Cover versions which are better than the original

U2 & MJB remake of 1. More passion and rocked up that little bit,
Manics theme from 'Mash' (if that really counts)
G n R Live & let die and ......i was going to say Knocking on heavens door but stopped myself just in time!
Runrig's Loch Lomond, live is best.
And Thin lizzy 'Whisky in the jar' (while on the old folk songs)
ETA Faith no more, Easy (Comodores)

Fully agree with Hurt and All Along the Watchtower.

How about that Tears for Fears song that Gary Jules (?) did? It was in Donnie Darko but i'm screwed if I remember what it was called...

And William Shatners cover of Common People is waaaay better than Pulp

Johnny Cash - Personal Jesus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiiY4ciKFQA

Led Zeppelin - arguable the best cover band in the world...

Marilyn Manson - Tainted Love

Siouxie and the Banshees - Dear Prudence

David Bowie - Waterloo Sunset (but only just better)

ZZ Top - Viva Las Vegas

Elvis Presley - Johnny B Goode

More comedy than anything else, but it fits the bill of a cover that improves the original...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhNqq0LCnZg

These are amongst their best songs.

Yes!

I prefer the Fun Lovin' Criminals version of the Climax Blues Band "Couldn't Get it Right"

I can only find a live version which isn't quite as tight as the one on the album but still has slightly more meaty guitar solo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l4LNLcktQY

Having said this I still love the original - combine the guitar from the FLC version and it would be epic.


Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver rather than Dio:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR7dG_m3MsI