100 Greatest Cover Versions

The first in the 'Playlist' series, The Ultimate Playlist, showcases the 100 greatest cover versions of some of the greatest songs ever written. Cover versions are an interesting concept, as it shows a song in a different light and may cause the song to gain a new audience through this experimental recording process. Each of the 100 tracks has the artist which covered the song and the name of the artist who wrote, or performed, the song originally. Through an engaging web of stories detailing the background of each track, how artists came to cover them and how sometimes these cover versions become more popular than the original. The book has surprises for the new and old music fans which may be surprised to find that their favourite artist, or groups, most famous single was a cover version. In the age of digital downloading, where music fans download single tracks rather than an artists entire album, the playlist is becoming the means for music fans of putting together a personal compilation album of their favourite songs. This 'digital mix-tape' is a principle feature of the main media players such as iTunes and Spotify and this book, and series, aims to guide listeners through large and often bewildering back catalogues of the major artists catalogues - as well as key genres in popular music - by suggesting key tracks which can form a thorough playlist for your computer or MP3 player.