Round 2 Results: Before and After
Selection type: Free-for-all
Results are in order from least points to most points:
zxlkho
Death - "Painkiller" (Judas Priest)
When I saw the two bands and that the song lengths were similar I just knew how this was going to turn out. Metal bands are generally the worst at doing covers because they're so enamored with their idols they emulate more than anything. So unfortunately instead of something cool with their talents we pretty much get "Painkiller with Death vocals in a different key". Just really not my thing.
Were we in agreement: No
Nekov
Demons and Wizards - "Immigrant Song" (Original by Led Zeppelin)
This is going to sound very strange because it breaks every single rule I've made for covers (in terms of being just a karaoke) but I think this actually comes off better as a power metal produced song. While I do like the Zeppelin version a lot it just seems to fit this genre well. Obviously it's a short song so there's not much to say but yeah that about sums it up.
Were we in agreement: Yes
antigoon
Stacy Dupree - "Silver Springs" (Original by Fleetwood Mac)
So a little more traditional of a cover than I would've liked but I gotta admit I liked her voice more than Stevie Nicks'. The song moves in a very pleasant way and I must say has a bit more power than the Fleetwood Mac version which has, well, that Fleetwood Mac flair of folky type English rock. It seemed about the right length and was pleasant but all in all what you see is what you get and it was just a very nice little song.
Were we in agreement: Yes
Ravenheart
Anathema - "Better Off Dead" (Original by Bad Religion)
Ok so this was cool. What do you do with a punk song? Why slow it down to a piano ballad of course! The vocals were pretty good although spotty in parts. Lyrically I think the song works in both regards. Pretty standard in terms of piano ballads go musically but I'll give it a lot of credit for completely turning the original around. I do like the faster pace of the Bad Religion version slightly more though.
Were we in agreement: No
MasterShakezula
Chicago - "I'm A Man" (Original by The Spencer Davis Group)
I'm not as well versed in Chicago as I should be being a fan of classic rock but I did take to this cover. Coming from back in the day when cover songs came out mere years, if not months, from the originals the styles of the song remains much in tack but there's definitely much more going on in the Chicago version, mostly good but not without faults. I understand why the band took it in a more pronounced direction in extending it to a jam but not really being one for drum solos I found it a little hard to appreciate. Still not a bad cover just a bit long.
Were we in agreement: No
Gorille
Mike Patton - "Il Cielo In Una Stanza" (Original by Mina)
I'll admit it, when I was listening to the original knowing full well I'd be hearing Mike Patton doing the cover I got a little excited. I really had no idea what to expect but once the groove set in and the voice started I really started digging it. The vocals are pretty much what I expected but I really loved the subtle modern touches on that 1960s Italian style pop. Very cool.
Were we in agreement: Yes
Perpetual Change
Ben Folds - "Bitches Ain't Shit" (Original by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg)
I had heard about this cover for years but never had the pleasure of hearing it for myself so I gotta give PC credit for allowing me to. I knew it was coming but I absolutely lost it when he started signing. In fact one of my favorite novelty covers of all time is a spoken word version of "Gin N Juice" so I connected with this real well. The thing that really brings this song together is how well the band gets into it. That level of sincerity just makes it work so well. Oh and the audience guitar choir: yes.
Were we in agreement: Yes
The Tally:
13 - Gorille85
11 - Perpetual Change
11 - antigoon
10 - MasterShakezula
9 - zxlkho
8 - Ravenheart
5 - Nekov