Best cover songs? Dad Rock listeners weigh in
Few matters of pop music elicit opinions quite like the topic of cover songs. Everyone has a favorite, that song that eclipses the original or puts an unexpected twist on a tune's style and tone.
On a recent episode of USA TODAY's Dad Rock podcast, co-hosts Patrick Foster and Jim Lenahan each highlighted five cover songs that they dig. Then they asked for listener picks. After sorting through a flurry of responses, they compiled a new mix featured on this week's episode of Dad Rock.
Thanks to all who responded. Your suggestions range from covers that rock up the original (Foo Fighters doing Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street or Alkaline Trio playing Berlin's Metro) to several that go for a slow, stripped-down version (Bright Little Field with ukelele versions of songs by '80s alternative band The Replacements or Camper Van Beethoven going stoner rock on Black Flag's Wasted).
In some cases, a switch in the gender of the singer gives a song in a different context, such as Luna covering Blondie's In the Flesh, or the Vaccines doing Katy Perry's Last Friday Night.
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