Choosing covers...

BrianDamage · December 01, 2011, 12:59:50 AM

I was talking about this with a friend the other day and thought it would be cool to hear you's guys's opinion in it. Here in Strokelahoma there is a big demand for cover bands and I have been in a few of them over the years. In one of them I was always arguing with the rhythm guitarist/singer over how to choose covers. He thought we should only play songs that had been hits in the era they were released in (i.e. Walk This Way). I say a cool song is a cool song and people will be able to appreciate it even if they haven't heard it before (i.e. Walkin' The Dog). So what is your opinion on this matter?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Bueller?

mortlock · December 01, 2011, 01:10:14 AM

we did obscure covers and popular covers..most people used to think the more obscure covers were our originals..

yesca · December 01, 2011, 01:34:58 AM

im with you man a cover is a cover and a good song is good regardless if it was a bands single or not.

chille01 · December 01, 2011, 02:13:37 AM

Depends what kind of band you are. If you're a mostly original band that throws the odd cover in to spice things up, and plays mostly at venues that support original music... Do whateve covers you want. If you're a working cover band that is collecting a guarantee, play what the crowd wants. In the first scenario, it is about you having a chance to express yourself artistically. In the second, it's about being hired to do a job, which is to entertain people.

Ayek · December 01, 2011, 04:39:37 AM

^I agree here, if you're a cover band the expectation is to play songs that people are gonna know from the radio

neighbor664 · December 01, 2011, 08:26:49 AM

Quote from: Ayek on December 01, 2011, 04:39:37 AM
^I agree here, if you're a cover band the expectation is to play songs that people are gonna know from the radio

Sometimes, but there is more than one kind of cover band.

RacerX · December 01, 2011, 08:29:53 AM

I have often thought of putting together a solid cover band to play the casinos out here in New Mexico. They pay really well.

They also only want the hits, but it's a living wage.

Lumpy · December 01, 2011, 03:27:12 PM

Maybe you can compromise by picking the less-obvious hit songs. Don't play "Born to Be Wild" play "The Pusher" instead. Don't play "La Grange" play "Heard it on the X" instead.

BrianDamage · December 01, 2011, 03:39:38 PM

^^^^^This is what I tend to do. For instance the guy I was talking about wanted to do Tush and I suggested Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers instead.