Happy Friday! This week, I thought I’d share some surprisingly good covers; those cases where everyone might be a little hesistant to listen, but it all works out. Enjoy!

Jimi Hendrix – Like a Rolling Stone (1967)
I could have easily put Jimi’s amazing and better-than-the-original take on “All Along the Watchtower”, but that’s so popular most people know Hendrix’ version over Dylan’s. Not the case with this euphoric jam over “Like a Rolling Stone”, taken live from theMontery Pop Festival.

Arcade Fire – The Guns of Brixton (2007)
One of the decade’s leading indie bands does their take on an old punk classic. Where The Clash’s original bubble with paranoia about a not-too-far future, Arcade Fire’s haunting cover sounds like the survivors telling their story.

Oasis – My Generation (2002)
For a band so ostensibly rock ‘n roll, Oasis had this habit of rarely truly rocking out. This back-to-the-garage cover of The Who’s “My Generation”, which showcases Liam’s later-day snarl and the band’s ability to make a ruckus, more than makes up for it.

Paramore – Sunday Bloody Sunday
Paramore take U2’s arena sized (I realize how redundant “U2” and “arena sized” are but oh well) political rocker and turn it into an absolutely pretty acoustic reflection. It’s better when the band does this with it’s own songs (see: “The Only Exception”).