Jump - Van Halen Cover

This lens features the original version of "Jump" by Van Halen and showcases cover versions by Paul Anka, Aztec Camera, Billy Idol, Mary Lou Lord and David Lee Roth. You would think listening to the same song over and over again would be tiring but it's infinitely interesting.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Jazz has a long standing tradition of different artists covering the same tune calling them standards. As a relatively young form of music, pop and rock are continuing to evolve. Beyond mere karaoke, cover songs whether remakes or samples showcase an artist's versatility & originality with fresh interpretations that dare listeners to enjoy a new take on an old favorite.

Swinging live jazzy version of "Jump" performed on a UK television show. Strangely enough it actually works complete with the band chiming in on the chorus. You could easily put it on your IPOD playlist back-to-back with Sinatra's New York New York and it would be a smooth transition.

I've always loved this acoustic version. The first time I heard it, it was playing inconspicuously in the background as Muzak. It took me a second to figure out the familiar tune was actually the rockin' Van Halen song slowed down and made more melodic. You'll find this version on "The Best of Aztec Camera".

Simple performance with the lead singer of Aztec Camera, Roddy Frame and his acoustic guitar playing live on an Australian TV show in the late eighties.

Performed live by Idol at Rock Am Ring 2005, pretty faithful to the original version. If he were on American Idol, Simon Cowell would probably berate him for lack of originality but it's still a fun video to see how Idol has aged little over the years with his angular cheekbones still serving him well as an energetic front man.

Bluegrass version recorded with the John Jorgenson Blugrass Band on Strummin' With The Devil: The Southern Side To Van Halen. Beautiful bluegrass harmonies and some interesting bluegrass guitar picking complimenting Roth's voice. It's actually not hoky. If you appreciated the soundtrack of "O Brother, Where Art Thou", the CD is probably worth checking out.