1. This is "Summertime."
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Reasons you definitely love it:
- It was written by George Gershwin.
- This version, the most famous one as sung by Billie Holiday, is beyond golden.
- Have you ever made out to it?
- It's the best season of the year personified.
Anyway, it's a standard among musicians who want to try their vocal cords at its sweaty sultriness, and while some of their covers are whatever forever, a fair amount are phenomenal.
2. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
Perhaps the other most famous version of "Summertime" belongs to these two, and for good reason — it's a goddamn gorgeous song, obviously.
3. R.E.M.
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This was released as an exclusive single for the band's fan club, but really should have made it to a proper LP. This era was also very good for them hair-wise, as you can see.
4. Norah Jones
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Because you know that if a jazz standard exists, this woman is going to cover it at some point or another. Doye.
5. Sublime
This version is updated in the band's signature faux-dub style. A warm-weather classic for stoned ninth graders everywhere.
6. Morcheeba
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If you're into Morcheeba's brand of sexed-up trip-hop, you'll find this cover works insanely well for those purposes.
7. Booker T and the MGs
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As always, let's bow to Booker T.
8. The Doors
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These guys often riffed on the classic in their live shows, usually performing a short version between two other songs.
9. Janis Joplin
Janis's cover is as scratchy and soulful as you might expect. She and this song are a perfect fit for one another.