inferior cover versions

[JerryNodak]

Re: Elvis "cover" versions. I tend to like them in general. I try not to compare one to the other because you're comparing apples to oranges. Different singers.
Different styles. If I prefer one version over another it's because I favor the singers interpetation of said song. ie: I prefer Willie Nelson's laid back, restrained versions of Always On My Mind and Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain. But I don't dislike Elvis' versions. I like Elvis' version of White Christmas becuse for its time it was adventerous. Almost sacreligious. He could have given it a safe
Crosby like interpetation, but didn't. I like Elvis and Tom's version Green, Green Grass Of Home equally.

The only song that Elvis covered that I dislike is Hey Jude. Terrible. But, I hate that song by The Beatles or anyone else for that matter.

[Cherokee]

Re: Elvis "cover" versions. I tend to like them in general. I try not to compare one to the other because you're comparing apples to oranges. Different singers.
Different styles. If I prefer one version over another it's because I favor the singers interpetation of said song. ie: I prefer Willie Nelson's laid back, restrained versions of Always On My Mind and Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain. But I don't dislike Elvis' versions. I like Elvis' version of White Christmas becuse for its time it was adventerous. Almost sacreligious. He could have given it a safe
Crosby like interpetation, but didn't. I like Elvis and Tom's version Green, Green Grass Of Home equally.

The only song that Elvis covered that I dislike is Hey Jude. Terrible. But, I hate that song by The Beatles or anyone else for that matter.

I see the point you're trying to make, but I respectfully disagree as far as the treatment a song is given by respective singers, that might not fit the lyrics (and thus often the spirit) of the song.
In the case of "White Christmas", "Words" and especially "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" that is the case with Elvis' versions. I see it in the same category as the way Whitney Houston butchered the sweet and loving "I will always love you" (interpreted as it was intended by Dolly Parton who wrote it) by blaring it out like a foghorn. It was a LOVE song for goodness sake, not an alarm at high sea!

Ergo: in Elvis' versions of "Words" and "TFTEISYF" I think he bypassed the sentiment of the song the way he chose to interpret them.... JMO.....