SUPERIOR COVERS: He Is So Beautiful. To Me.

Joe Cocker may be the only man who can make flailing look masculine. There's just something badass about the guy, even if he sometimes looks like he might have cerebral palsy. Well into his 60s, he managed to steal his Across the Universe scenes from much prettier young co-stars. Many have tried to imitate the great screamer from Sheffield, but he's just too unique. He also might be the all-time covers champion.

I bestow this honor upon him because he not only does great covers, but he consistently improves upon the original versions. Cocker's classic records from the late 60s and early 70s showed him to be an unparalleled interpreter. He never resorts to mimicking the phrasing of the original singer. He climbs inside the song and takes it for a drive.

He's covered the best. Joe loves the Beatles, and has managed to put his stamp on "With a Little Help From My Friends," "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window," "Something" and many others. He's also poured some soul into a number of great Bob Dylan tunes. But the best example of Joe's genius is also one of his best-known: "Feelin' Alright."

Dave Mason wrote "Feelin' Alright" while still a member of Traffic. Their recording is a loose, folky jam, led by Mason's mellow warble. Steve Winwood's harmony vocals add some energy, but the whole thing seems awfully restrained.

Cocker gives it life. Longtime sideman Chris Stainton kicks it off with an immortal piano lick, achieving the impossible: giving a song a hook it didn't have before. Cocker's vocal has all his usual grit, but also great control. He's not just shouting. It's a carefully calibrated performance, more nuanced than you probably remember. His falsetto shudder before the piano solo is one of those sublime little touches that mark true greatness.

Cocker is one of a dying breed: the interpretive rock singer. The current generation needs another Cocker, or even a Linda Ronstadt. Someone to put an original spin on on the work of songwriters like Ryan Adams, KT Tunstall and Jeff Tweedy. Or better yet, just let the old guy take a crack at it. Coming soon, in my dreams: Cocker Sings Wilco.

TODAY'S RECOMMENDATION: "Feelin' Alright" by Joe Cocker
AVAILABLE ON: With a Little Help From My Friends; iTunes