As a Kaleidoscope devotee, the original is superior, although it's really the only Three Dog Night thing I really like.
Besides, who can argue with this deal?
Not even going with the sympathy vote here. Beck's version has been giving me goosebumps since the first time I saw him do it ...and the several times I've seen him do it since then. His playing just makes me giddy.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - love Joan's voice, but her version is kinda sing-songy. For me, I'll take Levon Helm's emotional treatment and the Band's arrangement - hands down, The Band.
I remember a documentary on rock and roll I watched years ago. They talked about Pat Boone’s cover of Tutti Frutti. As it’s played in the background the narrator says “some of the kids thought they were listening to rock and roll…” then he says “they weren’t!” and the music immediately kicks over to Little Richard.