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Who Did It Better?

 


Who Did It Better? Iconic Cover Versions of Classic Rock Tracks

Some songs take on a life of their own, morphing into something new in the hands of a different artist. Cover versions can be respectful tributes, radical reinterpretations, or sometimes even overshadow the original. In true B-side spirit, we're diving into some of the most legendary rock covers, exploring their origins, impact, and the age-old debate: Who did it better?


1. Jimi Hendrix vs. Bob Dylan – "All Along the Watchtower"

Original: Bob Dylan (1967) – A stripped-down folk ballad on John Wesley Harding.

Cover: Jimi Hendrix (1968) – Transformed into an electrified, psychedelic rock masterpiece.

Impact: Even Dylan himself admitted Hendrix's version "took the song to another planet." It became the definitive version, appearing in movies, TV, and rock history books.

Verdict: Hendrix's take is legendary, but folk purists may still side with Dylan.


2. Guns N’ Roses vs. Bob Dylan – "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"

Original: Bob Dylan (1973) – Written for the Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid soundtrack, minimal and haunting.

Cover: Guns N’ Roses (1990) – Hard rock anthem with soaring solos and Axl Rose’s signature rasp.

Impact: GNR turned a folk classic into a stadium-rock singalong, introducing it to a new generation.

Verdict: If you're in a bar with a crowd singing along, GNR wins. But Dylan’s version holds raw emotional weight.


3. Nirvana vs. David Bowie – "The Man Who Sold the World"

Original: David Bowie (1970) – A dark, eerie track with a haunting melody.

Cover: Nirvana (1993) – Stripped-down, grunge acoustic performance on MTV Unplugged.

Impact: Bowie’s song was obscure to many until Nirvana’s version brought it into the mainstream. Bowie later joked that kids would approach him saying, "I love your Nirvana cover."

Verdict: Both versions are haunting in their own way, but Nirvana’s minimalist approach gave it a new emotional depth.


4. Joan Jett vs. The Arrows – "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll"

Original: The Arrows (1975) – A little-known B-side from a British glam rock band.

Cover: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (1981) – High-energy, attitude-filled, and a number-one hit.

Impact: Jett’s version dominated the charts and became a rock anthem, completely eclipsing the original.

Verdict: No contest—Joan Jett owns this song.


5. Metallica vs. Thin Lizzy vs. The Dubliners – "Whiskey in the Jar"

Original: Traditional Irish folk song, popularized by The Dubliners.

Cover 1: Thin Lizzy (1972) – Hard rock reimagining, laced with bluesy swagger.

Cover 2: Metallica (1998) – A heavier, thrashier version that won a Grammy.

Impact: Metallica’s take brought the song into the metal world, but Thin Lizzy’s version had more soul.

Verdict: A battle of genres—folk, hard rock, or metal. Which side are you on?

Listen to the tracks and cast your vote - who did it better? You decide.

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Join us again on Friday for more of rock’s untold stories and hidden gems. Check out the home page for details on the "Rock Atlas" and where to pick up your copy today. Volumes 1 & 2 out now, Volume 3 coming soon.

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