Easy Star All-Stars — Let Down (w/ Toots & The Maytals)
Album: RadiodreadAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 2690
Length: 4:39
Plays (last 30 days): 4
share
tweet
Transport, motorways and tram lines
Starting and then stopping, taking off and landing
The emptiest of feelings, disappointed people, clinging on
To bottles 'cause when it comes it's so, so, so disappointing
Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
I say let down and hanging around
Shell smashed, juices flowing, wings twitch, legs are going
Don't get sentimental, don't, it always ends up drivel
One day, one day, I am gonna, I am gonna grow wings, a chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless, hysterical and
Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
I say let down and hanging around
Let down and hanging, let down and hanging, let down and hanging
You know, you know where you are with, you know where you are with
Floor collapsing, falling, bouncing back
One day, one day, I am gonna grow wings, it's a chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
I say let down and hanging around
Crushed, crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around
Starting and then stopping, taking off and landing
The emptiest of feelings, disappointed people, clinging on
To bottles 'cause when it comes it's so, so, so disappointing
Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
I say let down and hanging around
Shell smashed, juices flowing, wings twitch, legs are going
Don't get sentimental, don't, it always ends up drivel
One day, one day, I am gonna, I am gonna grow wings, a chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless, hysterical and
Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
I say let down and hanging around
Let down and hanging, let down and hanging, let down and hanging
You know, you know where you are with, you know where you are with
Floor collapsing, falling, bouncing back
One day, one day, I am gonna grow wings, it's a chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
I say let down and hanging around
Crushed, crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around
Comments (182)add comment
Yes! Appropriate mix for a Friday afternoon (vs dirge sometimes...). Love it.
Chair dancing in front of this here computer!
Cant dig it enough....
I didn't recognize the song until I read the comments. That's a positive because a cover song that sounds like the original is pointless.
redart wrote:
I suspect there's an element of Radiohead purists out there who are filled with indignation at the mere thought of one of 'their' songs being covered.....at all, let alone by a ska band, and have down voted it in a fit of pique !
Personally I'm a big fan of both versions.....solid 8 from me
Same here. I like RH and I think this is a fun, well done interpretation. I just bumped my rating up a point.
I suspect there's an element of Radiohead purists out there who are filled with indignation at the mere thought of one of 'their' songs being covered.....at all, let alone by a ska band, and have down voted it in a fit of pique !
Personally I'm a big fan of both versions.....solid 8 from me
Same here. I like RH and I think this is a fun, well done interpretation. I just bumped my rating up a point.
Indeed, radiodread.,.
pcicatar wrote:
1. Brits say "streets ahead" instead of "miles ahead"
2. I promise not to coin the phrase in the U.S. of A.
1. Brits say "streets ahead" instead of "miles ahead"
2. I promise not to coin the phrase in the U.S. of A.
What a relief after RHCP.
THis Works, pure and simple, doesn't matter about the original
Their album Dub side of the Moon is worth checking out - a reggae homage to Pink Floyd. I haven't listened to anything else by them, but that one will really give your speakers or headphones a work out!
I love this. It's such an unexpected and creative reinterpretation of a unique song. So good.
Let Down is one of my top 5 songs of all time. RH's version is magic. These guys do such a great rendition of it. Thank you RP for making your mix so relevant and personal.
Radiohead - Nice Dream followed by Easy Star All-Stars - Let Down .....it works!. Perfect DJ'ing IMO. Thanks Bill.
rpdevotee wrote:
I hate ska
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
I hate ska
Queue wrote:
You left out All Along the Watchtower! Even Bob Dylan preferred Jimi's cover.
Tainted Love - another where the cover is more popular than the original. The list goes on and on.
You left out All Along the Watchtower! Even Bob Dylan preferred Jimi's cover.
Tainted Love - another where the cover is more popular than the original. The list goes on and on.
Radiohead to Radiodread. Nice, Bill!
justin4kick wrote:
It's a trombone, but thanks for your insightful comment.
The trumpet solo sounds like something I would do better. Even though I have never been near such an instrument.
It's a trombone, but thanks for your insightful comment.
rpdevotee wrote:
and?....
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
and?....
Love this! And not a bad name for an album from a reggae crew: "Radiodread."--it being a take on Radiohead's "OK Computer: Easy Star's Lonely Heart's Dub Band"... a take on... well, you know (my head hurts). The up-tempo tune soon made me forget all that. Oh, and those horns!
As a Radiohead fan, hearing the opening notes of this cover (played on a
melodica I believe?) always elicits a smile. Brilliant cover. Thanks
RP for keeping this in the rotation.
melodica I believe?) always elicits a smile. Brilliant cover. Thanks
RP for keeping this in the rotation.
RIP Toots... fuck Covid!
I was able to see toots three times in my life, such a fun performer. Man that old man could ROCK!
it is a great album!
rpdevotee wrote:
Perhaps some people don't like ska? Perhaps.
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
Perhaps some people don't like ska? Perhaps.
Love this guy's voice. The song writer? Definitely high on psychedelics.
kcar wrote:
Streets better than the original.
ProfessionalGeek wrote:
I feel the song is completely ruined.
I like this better than Radiohead's version.
I feel the song is completely ruined.
I like this better than Radiohead's version.
Streets better than the original.
Seems like some pretty high quality toe-tapping music to me. :-)
I really did not like this version when I first heard it. It just made me want to hear the original. I have to say, it's really growing on me. When I heard it starting up today after another Radiohead song, I couldn't help but break out in a big smile and start tapping my foot along with the tune.
Eliza Lumley has recorded a sublime piano-based album of Radiohead covers called She Talks In Maths - Interpretations of Radiohead. Here's her version of this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=enlZw1...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=enlZw1...
I am quite surprised how good Radiohead Songs work in this setup. I guess it speaks for both artists.
such a powerful tune for me. I went through my divorce with the original on repeat driving myself deeper and deeper into a malaise that I knew I could come out of stronger than ever. A metamorphosis of sorts. Like the bug in the song. I grew those wings and learned to fly high again. This version stirs those same emotions and is a great cover a song that gives still gives me the shivers. Definitely not Let Down by this cover.
choderama wrote:
I'd say this is more raggae than ska.
I'm not one to play stereotypes, but there is a Jamacan flag on the album.. with a Jamacan dude on the front... and the album title has the word 'dread' in it... not to mention it just plain sounds like a raggae song and not a ska song.
Ska also originated in Jamaica.
I'd say this is more raggae than ska.
I'm not one to play stereotypes, but there is a Jamacan flag on the album.. with a Jamacan dude on the front... and the album title has the word 'dread' in it... not to mention it just plain sounds like a raggae song and not a ska song.
Ska also originated in Jamaica.
Dj_Yonke wrote:
Could not have chosen a better gif myself. Box of gold stars for you.
Could not have chosen a better gif myself. Box of gold stars for you.
rpdevotee wrote:
I suspect there's an element of Radiohead purists out there who are filled with indignation at the mere thought of one of 'their' songs being covered.....at all, let alone by a ska band, and have down voted it in a fit of pique !
Personally I'm a big fan of both versions.....solid 8 from me
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
I suspect there's an element of Radiohead purists out there who are filled with indignation at the mere thought of one of 'their' songs being covered.....at all, let alone by a ska band, and have down voted it in a fit of pique !
Personally I'm a big fan of both versions.....solid 8 from me
rpdevotee wrote:
Totally agree!
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
Totally agree!
This is soooo good!
damn dafuq, I thought this song was an original by Radiohead!
I learnt something new today.
I learnt something new today.
Great show at the Nectar Lounge (great venue) in Fremont , Seattle a few years back. My favorite cover by a cool cover band.
TheKing2 wrote:
Whoa - that was interesting, thanks for the link!
I agree - more M&M!
But my favourite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrLnFIkuDBA
( there is not enough martha & the muffins on RP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrLnFIkuDBA
( there is not enough martha & the muffins on RP)
Whoa - that was interesting, thanks for the link!
I agree - more M&M!
Great artist
But my favourite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrLnFIkuDBA
( there is not enough martha & the muffins on RP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrLnFIkuDBA
( there is not enough martha & the muffins on RP)
justin4kick wrote:
I have my doubts.
The trompet solo sounds like something I would do better. Even though I have never been near such an instrument.
I have my doubts.
nomnol wrote:
Absolutely! Radiohead’s version and this one are different and both outstanding pieces of music.
Jeez! It's just some fun music. Enjoy!
Absolutely! Radiohead’s version and this one are different and both outstanding pieces of music.
scrubbrush wrote:
depends on your definition of 'better', right?
i'd argue that 'better' generally translates to 'more popular' and there are hundreds of covers that are clearly more popular than the original.
off the top of my head:
the most obvious is Louie Louie - written and first recorded by Richard Berry & The Pharohs - popularized by the Kingsmen. The Kingsman version is (or was in years past) consistently named as one of 'the greatest rock songs of all times'. i doubt the Richard Berry version would even be mentioned in footnotes had it not been for the Kingsmen.
Red Red Wine - written written and first recorded by Neil Diamond is - UB40 version is far more popular
One of my favorites is Sister Morphine - written and first recorded by whatsername (Marianne Faithful? - i think i've heard it here on RP?) - made 'better' by the Stones.
Black Magic Woman - by Fleetwood mac, popularized by Santana
any of 8 to 10 songs 'by' Led Zeppelin are 'covers' of old blues songs (at least the lyrics are covered)
the list is really huge and, in many cases, the cover is so poular that people don't even know that there was an 'original' (like when people hear Bob Marley sing I shot the Sherrif' and ask why all the great classic rock songs get turned into Reggae tunes...)
You left out All Along the Watchtower! Even Bob Dylan preferred Jimi's cover.
depends on your definition of 'better', right?
i'd argue that 'better' generally translates to 'more popular' and there are hundreds of covers that are clearly more popular than the original.
off the top of my head:
the most obvious is Louie Louie - written and first recorded by Richard Berry & The Pharohs - popularized by the Kingsmen. The Kingsman version is (or was in years past) consistently named as one of 'the greatest rock songs of all times'. i doubt the Richard Berry version would even be mentioned in footnotes had it not been for the Kingsmen.
Red Red Wine - written written and first recorded by Neil Diamond is - UB40 version is far more popular
One of my favorites is Sister Morphine - written and first recorded by whatsername (Marianne Faithful? - i think i've heard it here on RP?) - made 'better' by the Stones.
Black Magic Woman - by Fleetwood mac, popularized by Santana
any of 8 to 10 songs 'by' Led Zeppelin are 'covers' of old blues songs (at least the lyrics are covered)
the list is really huge and, in many cases, the cover is so poular that people don't even know that there was an 'original' (like when people hear Bob Marley sing I shot the Sherrif' and ask why all the great classic rock songs get turned into Reggae tunes...)
You left out All Along the Watchtower! Even Bob Dylan preferred Jimi's cover.
A dub version of Echo Beach :
The trumpet solo sounds like something I would do better. Even though I have never been near such an instrument.
Turning the frown upside down. No, seriously, this is a great, and I think very respectful, cover of a powerful but oh-so-different original.
choderama wrote:
Ahhhh.. no. Radiohead's is better.
That is almost never true, where the cover is better.
Technically it should never be true... because even on very rare occasions where the cover is 'better' (improves) on the original... it is still a cover, and the orignal artist(s) still did the hardest job of writing the song - even though your, or my, personal opinion is that you like the song more.
My vote is for this version. Covers of Radiohead songs are generally better than the originals because they don't have Thom Yorke singing on them. Ironclad exception to your rule.
And this is Toots and the Maytals. Enough said, FFS.
Ahhhh.. no. Radiohead's is better.
That is almost never true, where the cover is better.
Technically it should never be true... because even on very rare occasions where the cover is 'better' (improves) on the original... it is still a cover, and the orignal artist(s) still did the hardest job of writing the song - even though your, or my, personal opinion is that you like the song more.
My vote is for this version. Covers of Radiohead songs are generally better than the originals because they don't have Thom Yorke singing on them. Ironclad exception to your rule.
And this is Toots and the Maytals. Enough said, FFS.
Toots!
I must admit that I was horrified at first, being a Radiohead devotee, but this version does have merit. In fact, I think I like it (as long as I consider it as its own, separate identity).
This has my foot tapping. Good stuff!
Really terrible!
"Radiodread" Ha! Clever Rasta.
Creates a sense of wonder for me...makes me interested in music....I like that...
TheKing2 wrote:
Definitely proves that radiohead are amazing
This proofs how strong yet flexible the Radiohead songs are.
Definitely proves that radiohead are amazing
expatlar wrote:
Exactly...and listens to pop music in the coffin.
I gather from a quick scan of the comments that this isn't "The Original". Don't care, if it doesn't make you tap or move something you been dead a week.
Exactly...and listens to pop music in the coffin.
TheKing2 wrote:
Great point. Espeically the instrumental part that somehow sounds so similar with completely different instruments and voicings.
This proofs how strong yet flexible the Radiohead songs are.
Great point. Espeically the instrumental part that somehow sounds so similar with completely different instruments and voicings.
Let Down with Toots is a gem- thanks for turning me on to this- great album
OK Computer with sweet bud sticking out of it's mouth.
This proofs how strong yet flexible the Radiohead songs are.
alcolp96277 wrote:
Fun?
What the ___ was this?
Insert random word in blank.
Insert random word in blank.
Fun?
Jeez! It's just some fun music. Enjoy!
aspicer wrote:
Works better in the context of the album. It's a song for song cover of OK Computer, each track done by a different reggae, ska, or dub artist.
Greenwood and Yorke had nothing but good things to say about it. And maybe that's just down to PR and royalties, but I like to think they were blown away by the transformation.
In fact, I'm gonna fire it up right now and try to decide which track is my favorite.
No thank you...completely misses the essence of the original tune. I'm all for covers, but not when they reference a classic (very vaguely in this case/for credibility) and then just do whatever the hell they want with it....
Works better in the context of the album. It's a song for song cover of OK Computer, each track done by a different reggae, ska, or dub artist.
Greenwood and Yorke had nothing but good things to say about it. And maybe that's just down to PR and royalties, but I like to think they were blown away by the transformation.
In fact, I'm gonna fire it up right now and try to decide which track is my favorite.
Heard this a few times now on RP and it's definitely quite likeable. Makes me kinda curious what the rest of the album is like. A ska version of No Surprises!....hmmm!
rpdevotee wrote:
... except it's a cover. So not at all original.
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
... except it's a cover. So not at all original.
Meh.
I gather from a quick scan of the comments that this isn't "The Original". Don't care, if it doesn't make you tap or move something you been dead a week.
alcolp96277 wrote:
Insert > Utter brilliance
What the ___ was this?
Insert random word in blank.
Insert random word in blank.
Insert > Utter brilliance
noooooooooo
No thank you...completely misses the essence of the original tune. I'm all for covers, but not when they reference a classic (very vaguely in this case/for credibility) and then just do whatever the hell they want with it....
I can't believe the low scores some people give this song. This is an amazing example of ska music in it's purest and most original form!
The "Karma Police" reggaefied version on this album is the best....
Cheerier than, say, Thom Yorke. 
What the ___ was this?
Insert random word in blank.
Insert random word in blank.
govna wrote:
Took the words right out of my mouth.
+1
Took the words right out of my mouth.
+1
adib wrote:
Took the words right out of my mouth.
This should be sacrilege, but I'm actually quite enjoying it :-)
Took the words right out of my mouth.
This should be sacrilege, but I'm actually quite enjoying it :-)
Nice one from Toots
Give us his riff on John Denver. Perhaps the best cover of all time.
Take me home, West Jamaica
Give us his riff on John Denver. Perhaps the best cover of all time.
Take me home, West Jamaica
Toots and the Maytals doing Radiohead is a bloody sight better than Radiohead doing Radiohead.
Maybe it's because it's a sunny saturday moring 3->7
STOP!!!!!
Annekatherine wrote:
Ha ha! But imagine being a fly on the wall during that conversation. Somebody must have thought they were having a laugh with the great Toots right up until the moment when he said "Sure, let's cover a Radio head song."
Why would you do this. You can't just turn radioheads most beautiful song into a happy-go-lucky reggae tune :(
Ha ha! But imagine being a fly on the wall during that conversation. Somebody must have thought they were having a laugh with the great Toots right up until the moment when he said "Sure, let's cover a Radio head song."
Why would you do this. You can't just turn radioheads most beautiful song into a happy-go-lucky reggae tune :(
Modern day guilty pleasure
I need this
What an abomination.
MORE MORE MORE!!!! Seen live!!! Great Concert!!!"Not to everyone's taste but I think it's kinda cool" (Bill)Made me actually rate this song. 
NO NO NO DavidFromHouston wrote:
So what youre saying is that in your opinion, Leonard Cohen should not be able to sing his own song because someone else, who happens to be dead did another version which you prefer?!
after a few whiskeys, 20 Marlborogh and 6 hrs sleep I DO sound like Barry White.
Radiohead's version of this and Jeff Buckley's rendition of "Hallelujah".
Two songs that should never be covered.
It's sort of like any man who tries to sing like Barry White. You just can't do it. Give up.
1
Yuck.
Two songs that should never be covered.
It's sort of like any man who tries to sing like Barry White. You just can't do it. Give up.
1
Yuck.
So what youre saying is that in your opinion, Leonard Cohen should not be able to sing his own song because someone else, who happens to be dead did another version which you prefer?!
after a few whiskeys, 20 Marlborogh and 6 hrs sleep I DO sound like Barry White.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Yes Yes Yes, and I've seen Radiohead live. This makes me smile right up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfkPmbg1ymM ?
Yes Yes Yes, and I've seen Radiohead live. This makes me smile right up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfkPmbg1ymM ?
Radiohead's version of this and Jeff Buckley's rendition of "Hallelujah".
Two songs that should never be covered.
It's sort of like any man who tries to sing like Barry White. You just can't do it. Give up.
1
Yuck.
Two songs that should never be covered.
It's sort of like any man who tries to sing like Barry White. You just can't do it. Give up.
1
Yuck.
My opinion: just a noise....anything more
Took me a long time to remember the original version of this song. I think it's rather boring so this is a great cover to me.
Their version of "Wanna Be Startin Something" is a hoot.
This is growing on me.
Why?
Reggae = PSD
marcoshs wrote:
After a latelate-night emergency coding session yes, yes: this is f*in nice.
So long, Meester David Let-Ter-man and thanks for all the memories.
This is f* nice!
After a latelate-night emergency coding session yes, yes: this is f*in nice.
So long, Meester David Let-Ter-man and thanks for all the memories.
MargaretRose wrote:
Yes Yes Yes, and I've seen Radiohead live. This makes me smile right up.
NO NO NO!!!!!!! 
Yes Yes Yes, and I've seen Radiohead live. This makes me smile right up.
For those not familiar with Easy Star All Stars and their reimaginings of entire albums here's this:
In February 2003, Easy Star All-Stars released a cover album of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon entitled Dub Side of the Moon, a complete reggae reinterpretation of the Pink Floyd album. Dub Side of the Moon has remained on the Billboard Reggae Charts since its release in 2003. It features instructions on how to synchronize the record with The Wizard of Oz, referencing the audiovisual pairing sometimes referred to as Dark Side of the Rainbow.
Dub Side of the Moon was followed by the 2006 release of Radiodread, a reimagining of Radiohead's album OK Computer. At a 2006 Radiohead concert, Thom Yorke praised Toots & The Maytals version of "Let Down" on Radiodread. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has also praised the cover version, calling it "truly astounding."
Dub Side of the Moon is excellent, as is Radiodread. Their Lonely Heart's Dub Band version of Sgt. Pepper's is also worth checking out too.
NO NO NO!!!!!!!
Bill I am with you on this one. Seen Toots many times. They are so important in the History of Reggae and to do a Radiohead cover just shows the extent of their genius.
I didn't even know this was a cover until I came here. One of the few benefits of not really hearing any lyrics when you listen to music, I guess.
This is f* nice!
jazzface78 wrote:
I like a really cool, weird, innovative cover. It stands up on its own and allows reflection on the original. Two fer the price of one, as it were...
This is really good. Great take on a great song.
I like a really cool, weird, innovative cover. It stands up on its own and allows reflection on the original. Two fer the price of one, as it were...
lemmoth wrote:
If you think Marianne Faithfull wrote that song by herself you don't know much about the Rolling Stones my friend.
Good points on Black Magic Woman and I shot the Sherrif
I always think of Neil Diamond (and Carol King) as songwriters first who decided to record their own output.
I stand corrected, although i would still like to believe that I know a fair-bit about the Stones...
Sister Morphine .... written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Marianne Faithfull. Faithfull released a version of the song as the b-side to her 1969 single "Something Better" on Decca Records, 21 February 1969. Although sung live to a backing track by Faithfull at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, that film was never televised and "Something Better" did not hit the UK chart, an estimated 500 copies only being issued by Decca. A different version was released two years later by The Rolling Stones as a track on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers.
If you think Marianne Faithfull wrote that song by herself you don't know much about the Rolling Stones my friend.
Good points on Black Magic Woman and I shot the Sherrif
I always think of Neil Diamond (and Carol King) as songwriters first who decided to record their own output.
I stand corrected, although i would still like to believe that I know a fair-bit about the Stones...
Sister Morphine .... written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Marianne Faithfull. Faithfull released a version of the song as the b-side to her 1969 single "Something Better" on Decca Records, 21 February 1969. Although sung live to a backing track by Faithfull at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, that film was never televised and "Something Better" did not hit the UK chart, an estimated 500 copies only being issued by Decca. A different version was released two years later by The Rolling Stones as a track on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers.
This is really good. Great take on a great song.
Okay ... now you're rolling - no more squeaky pretentious women singers, please.
This is great.
This is great.
mccuff wrote:
I'll sencond that motion
Are you kidding?! How cool is that version?!
I'll sencond that motion
I don't subscribe to the term 'better' when describing songs. The amount of people that likes or prefers one over another is meaningless unless you end time now. And then it's even more meaningless!
LOVE the whole concept of this album! 
I didn't know RP had any of it - awesome.
I didn't know RP had any of it - awesome.
scrubbrush wrote:
depends on your definition of 'better', right?
i'd argue that 'better' generally translates to 'more popular' and there are hundreds of covers that are clearly more popular than the original.
off the top of my head:
the most obvious is Louie Louie - written and first recorded by Richard Berry & The Pharohs - popularized by the Kingsmen. The Kingsman version is (or was in years past) consistently named as one of 'the greatest rock songs of all times'. i doubt the Richard Berry version would even be mentioned in footnotes had it not been for the Kingsmen.
Red Red Wine - written written and first recorded by Neil Diamond is - UB40 version is far more popular
One of my favorites is Sister Morphine - written and first recorded by whatsername (Marianne Faithful? - i think i've heard it here on RP?) - made 'better' by the Stones.
Black Magic Woman - by Fleetwood mac, popularized by Santana
any of 8 to 10 songs 'by' Led Zeppelin are 'covers' of old blues songs (at least the lyrics are covered)
the list is really huge and, in many cases, the cover is so poular that people don't even know that there was an 'original' (like when people hear Bob Marley sing I shot the Sherrif' and ask why all the great classic rock songs get turned into Reggae tunes...)
If you think Marianne Faithfull wrote that song by herself you don't know much about the Rolling Stones my friend.
Good points on Black Magic Woman and I shot the Sherrif
I always think of Neil Diamond (and Carol King) as songwriters first who decided to record their own output.
depends on your definition of 'better', right?
i'd argue that 'better' generally translates to 'more popular' and there are hundreds of covers that are clearly more popular than the original.
off the top of my head:
the most obvious is Louie Louie - written and first recorded by Richard Berry & The Pharohs - popularized by the Kingsmen. The Kingsman version is (or was in years past) consistently named as one of 'the greatest rock songs of all times'. i doubt the Richard Berry version would even be mentioned in footnotes had it not been for the Kingsmen.
Red Red Wine - written written and first recorded by Neil Diamond is - UB40 version is far more popular
One of my favorites is Sister Morphine - written and first recorded by whatsername (Marianne Faithful? - i think i've heard it here on RP?) - made 'better' by the Stones.
Black Magic Woman - by Fleetwood mac, popularized by Santana
any of 8 to 10 songs 'by' Led Zeppelin are 'covers' of old blues songs (at least the lyrics are covered)
the list is really huge and, in many cases, the cover is so poular that people don't even know that there was an 'original' (like when people hear Bob Marley sing I shot the Sherrif' and ask why all the great classic rock songs get turned into Reggae tunes...)
If you think Marianne Faithfull wrote that song by herself you don't know much about the Rolling Stones my friend.
Good points on Black Magic Woman and I shot the Sherrif
I always think of Neil Diamond (and Carol King) as songwriters first who decided to record their own output.