I love cover versions that deform the original. Killdozer’s version of Janet Jackson’s “Nasty” and World Domination Enterprises’ version of “Funkytown” are two such that take a sledgehammer to the originals. Einsturzende Neubauten do a wonderful version of the Lee & Nancy song “Sand”, which works partially because of the Germanic intonation of the English words. Pussy Galore reciprocated with an English version of Neubauten’s “Yu-Gang” and rock it up from the art noise original.

Coil’s version of “Tainted Love” slows it down and stands in parallel with the original for being as good but utterly different, quite an achievement.

“Police On My Back” improves the original. “Police And Thieves” cannot lick the feet of the original.

And finally, anyone who covers a Joy division song ought to be stoned to death. Paul and Grace Jones put your blindfolds on and assume the position. They are not happy clappy songs you fools

Well as it’s one of their early punkier, less layered songs & LCD stay pretty faithful to it, we’ll let you off.

I do wonder at the point of cover versions that do stay incredibly faithful to the originals – what’s the point of covering them then?

Dolly Parton’s cover of ‘Stairway To Heaven’ (really) is something to behold.

The aforementioned Killdozer’s cover of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ sounds like a redneck bar band in Hell – “If you ain’t from Alabama, you ain’t shit!”.