what do you think of remakes of old songs?

Question

examples of old songs that were remade:

Mad World ~ Tears for Fears
Funky Town ~ Psuedo Echo
It's My Life ~ Talk Talk

Of course there are a ton more, but what do you think?
Should old songs be left alone, or do you like remakes?

I'll always preffer the originals (though I admit I love the new ones too)

Answer 1

By the Way "Funky Town" by Pseudo Echo is a remake of the version by Lipps Inc.

OK, on to your question:

I tend to like the original even if I had heard and liked the remake first. The original is the original artist's interpretation of what ever the song is to portray and it's hard for another artist to jump in and still maintain the integrity and feeling of the song's original intent. However I find exceptions all the time. I like No Doubt's version of "It's My Life" better -- the vocals are great and it packs a better punch. Another example is Johnny Cash's remake of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt". For watever reason Johnny Cash sings it like he has lived it. It's also interesting to note that Trent Reznor only listens to the Johnny Cash version instead of his own because he feels it's more convincing. Another exception is Jay & the Americans remake of the Ronette's "Walking in the Rain". I absolutely love the Ronettes version but Jay & the Americans took it to a level that was unbelievable! So in summary how a remake turns out depends on the talent of an artist to make their version convincing.

Answer 2

I like remakes because then I want to go and hear the original and learn about that band. When I was a kid I remember the song "Cat's in the Cradle" being all over the airwaves by a band called Ugly Kid Joe. I did research and found so many older sings had done that song in the 70s. It got me into a lot of good singers and songwriters. At the same time I do not think bands should go out and do covers at the drop of a hat.

Answer 3

Well most of the time each song has it's own quality and is good in it's own way (for example My Life by The Beatles and Ozzy Osbourne, both are good in their own right). But sometimes the old song should just be left alone like Mr. Lonely (it was originally done by Bobby Vinton). I did like the remake to "I'm a believer" and actually prefer it over the old version done by The Monkeys.

Answer 4

I sometimes like remakes of other songs. It depends on how it's done and sometimes I've heard remakes that I liked better than the original song.

There have been songs that I thought should have been left alone when I heard the remake but unfortunately it's too late for them to go back and scratch the idea for me.

Answer 5

Some of them i have liked and others i have hated it just depends on who remakes them and how much they change it or make it sound bad!!!!! But i will always love the originals more than the remakes even if i like a remake.

an example of a remake i do like is last kiss by pearl jam they treated it with respect and did it very well!!!!!!

Answer 6

I have to say the songs you listed should have been left alone because they sucked to begin with and likely the remakes suck. In the case where a good song is taken by a good band and interpreted in a different way, a cover song can be extremely cool, like "Land of Confusion" by Disturbed or "Let the Good Times Roll" by Powerman 5000.

Answer 7

Sometimes when an old song is covered by a new band, they can breathe new life into it. However, sometimes they can absolutely destroy it. Also, when a new band covers an old song, it can draw attention to the original band, which is definitely good.

There are +'s and -'s on both sides I think. In the end, it just depends on the song, and the band covering it.

Answer 8

i love old song remakes i think its great that artists are interested in recreating a classic - its keeping the musical flame alive. i especially like punky rock-ish remakes!

Answer 9

i have heard amazing versions of cover songs: dashboard confessional did "drive" by REM, govt mule did black sabbaths "war pigs", "give a little bit" was coverd by the goo goo dolls, "how soon is now" by the smiths was covered once. and "in your eyes" by peter gabriel was covered by jeffery gaines. you just have to find the good ones

Answer 10

I have heard some great remakes !