My favourite is The Clash's version of "I Fought The Law".
It looked like someone posted a video, though I didn't click so I'm not sure, but All Along the Watchtower by Hendrix should be the obvious No. 1.
Also, I often see "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen on these lists as being better than the original. I disagree. The Halen version is fine. But for the power and impact the song had at the time and on the future of rock music, the original should be respected as an untoucheable classic.
"With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker is an amazing rendition. I remember often hearing that song as a kid and thinking it was great. Then when I bought Sgt. Pepper's, the Beatles version was relatively underwhelming. Also amazing is the cover was done just a year or two after the original.
Led Zeppelin's first two albums are (literally?) full of great cover jobs.
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