Since the launch of YouTube, viral videos have been an astonishingly fast way for artists to gain attention – “Chocolate Rain,” “Gangnam Style” and “The Fox” are all among the viral canon. The same can be said of Gotye’s hit “Somebody That I Used To Know,” which inspired numerous covers and parodies. Canadian group Walk Off The Earth, however, made their own uniquely stripped-down version, whose stark video – featuring five people on one guitar – is almost as entrancing as the song itself.
Lots of excellent choices here, in the original list and in the comments. I’d nominate Emmylou Harris’s version of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty.” (And re. Hallelujah — I’ve always preferred Cohen’s understated original, but whatever version you prefer, plesae, I beg you, don’t add any more — let the poor song be.)
I’ve got to say I love the covers that Cassandra Wilson has done; “Hellhound On My Trail” (Robert Johnson), “Death Letter” (Son House), “Harvest Moon” (Neil Young), “Tupelo Honey” (Van Morrison), “Last Train to Clarksville”, “If Loving You is Wrong”, just to name a few.
A MUST for adding to this list: Manfred Mann’s “Blinded By The Light”!
Great list. I love cover music so much. My favorite is HALLELUJAH. I’ve also encounter with this cool cover for 5 years from David Bowie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZjL1QMMG9c