We should start at the beginning, with a question, “What is a cover song?â€
A cover song, or cover version, is a new recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded and commercially released by someone else. Simply put, a cover song is a remake.
The term cover song was originally coined, likely as a pejorative, in reaction to record label practices at the time. In an attempt to cash in on another label’s success, companies would hire their own band to create a sound-alike version of a popular song. Some resorted to deceptive packaging to trick people into thinking they were getting the real thing and not some cheap knock-off.
I believe that cover songs have matured beyond their questionable, even seedy, beginnings. Judge not a cover song simply because it mimics another, but give it room to grow, to come into its own. Modern covers are worthy of consideration in their own right, perhaps even as tributes to the original songs or artists.
Cover songs come in two main varieties: loving reproductions and total renovations. There’s a third category, a sort of kissin’ cousin to our primary types, steadfast revivals. (Check the colophon for working definitions of these three categories.)
Along the way I hope to entertain, enlighten, and maybe even hip you to something you haven’t heard before.
Feedback is welcome, you’ll find me on Twitter as @etherdust, email to michael at coversongs dot fm, or post something on your own site and link back here.