I love Peter Tosh's cover of "Johnny B. Goode," but you wouldn't know it's the same song unless you pay attention to the lyrics.

The retro/comedic rock group Big Daddy scored a UK hit with an utterly charming cover of Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark," but it'll likely not kick in until you get to the chorus.

DEVO's version of "Secret Agent Man" completely rewrites the lyrics and disposes of the melody, but works anyway.

And if you think DEVO's cover of "Satisfaction" is weird, try the one by the Residents.

Vanilla Fudge's "You Keep me Hangin' on" is slowed down quite a bit compared with the original.

Gov't Mule's version of "When Doves Cry" springs to mind

Many years ago I heard a cover of "Hound Dog" that featured wild instrumental playing that would stop cold periodically for the singer to recite the lyrics. I have no idea who the artist was, but I thought it was great the one time I heard it.

Come to think of it, the Elvis version of "Hound Dog" is also quite a different animal than the Big Mama Thronton original.

Glenn's post puts me in mind of the Flying Lizards' take on "Money (That's What I Want)," with the drums that sound like somebody banging on garbage pails.

The Cardigan's cover of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" immediately sprang to mind.

They did a great take on Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" too.

Aztec Camera's version of Jump has always been a favorite of mine.

Ian Gomm-You Can't Do That (Beatles)
Wondermints-Knowing Me, Knowing You (ABBA)
Terry Reid- Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (Sonny & Cher)

How about the entire Rage Against the Machine Renegades album? They made EVERY song their own.

Also, Pat Boone's In A Metal Mood.

And any album by the Bad Plus.

Joni Micthell's recent cover of her own Big Yellow Taxi, from last year's 'Shine'. Recognizable, but certainly a complete (and enjoyable) overhaul!

Jimi Hendrix-All Along the Watchtower so much better than Dylans.

Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" by Saint Etienne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5nWR4qd ... re=related

I've always liked 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Tori Amos.

I was just going to mention that & saw your post. I can't think of any cover more on topic then that one!

Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" by Cowboy Junkies

The Eagle's "Hotel California" by the Gipsy Kings

Both the Beatle's "Love A Little Help From My Friends" and "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" by Joe Cocker.

Earth, Wind and Fire's cover of The Beatles' "Got To Get You Into My Life".

The Residents cover of James Brown's "Its A Man's, Man's, Man's World" is really dark sounding, and their cover of "Jailhouse Rock" is weird. Also, Judas Priest's cover of "Johnny B. Goode" rearranges it but its not that great.

Big Daddy (not Daddy Cool) would do "today's" songs (the 80's) like 50 do wop - their best release was the entire Sgt Pepper's lp with each song done like a different 50's style band. It worked - it is a GREAT lp/cd if you can find it. (Rhino records)

I also liked the Fat Boy's cover of The Twist and Wipe Out.

FZ's 88 version of Stairway To Heaven where the horn section plays Jimmy Page's solo note for note is great...also his trilogy Texas Motel Medley = Norwegian Jim (Norwegian Wood) / Lousiana Hooker With Herpes (Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds) / Texas Motel (Strawberry Fields Forever);

I've been looking for that one - so far it is elusive.