Ticket 2 Ride

Some songs gain greater appeal and success in the hands of another artist, whether it is the voice, the arrangement or wider exposure – good songs take on a new life.

Let’s bypass the obvious ones like “All Along the Watchtower” Jimi Hendrix, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, “Without You” Harry Nilsson, “At Last” Etta James, “Because the Night” Patti Smith, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” Roberta Flack, “Cocaine” Eric Clapton, “Pinball Wizard” Elton John, “With a Little Help From My Friends” Joe Cocker, “House of the Rising Sun” The Animals, “Mr. Tambourine Man” The Byrds, “Black Magic Woman” Santana, “Me and Bobby McGee” Janis Joplin, “Proud Mary” Ike & Tina Turner, “Hurt” Johnny Cash, “Twist & Shout” The Beatles, “Georgia On My Mind” Ray Charles, “You’ve Got a Friend” James Taylor, etc.

Here are a few of my picks. Some are classics, a few unknown, but all great renditions with something to offer.

“Oye Como Va” (1971) Santana. First recorded by Tito Puente in 1963. Written in the cha-cha-chá style of Cuban dance music, Puente was known for jazz with Latin beats. Carlos Santana included the song on his group’s Abraxas album. Santana infused with rock and blues into the song, with organ and electric guitar. This song helped to popularize Latin rock.

“Always on My Mind” (1982) Willie Nelson. It’s not surprising that country rebel Willie Nelson would become a mainstream star. He crossed-over into other genres, established himself in film roles, and helped provide financial aid to struggling farmers (Farm Aid). This song helped in his crossover, and cleaned up at the Grammy and Country Music awards. The song has an undeniable charm and in the hands of Willie, an authenticity that the average person can relate to.

“MacArthur Park” (1978) Donna Summer. The Richard Harris original, written by Jimmy Webb. The song was covered by many artists but it was Summer who fully explored and realized the song’s potential. Quirky, yes. But Webb created a powerful masterpiece in the right hands (and voice). Summer’s first number one hit in America, the song was recorded and edited in various lengths by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte.

“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding” (1978) Elvis Costello. Written by Nick Lowe, Costello and band recorded a version during the Armed Forces album sessions, but wasn’t planned to be included on the album. At the last moment that decision was reversed. Although not a single, it is one of Costello’s most popular songs and a favorite of mine. It’s a rousing, danceable song, which Lowe admits is linked more to Costello than him.

“Blinded By the Light” (1976) Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Written by Bruce Springsteen. The Earth Band’s version went to number one and ignited a controversy about whether the lyric was deuce or douche.

“Get Ready” (1979) Rare Earth. A white band on the Motown label (actually, a sister label). Rare Earth was a powerhouse R&B band and covered numerous R&B songs. This song was written by Smokey Robinson.

“Here Comes the Sun” Richie Havens. In the hands of Richie Havens, any song is liable to end up becoming quite a bit more than anyone thought possible. He often performed this song solo, other times as a combo. He could be onstage with just an acoustic guitar and the man’s voice, no orchestra or other vocals needed to move an audience. Havens was a master interpreter, he found undiscovered nuisances in songs and gave them to us as gifts.

“Miserlou” (1962) Dick Dale and the Deltones. A song with a complicated pass. Original writer unknown, of Eastern Mediterranean background. Dick Dale turned it into a surf guitar classic.

“I Heard it Through the Grapevine” (1970) Creedence Clearwater Revival. The best known version is probably the Marvin Gaye recording, but CCR made a killer version on their first album, all eleven minutes of it. CCR was not just a swampy rock band, they had a very keen R&B streak. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, it was recorded by several Motown artists.

“You’re No Good” (1974) Linda Ronstadt. Written by Clint Ballard Jr. in the early 1960s. The song as a breakthrough for Ronstadt, a number one song and album. Produced by Peter Asher, the song had a lot of Andrew Gold on it, including his electric guitar solo, which elevates her rock cred on this album. My favorite Linda Ronstadt song. The music is almost as powerful as her voice.

“The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” (1975) Judy Collins. Written by Jimmy Webb, from Collins’ album Judith, which contains two of her best cover songs, the other being “Send in the Clowns.”

“Wild Horses” (1992) The Sundays. From their second album, Blind. Their version is more ethereal and melancholy than the more familiar Rolling Stones version. The Sunday’s’ lead singer, Harriet Wheeler, kills it. Written by Mick Jagger/Keith Richards.

“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” (1975) Rod Stewart. Written by the late Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse, Neil Young’s frequent backup band. Sometimes also credited to fellow Crazy Horse member Nils Loftgren. Stewart has always been a great interpreter of songs about loss, longing and pain in relationships. Whitten was dealing with heroin addiction and other medical issues, and was dismissed from the band before he died.