I didn't know they made a version of that

After a 60km cycle ride, my posterior is about to fall apart. So I thought I'll let it rest on a cushy chair and a write a post.

Over the last few months I have become a major youtube addict. I keep looking for music videos of my latest musical obsessions, live or otherwise. This has led to many pleasantly surprising discoveries. So following is a list of some of those. These are versions of very well known songs, but not by the original artists. I won't call them covers because they are as good as the originals if not better.

All Along the Watchtower by Dave Matthews Band

Jimmy Hendrix's version of this song is so so popular that many people don't even know that it was originally written and composed by Bob Dylan. But listen to The Dave Matthews Band perform this in their Folsom Field Concert and I bet you jaw will drop straight to the floor in awe. Boyd Tinsley becomes one with his violin (What's a violin doing in rock band? Working wonders.), LeRoi's solo on the sax is as smooth as ever and Dave Matthews uses shouting to maximum impact in the last few minutes of the performance. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypaH1Gj6VIs

Brothers in Arms by Joan Baez

I have raved enough about this song by Dire Straits and one of their divine live performances. But this version by Joan Baez is different. Her sweet, female voice is a great change from Mark Knopfler's dark, gruff rendition. The lack of the instrumental magic that Dire Straits put in is not felt at all because of the emotion the beautiful Joan provides to the brilliant lyrics. The link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJeNPS2tLdA

Cinnamon Girl by Type O Negative

I first heard the Type O Negative song in Smiley's room. Saw its video actually, with muscular, scary looking band members wearing metallic chains for guitar straps make the crowd go berserk with their heavy, thumping version of Neil Young's classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hnMgIOnjMs

I believe in Miracles by Pearl Jam

This song is apparently a very popular number on PJ's concerts. I first heard this on their Benaroya Hall Concert album at a time when I actually needed a miracle to finish stuff at work. It unknowingly became a sort of work anthem. Only later I found out that it is not a PJ original but a song by The Ramones. Frankly, I don't like the original version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEU7S-6MfIg

Behind Blue Eyes by Suzanne Vega

Everyone knows this classic by The Who. While scrounging for songs by Suzanne Vega, I stumbled upon an audio from her concert in Montreux where she sings Behind Blue Eyes with minimum instruments and yet, with great effect. I can't decide which version I like more, The Who's or hers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZBduiTvqm4

With my music-messiah-giri done. I think it is time to go and grab something to eat and crash for a peaceful afternoon's sleep.