i just heard al green's take on "unchained melody" and it struck me that he's arguably the ultimate interpretive singer --check out, e.g. his "for the good times" or "can't get next to you" or "how can you mend a broken heart".
what cover versions are better than the original
For example, Mott the Hoople's version of Sweet Jane is the equal if not better than the Velvets. Also, as long as I'm on the Velvets, a one album band called Detroit, fronted by Mitch Ryder, did a version of Rock and Roll that destroys the Velvets original.What are some other examples....this post is not for rock only....