might not be better than the original, but damn good: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TFrFHKgWacA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> i like the subtle organ. Spoiler TWSS
The SXSW recording on Spotify is better but I love this cover. Houndmouth is awesome. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/os8_3hY10eU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This is one where I love the original by Booker T. and the MG's. But This cover is even better. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-Lj9yzct3U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Lindsey Buckingham: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FXe86mCv_w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Original: Spoiler <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GLFo68-L9vI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
As someone else mentioned, the Devo version of Satisfaction is awesome. That was the first thing that came to mind. Others: 1) Monster Magnet covering 1970 by The Stooges. I love both versions. 2) Naked Raygun covering I don't Mind by the Buzzcocks 3) Agent Orange cover of Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jK4iKWpgfyo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This guy got me into some older country stuff: Spoiler <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lU7F4lgixmw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wWlCaD_qDaA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I didn't like it when they slowed down the melody and riffed it at the end, but it was a solid version. But let's be honest, Runaround Sue is such an awesome song and melody that any version of it is going to be good just by the sheer fact that the song is awesome on its own.
I was fascinated to learn of this cover, but after listening to it a couple of times, I'm fairly sure it isn't Bob Marley. Another great WIllie cover: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2IenCDs9aU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UgAFcvIw8J4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/anjT71N4PGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> and of course: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAwBa8Pqi6Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I don't know if it's actually better than the original. I have both versions, and I do listen to this one more. I'll spoiler it just in case some people don't understand it. Spoiler <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yUtTY01qF6Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> The original is from Kinky Friedman. Both versions are amazing. One of the few songs that can regularly make me tear up.
LOVE the horns. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gmnZRBTPzg0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
While not better than the original... I believe the story is that Brian May is challenged a number of people to do covers with him... this was an American Idol contestant...
If you like interesting cover takes check out Postmodern Jukebox. They do some pretty interesting takes on covers. This one of the my favorites. Morgan James really has that "blow the barn doors off" voice. (plus I would much rather look at her than Steven Tyler..") Ska bands have been famous for doing covers and here's from 4th gen. Ska Band The Interrupters that I think is much better than the original. Also if you like Finnish Hillbillies playing classic Metal with one of the most clever band names. Also great musicians. I present Steve n Seagull
Sloop John B. The original and several covers were performed decades before this, but I think The Beach Boys harmonized it best