on Leonard Cohen's ‘Hallelujah’ . With Cohen’s gospel choir, it lifts your spirits but with Jeff Buckley’s heart-rending rendition it plummets you into the deeps of despair.

Did you know that Bjork’s ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’, was originally by Betty Hutton, star of ’Annie Get Your Gun’ ?

Everyone’s at it. The Rolling Stones covering Buddy Holly with ‘Not Fade Away’, The White Stripes with their take on Dusty Springfield’s ‘I Don’t Know What To Do With Myself’, the Beatles with 'Twist And Shout' and so many more.


I’d like to think that it’s a good thing, that perhaps these covers will bring the original version to the ears of a new generation of fans. But the cynic in me actually believes that covering another band is lazy and for the most part, sacrilege.