Joan Baez, Diamonds and Rust - Live, 1975

Joan Baez's original and the Judas Priest cover are so strikingly different that comparison is almost impossible. The Priest version is more atmospheric and theatrical. Joan is more intimate and personal, and of course her voice is beautifully expressive. I find her version more moving, although for pure entertainment, the Priest version is probably stronger.

beautiful!

beautiful!

Joe C**ker 's "With a little help" - quite glorious.

Good points you are posting on the debate.

You're right in that the original isn't always the best - Joe C**ker 's "With a little help" for instance
But on these two you're wrong. Very very wrong

lies!

It's a matter if you care about the originality of a song or the sound of a song I suppose. Not to mention what kind of music you prefer. Johnny Cash's version of Hurt, Apocalyptica doing Metallica and Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah are some examples of covers that offer something entirely different from the originals.

Like the guys below say, it's apples and oranges.

priest would kick baez's ass any day. their cover is so much better! and yes covers can be much better than the original like knockin on heavens door. guns n' roses kicked bob dylan's ass!

Stop saing bullshit,the cover of any song cant be better then the original,iced earths cover of maidens hallowed be thy name is just S**t stupid F**k

Absolutely beautiful but Baez has always been blessed with a phenomal voice and I've been a fan since 1965.

First time I ever heard the original, beautiful song.

haha im sorry, thats just my preference. and there are very few covers i prefer over the original. Iced Earth's cover of Hallowed Be Thy Name from iron Maiden is but one example.

You know this weird, unusual thing call working two jobs and going to school and putting food on the table? try it, to see how much time left you have for listening...keep your comments to yourself

Damn what a voice!!!! Incredible song..incredibly talented lady!!!