Whenever I hear that an artist has recorded a cover of a song I know well, I'm always curious to know if (s)he has pulled off a version that's faithful to the source or one that takes the song in a different direction, enhancing it.
On the faithful-to-the-original side, Mini Skirt Mob's "Be My Baby" does the original version by The Ronettes justice. The band clearly knew the song well and didn't need to alter its arrangement substantially.
On the different, enhanced front, Neil Finn recorded a strong live version of "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths. By lowering the key and singing with absolute conviction, Finn makes the protagonist's cry for help all the more gripping and convincing.
Two covers, two different approaches...Both are worth a listen.
