10 Most Underrated Cover Songs In Hard Rock
6. Baba O'Riley - Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam haven't minced words when expressing their love for rock legends the Who. There's even an old quote from back in the 90's where Eddie Vedder jokes about wanting to send Father's Day cards to Pete Townshend every year. Though the band hadn't tackled any of the band's material in a studio setting, their regular performances of the band's classic "Baba O'Riley" have been absolutely spellbinding.
Given the original's complex production, it's a daunting task to cover a tune like this, but the band pull it off with extreme gusto. The opening synth line of the track is replaced by Mike McCready's guitar line, which cascades across your eardrums and prepares you for the epic tale of escape about to unfold. Much of the other instrumentation remains intact, but Vedder's vocal is what really sends it over the top.
From the first time Eddie opens his mouth, you can tell that this is a guy who truly believes in the transcending power of rock and roll, as he screams with impassioned confidence to not waste his life being simply ordinary. Townshend was always a firm believer in rock being more than just three chords, and with this kind of performing ethos, he would no doubt be proud that his song ended up in such capable hands.