OT: Cover and alternative versions

[Highmac]

Following on from this thread what is the worst cover version you've ever heard that actually got airplay and into the charts - and what is the best 'alternative' version? Accepting that this truly is a matter of personal taste, I'll start the ball rolling:
Worst: Madonna's cover of American Pie (aargh - HOW COULD SHE.... !!). There's just no emotion in it.
Best alternative: Joe Cocker's Little Help From My Friends is so different from The Beatles' original it deserved to become a classic in its own right. (Seem to remember it was the play-out track for Wonder Years {?}).

[RobW]

Boy, there are so many great and terrible cover versions. Without putting too much thought into this (at least not yet--but this work day may now be shot ), All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix is certainly up there.

Worst?? How about Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, done by William Shatner?