Punk Rock Covers That Turned Popular Songs on Their Head
From the energy and irreverence of the punk rock genre, countless artists have taken popular songs and given them a fresh, often controversial, twist. The punk spirit of rebellion and witty, provocative content has led to some memorable reinterpretations of classic tracks. In this article, we explore a variety of punk rock covers that have not only embarrassed the original tunes but also captured the timeless appeal of punk
!
Popular Songs Redefined by Punk Rock
One of the most iconic punk rock covers is The Pandemonium's "Sounds of Silence." The band reimagined Simon Garfunkel's masterpiece with a punk twist, turning folk rock into a raw, rebellious performance. Another timeless tune given a new life by punk innovators is Skyhooks' "World Without Love." An entire album of punk rock covers was produced by various artists, showcasing the diverse range of punk artists and the enduring appeal of punk rock covers. Psychedelic Furs' Mack the Knife and Elvis Costello's I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself are further examples of how popular songs have been reimagined with punk vibrancy.
Classic Covers by Notable Punk Rock Groups
The Sex Pistols and The Clash are key players in the world of punk rock covers. The Sex Pistols' version of I'm Not Your Stepping Stone on their album The Great Rock and Roll Swindle and their cover of Substitute by The Who show their commitment to the genre. Similarly, The Clash's reinterpretation of I Fought the Law by the Bobby Fuller Four with altered lyrics demonstrated their punk sensibilities.
The Ramones are legendary in the world of punk rock and they have left their mark on the genre through numerous covers. Their cover album Acid Eaters featured reimagined versions of tracks like Substitute and Somebody to Love by the Jefferson Airplane with backing vocals from porn star Traci Lords. This album is a testament to the Ramones' versatility and the punk rock genre's ability to turn classic rock hits into something new and provocative.
Other Notable Punk Covers
In addition to the above, Spizzenergi's Virginia Plain showcases the band's unique style in cover songs, while The B-52s' interpretation of Downtown by Petula Clark added an eccentric twist. The Who's My Generation, covered by Patti Smith, and the Dead Kennedys' version of I Fought the Law, a classic by The Crickets, further prove the versatility and impact of punk rock covers.
Even earlier rock and roll classics have been given a punk rock makeover. The Ramones covered tracks like Palisade Park by The Beach Boys, Surfin' Bird by The Buchanals, and Rockaway Beach by The Surfaris. These covers are not only entertaining but also showcase the punk rock genre's ability to pay homage to the past while maintaining its own distinct identity.
One of the Most Memorable: Dropkick Murphys' Version of "You'll Never Walk Alone"
Dropkick Murphys' cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone" is one of the most recognizable punk rock versions. The band's intense and energetic rendition of this old chestnut is a testament to their ability to bring a new life to a song while retaining the original spirit.
Other notable mentions include Elvis Costello's Sang d'dying on the wrong side of the tracks, Patti Smith's cover of I Heard it on the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye, and The Slits' version of The Ramones's "The I Heard it on the Grapevine.
Conclusion
Punk rock covers not only offer a fresh perspective on popular songs but also provide a platform for innovation and self-expression. These covers are a testament to the punk rock genre's ability to challenge norms and push boundaries. From The Pandemonium's "Sounds of Silence" to Spizzenergi's "Virginia Plain," punk rock covers have left an indelible mark on popular music history.
Whether you're a fan of punk rock or simply curious about how popular songs can be reinterpreted, these covers offer endless entertainment and inspiration. So, the next time you listen to a popular song, consider the punk rock version – it might just surprise you.