Willie Nelson - Smells Like Teen Spirit

When one artist does a version of a song that has been written and performed by another artist, you can really learn a lot about both parties to the transaction. A great song travels well from one artist to another; a great artist can take someone else's song and breath a different life into it.

This version of one of the most popular songs of the last thirty years is transformational. Willie takes it to another universe altogether. This cover version flatters Willie, the song, and Nirvana, all at the same time. The first time that I heard it, I'll admit to a certain confusion. By now, after five or ten listenings, it's one of my favorite songs.