An Exhaustive History of German Cover Songs

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Beatsteaks – Glory Box (Portishead cover)

Another German punk band, always fine for a live party. There is their “Diana“ cover, originally by Paul Anka, but not to be found anywhere. So there is this weird cover of a German punk band covering a trip-hop tune – I do not know any other example. But it works!

Ralf Bendix – Der Große Treck nach Idaho [Ring of Fire] (Johnny Cash cover)

A weird one – and quite old. When popular music in Germany developed after WWII, there hardly was a tradition to build on. Everything that could have been called “folk music” had been claimed by the Nazis. Musical and show tunes were in traditionally in the hand of Jewish composers – and therefore had been banned. Furthermore, the whole people was completely paralyzed and wanted nothing more than distraction. The contemporary music met this need – completely harmless without any messages, often inspired by music brought with the allied troops, but without the rebellion. This “Schlager”-music is still present, but its importance was swept away by youth rebellion after 1968. So perhaps this is also a historical item, showing how times have changed.

The Benuts – The Flintstones Theme

A Munich-based band, active in the mid-90’s, is the only thing I found out. And obviously skilled ska mongers.

Blechreiz – Tequila (The Champs cover)

Ska is still popular in Germany… or is that just my imagination? This pick is not too exotic, but if you have the opportunity to enjoy it live, at a concert – you will be easily convinced. Cannot translate the pun of the band’s name.

Blind Guardian – To France (Mike Oldfield cover)

Metal might look dead – but definitely it just smells funny… so does it over here. There are still so many bands in jeans and leather. I was never able to dive quite deep in all the varietals of it – what’s that? Pagan metal? I don’t care.

Phillip Boa & The Voodooclub – Starman (David Bowie Cover)

This is so much of international style that nobody would suppose him to be German – this is Ulrich Figgen, a native Dortmunder. And quite a weirdo. There is no use in trying to understand his texts or himself. But he has achieved such great music, such interesting, outstanding tunes – and is still active. Give it a try.

Boppin‘ B. – Wind of Change (Scorpions cover)

Boppin’ B. are a remnant of the rockabilly revival that once occurred (and has not stopped ever since here). They earned their success the hard way, touring fairs and festivals. Here they do the certainly most famous Scorpions tune.

Boss Hoss – Eyes Without a Face (Billy Idol cover)

A genre that is quite often used for covers is country – even in Europe! These two guys enjoy the fun, but deliver serious work. Starting once with only covers, later on they wrote their own tracks, stressing the country aspect far less. Hell yeah!

Boy – Fred Jones Pt. II (Ben Folds cover)

No, they are not boys. But they are Germans. The original is quite sad, but there is this consoling piano. The acoustic guitar makes it even more depressing.

Elke Brauweiler – Joe le taxi (Vanessa Paradis cover)

This solo singer is originally the singer of the band Klee – a successful indie act. Here, she goes French with the one-hit wonder of a young Vanessa Paradis – later on, becoming Mrs. Johnny Depp. Far before all that trouble started…

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