Shaggy

A bomb in Wardour Street - The Jam

You’re as cold as ice - Foreigner

Gone fishin’ - Chris Rea

When the levee breaks - Led Zeppelin

Talking of Shirley Bassey:

Lol, I suspect they would be improved but still sadly cr@p, and certainly underpowered. Mind, I do still use (and occasionally gig) an ‘80’s Marshall Silver Jubilee 3530 head, which to my ears sounds as good as any modern SS head. If rather underpowered.

Nothing ever happens - Del Amitri

I’m happy to concede that, and I’d have loved to have seen the man play live in his heyday (very nearly did.....). As I said in my post; the original of “Knocking on heavens door” (one of his most covered songs) firmly remains my favourite version. I think the combination of his very individual vocal style (which can grate), sparse instrumental arrangements on the originals, and -as you say- very strong songwriting, lends BD’s songs perfectly for covering. Hendrix has been mentioned; I’d add Manfred Mann (Just like a woman), Byrds (Mr Tambourine man), and, Siouxsie (This wheels on fire)

Lady grinning soul - David Bowie

I had the head (Carlsbro Stingray) - circa 1978; first “proper” amp. Not much cop, but it was fun pressing the band pass filter buttons. And it had that “new amp” smell. Wonder where it is now.....?

Head over heels - Tears for fears

Centrefold - J Geils band (lowering the tone again.......)

Most cover versions beat the Bob Dylan original (exception being “Knocking on Heavens door), but the most sublime one IMHO is Them’s version of “Its all over now Baby Blue” (Van Morrison on vocals) Edit - a couple of others: “Solitary Man” by Chris Isaak (orig Neil Diamond) “I love rock n roll” by Joan Jett (orig The Arrows)

Sneakin’ Suspicion - Dr Feelgood

I am a mole and I live in a hole - The Southlanders

Every day is like Sunday - Morrisey

Jack in a box - Clodagh Rogers (this thread is going round in circles....)

Through the barricades - Spandau Ballet

Hotel chambermaid - Graham Parker& the Rumour

Pineapple head - Crowded House

Too hot to handle - UFO

Yesterday once more - Carpenters

Springtime for Hitler - Mel Brooks

The Lone Ranger - Quantum Jump

Time is tight - Booker T & the MG’s