When I heard this cover for the first time, I thought it was the original. And I could not believe that the most powerful band in those days, had to stoop so low as doing a cover... and not even a very good one.

We're talking about the Beatles - With a little help from my friends. Later I found out that this was the original. Imagine my disappointment in the Beatles,  especially, if you take into consideration that the first time I heard this song it was the version of Joe Cocker. Now that is something else isn't it?

I have been searching the internet, Youtube, Spotify, Deezer, Daily Motion, Grooveshark etc. etc. I have not found any better version of this song than the cover done by Mr. Joe Cocker. And I doubt very much that there will be a better version.
Even stronger but feel free to prove me wrong: I think that this is the best cover of all songs that are covered. I don't think that there are any songs covered and played so well that you have the impression that you are listening to an entire new song.

Another cover that I think is well done, is played by Guns n' Roses - Knocking on heavens door. The original was written and performed by Bob Dylan. If you listen to the version of Guns n' Roses you have to admit that the song has improved, it has become fuller and much more powerful. 
Yet, it is still very recognisable as the song created by Bob Dylan and that for me makes all the difference of being a good (enough) cover or not. 
Joe Cocker "owns" With a little help from my friends. Guns n' Roses play Knocking on heavens door very well (and yes, I have been listening to the sometimes 12 minute long versions and was at the 9 minute long version in Paris) but... they don't "own" the song.

I received my first album of the Beatles when I must have been about eleven or twelve years old.  (From my uncle) To my surprise I knew all the songs.   I just did not know that all these songs were Beatles songs. I had heard of the name Beatles, be fair... Who hadn't? I knew those songs but until than I never knew that they were done by the Beatles.
 
The Beatles existed only for thirteen years. (Formed in 1957 - Broke up in 1970). During these years they have recorded twelve original albums + one EP.
The first album was recorded in 1963 and the last album in 1970.  That leaves the recording period for just seven years. They recorded almost two original albums per year. Today in 2012 there is no artist or band, doing that.

Here are some facts that show how good the Beatles were. (or are)
The Beatles were in the charts for a total amount of 1275 weeks.There is no other artist or band who comes close to this record.
Total number of weeks at the number one position: 175. Again: There is no other artist or band who comes close to this record.
Number one albums in one year: Three; and than during their recording period they had  two albums per year, in five years, at the number one position.
The Beatles replaced themselves at the number one position in the charts, twice. There is no other artist or band who ever did this, let alone twice.

These are obviously, just facts (Guinness book of records). It does not explain why their music is so good. Personally I think it was because their music is rich in different sounds. They used a vast amount of different music styles but also by using an enormous arsenal of instruments, they created a sound and structure in songs that was unheard of in those days. Besides of that they "recorded" in (for the time) new and inventive ways. Playing the recording tape backwards and use that. Cutting the recorded tape and glueing it back together with the pieces in a different order. The way how backing vocals were sung and placed. The use of classical instruments and entire orchestras. The use of multi tracks in "over dubbing". I think that a lot of "chart artists" today can learn from the Beatles because nowadays it is almost impossible to find something original in the charts. (I'm not saying it's all bad, I'm saying it's not original).

Underneath you can listen to all the original albums made by the Beatles. I recommend for everybody to listen to these albums at least once. It shows what a fantastic musical journey has been undertaken during seven years of hard work in a recording studio. It may perhaps not have the speed,  sound or the solo's of today's pop and rock music but it goes without saying that would  the Beatles not have been there, the world of today would simply not be as rich in its musical art as it is now.

Here are the Beatles albums for you to listen to, enjoy...
Please please me - With the Beatles - A hard days night - Beatles for sale - Help - Rubber soul - Revolver - Sgt Pepper's lonely hearts club band - Magical mystery tour - The Beatles (white album) - Yellow submarine - Abbey road - Let it be.