Marilyn Mansons cover of 'Tainted Love'. I've never heard the original but I know I hated Soft Cells version.
Tatu did a cover of the Smiths 'How Soon Is Now' which is great.
And Eva Cassidys cover of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' is the only song I've ever heard that I could call beautiful. I defy anyone to not be even just slightly moved by it.
Has to be Nirvana singing Man who sold the world.
Another good one ive heard was Corrine Bailey Rae singing Razorlights Golden Touch on Radio Ones Big Weekend
yeah johnny cash's version of hurt is cool. but here it is the best cover version of all time is..............................all along the watchtower by jimi hendrix originally done by dylan
Llamatron - I take up your challenge, I find Eva Cassidy's take on 'Rainbow' tedious and hysterically overrated.
Covers I like:
Pet Shop Boys - Where The Streets Have No Name (plus it was enjoyable seeing self-righteous U2 fans getting all steamed up)
Manics - Take The Skinheads Bowling
Magazine - Thank You Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again
REM - Strange
Radiohead - The Thief
Mark King - I Feel Free
Futureheads - Hounds Of Love
I also remember a high-speed thrashy punk cover of Wuthering Heights but can't recall who did it. Anyone know?
I don't know if I'd say any of the above are better than the originals but one I do think that about is Manfred Mann's Earth Band's take on Blinded By The Light.