XFM reports on the poll conducted by the Daily Telegraph of the top 50 cover versions of all time. The Dylan classic “All Along the Watchtower” as performed by The Jimi Hendrix Experience topped the list.
Here is the full list:
1. ‘All Along the Watchtower’ Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1968
2. ‘You Were Always on My Mind’ Pet Shop Boys, 1987
3. ‘My Way’ Sid Vicious, 1979
4. ‘Hallelujah’ Jeff Buckley, 1993
5. ‘Respect’ – Aretha Franklin, 1967
6. ‘Tainted Love’ Soft Cell, 1981
7. ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ The Byrds, 1965
8. ‘Twist and Shout’ The Beatles, 1963
9. ‘Comfortably Numb’ Scissor Sisters, 2004
10. ‘Mr Bojangles’ Nina Simone, 1971
11. ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ Roberta Flack, 1971
12. ‘One’ Johnny Cash, 2002
13. ‘My Favourite Things’ John Coltrane, 1960
14. ‘Rocket Man’ Kate Bush, 1991
15. ‘Wild Horses’ The Flying Burrito Bros, 1971
16. ‘Billie Jean’Shinehead, 1984
17. ‘Mad World’Gary Jules, 2003
18. ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ Nouvelle Vague, 2004
19. ‘Sweet Jane’ Cowboy Junkies, 1988
20. ‘Police and Thieves’ The Clash, 1977
21. ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ St Etienne, 1990
22. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ Devo, 1978
23. ‘Caravan of Love’ Housemartins, 1986
24. ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ Sade, 1985
25. ‘Wonderwall’ Ryan Adams, 2004
26. ‘I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself’ The White Stripes, 2003
27. ‘Summertime Blues’ The Who, 1968
28. ‘Jealous Guy’ Roxy Music, 1981
29. ‘Black Steel’ Tricky, 1995
30. ‘I’m A Believer’Robert Wyatt, 1974
31. ‘Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word’ Mary J Blige, 2004
32. ‘Chimes of Freedom’ Youssou N’dour, 1994
33. ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ The Flying Lizards, 1980
34. ‘Fell In Love With A Boy’ Joss Stone, 2003
35. ‘Gloria’ Patti Smith, 1975
36. ‘Dear Prudence’ Siouxsie & the Banshees, 1983
37. ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ John Cale, 1975
38. ‘Wichita Lineman’ Dennis Brown, 1970
39. ‘Ms Jackson’ The Vines, 2002
40. ‘I Fought The Law’ The Clash, 1979
41. ‘Hazy Shade Of Winter’ The Bangles, 1987
42. ‘It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City’ David Bowie, 1975
43. ‘Jolene One Dove’ 1993
44. ‘Oops I Did it Again’ Richard Thompson, 2003
45. ‘Rock el Casbah’ Rachid Taha, 2004
46. The Robots’ Señor Coconut & His Orchestra, 2000
47. ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’ The Wedding Present, 1990
48. ‘Step On’ Happy Mondays, 1991
49. ‘Going Back to My Roots’ Richie Havens, 1980
50. ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ The Communards, 1986
I cannot believe that “You Really Got Me” by Van Halen did not make the list. Ridiculous.
Later.