You might not agree that the following alternative rock covers are better than the original tracks. Some of them are certainly debatable. However, this writer thinks that these six covers are pretty stellar in their own right. Let’s take a look at a few alt-rock covers that were (arguably) better than the original songs!
1. Nirvana, “Lake Of Fire” by Meat Puppets
Nirvana had no qualms with covering quite a few underrated songs during their time. One example would be “Lake Of Fire” by Meat Puppets, which the band famously performed during their MTV Unplugged set back in 1993. It’s an excellent, grungey rendition of the bluesy rock song that rivals the original. If anything, Kurt Cobain’s vocals gave it a bit more edge.
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2. Thou, “Something In The Way” by Nirvana
This entry on our list of alternative rock covers that are better than the OG songs might get us into hot water. It’s all a matter of opinion, folks! Still, even the most diehard Nirvana fan would likely admit that Thou’s cover of “Something In The Way” is pretty spectacular.
3. Cloud Rat, “The Needles And The Damage Done” by Neil Young
Are you having trouble imagining a grindcore/metal outfit cover of a Neil Young folk-rock classic? You’re not alone. Somehow, Cloud Rat managed to do and do it well. Both Young and this band often explore darker themes about inner struggles and societal issues, so it kind of makes sense that Cloud Rat are fans of the Godfather of Grunge.
4. Leviathan, “My War” by Black Flag
Black metal and hardcore punk go hand in hand in a number of ways. Leviathan’s cover of “My War” by Black Flag is a great example of how these two genres tend to work well together. Both the cover and the original have a lo-fi, gnarly energy.
5. Screaming Females, “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow
Alternative indie-rock outfit Screaming Females brought this cover out a few times while they were together, and they always nailed it. Sheryl Crow’s country-pop song “If It Makes You Happy” was common radio fodder in the 1990s. Screaming Females managed to make it sound like your typical indie-rock heartbreak song.
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