Chris Cornell's Billie Jean

MikeTimbers · 27 Mar 2008 at 23:23

I watched American Idol tonight (sad, I know but whatever) and was really impressed with the version of Billie Jean performed by David Cook but was then disappointed to hear his version was not *his* version at all but a cover of Chris Cornell's who I had never heard of!

Found Cornell's version on Youtube and wow! Amazing!

Really impressed.

(Old news I'm sure, but although I really liked Nirvana and REM, I never got into grunge per se so had never heard any Soundgarden to have known that this guy existed!)

yaboy · 27 Mar 2008 at 23:27

It's okay.. only song I like from this dude is that Casino Royale theme ;D

Mindriot · 27 Mar 2008 at 23:56

His voice has gone downhill since he stopped smoking, so if you like his voice now then consider trying to find something from the early 90's - much more impressive!

eg. Beyond the wheel

Also worth a look - Thank you (Led Zep cover)

MikeTimbers · 28 Mar 2008 at 09:11

It's not so much the voice as the arrangement. Interesting take on a classic.

Silent-Lucidity · 28 Mar 2008 at 10:06

Chris cornell is one of my favourite singers. Saw him live when he was with Soundgarden. Got both his solo albums and just wish Audioslave hadn't split up so i could have gone to see them too. Like a stone is my favourite Chris Cornell sung song.

cleanbluesky · 28 Mar 2008 at 10:12

That song made me wanna spit.

Grunge > Alternative > James Bond theme (admittedly a damn good track) > Michael Jackson cover > ?

Will he do nursery rhymes next?

Robbie Ragdoll · 28 Mar 2008 at 10:20

cleanbluesky said:
Will he do nursery rhymes next?

See you joke but we all know that would rock :cool:

helmet · 28 Mar 2008 at 14:43

I say it every time I or someone else mentions Cornell, I'll save you the trouble of searching

.
The worst thing that happened to this guy was that he heard Jeff Buckley and helped put together the "Sketches for my sweetheart" album.

Cornell's first album Euphoria Morning is okay if you are looking for more similar.

Gilly · 28 Mar 2008 at 14:47

yaboy said:
It's okay.. only song I like from this dude is that Casino Royale theme ;D

It's the only one I'd heard of him being connected to, but it's rubbish.

[edit]That version of BJ in the OP is rubbish. Awful, awful version.

Worse than black hole sun. Which is bad. Very bad.

MikeTimbers · 28 Mar 2008 at 22:10

I've been listening to that David Cook version trying to remember where I've heard it before. It sounded so familiar and I've finally got it!

It's a rock version of "Nights in White Satin" with the words from Billie Jean. Seriously.

ElvisFan · 29 Mar 2008 at 01:19

I'm an American Idol addict and I love David Cook. Check out his cover of Hello by Lionel Ritchie.

Hilly · 29 Mar 2008 at 01:56

Gilly said:
It's the only one I'd heard of him being connected to, but it's rubbish.

[edit]That version of BJ in the OP is rubbish. Awful, awful version.

Worse than black hole sun. Which is bad. Very bad.

Indeed, it's dross of the highest order.

NokkonWud · 29 Mar 2008 at 02:13

David Cook has copied several artists versions of songs so far. He's good, but the praise he's getting from the judges is bugging me as they seem totally unaware.

semi-pro waster · 29 Mar 2008 at 11:43

About the nicest thing I can say about that version is it is definitely a different take on Billie Jean, thankfully I barely recognise it compared to Michael Jacksons original because that version is horrible and his style doesn't suit the song whatsoever.

Sic · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:10

I hate Chris Cornell and everything he's ever been involved in. (Except for a couple of tracks from Audioslave's first album, and anyone could've done what he did on those!)

MikeTimbers · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:26

Such hatred in this thread! Those who don't like the version in the original post, can you say why you don't like it? I love MJ's original but what's wrong with a different take on it?

semi-pro waster · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:32

I don't hate Chris Cornell in any real sense, he and his music barely intrude on my conciousness normally but as I said above his style of singing simply does not suit Billie Jean. It is generally a bad idea covering a classic but particularly something as distinctive as Billie Jean - I don't think you can improve on Michael Jackson singing it you can only do it differently so unless it is knock your socks off brilliance it won't compare well.

stude1983 · 29 Mar 2008 at 12:46

its was alright, but i prefered him in soundgarden/audioslave.....

atpbx · 29 Mar 2008 at 14:52

Its a terrible version.

Taking a random tune, and then trying to transpose another songs lyrics on it doesnt = brilliant.
Micheal jacksons songs i think are fairly unique in that you cant stray........ that far from the original arrangement, yes a bit faster such as Alien Ant Farms smooth Criminal cover, and it will still sound fresh and different but try anything too far removed and I dont think they work.

benneh · 29 Mar 2008 at 15:33

MikeTimbers said:
I watched American Idol tonight (sad, I know but whatever) and was really impressed with the version of Billie Jean performed by David Cook but was then disappointed to hear his version was not *his* version at all but a cover of Chris Cornell's who I had never heard of!

Found Cornell's version on Youtube and wow! Amazing!

Really impressed.

(Old news I'm sure, but although I really liked Nirvana and REM, I never got into grunge per se so had never heard any Soundgarden to have known that this guy existed!)

Amazing?. I think it's utter crap tbh.