I see covers aren't generally looked upon very well by people - they're associated with teenagers in basements and middle-aged men playing gigs at weddings.

Luckily there is a sub-culture of people who are always on the hunt for covers; people who don't rest until they find the weirdest covers of all to play at their parties and see those baffled expressions turning into a satisfied "Aaah!" and a nod as soon as the chorus kicks in and the track is recognizable.

One of my favourite covers ever isn't one of those incredibly rare pearls, it's fairly known to anyone who takes a general interest in pop-rock music. I'm talking about Gossip's cover of George Michael's hit ballad "Careless Whisper": Beth Ditto and friends have made into a rocking, bouncy crowd pleaser.

Gossip Careless Whisper

Emilie Autumn is an American lass with a taste for the Victorian era and a goth appeal. She covered Cyndi Lauper's anthem of the '80s, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", with a harpsichord and little else. I find it very fun, but that might just be my bad taste.

Emilie Autumn Girl Just Wanna Have Fun

Last but most definitely not least is this heart-wrenching rendition of Cure's smash-hit "Boys Don't Cry" by Scarlett Johansson. Yes, not only is she beautiful and a great actress, the girl can sing too. Maybe boys don't or shouldn't cry, but this song makes me bawl.

Scarlett Johansson Boys Don’t Cry

 Written by Andrea Ratti