Pet Shop Boys cover version is voted nation’s favourite
By Sam Rigby
Pet Shop Boys’ cover of Always on My Mind has topped a list of the nation’s favourite cover versions.
The track beat Johnny Cash’s Hurt (2), The Stranglers’ Walk on By (3) and Jimi Hendrix’s All Along the Watchtower (4) in the poll, which was conducted by BBC Music.
Jeff Buckley’s rendition of Hallelujah completed in fifth place, but Alexandra Burke’s version did not make the top 50.
Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U and Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You also featured in the top ten.
Jeff Smith, who devised the shortlist with the likes of Fearne Cotton, said: “The Pet Shop Boys have an enviable catalogue of hits and there have been lots of great versions of this classic song.
“Whittling down the long list for the vote was tough but it’s great to see that this track still resonates with people today.”
Pet Shop Boys recently revealed that they will begin recording their new album in November – read more here.
See the top ten in full below:
1. Pet Shop Boys – Always on My Mind
2. Johnny Cash – Hurt
3. The Stranglers – Walk on By
4. Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower
5. Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
6. Soft Cell – Tainted Love
7. Joe Cocker – With a Little Help from My Friends
8. Sinead O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U
9. Muse – Feeling Good
10. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
The full Top 50 has been published on the BBC Music website – click here