This is a very interesting observation, CT, and one which I have myself been toying with over the last few days. Are there tracks that are easier or harder to mess up? Again, CT, I would probably have "Everybody's Talkin" as a Desert Island Discs selection. I must listen to the other versions you mention.
Its ironic really , most of the bands of my informative ****age years nearly all got started by doing cover versions, Searchers ( Sweet For My Sweet) The Hollies ( Stay and Just One Look) even the Stones with Not Fade Away to name but a few. Ive managed to collect most of the originals of which Ive compiled a playlist on Apple Music, other than copying them digitally and posting them out if anyone knows of a simpler way (legally) then they are welcome to a copy
Also, a lot of established bands turn to covers when they fear their song writing is diminishing. Sadly my favourites, Status Quo, the original line up, finished with a string of said recordings.
Amy Winehouse does a fantastic version of the Zutons song "Valery"
Someone on Youtube recons to have found the original version of the song that was supposedly made in 1965/66. What do you think?
Another great cover from a band you wouldn't expect to sound this great on a Temptations classic song. Ella Fitzgerald also does a good version but I like this one better.
I think BigLad that the original Valerie was released in 1960 by Jackie and the Starlites. They were a black doo-wop band and this was their only hit'
The Zutons mixed up the order of the words, presumably to throw people off the scent of easily the best version of Valerie. That featured on the album Burnt Weeny Sandwich by Zappa and the Mothers. In this 1969 version Frank does it for real i.e. no pisstakes, parodies or anything else. Frank could play in any style and on this version he opens with wah wah guitar and then relaxes into a very slow almost somnolent version. Try it and I hope you like it.