OT: Original vs. Cover Song

Okay folks. As much as I enjoy the political back and forth, let's not fight each other (or maybe we will... heh heh). This question was inspired by skibum's thread about history near where you live, as it's just something interesting and fun. It's been a little while since we did something like this, so here it is: Name two iconic songs. One where the original writer/performer was the best, and the other where a cover artist did it better. I've found the question to be more difficult than it seems at first glance. Here are my two: Desperado. Written by Glen Frey and Don Helney and recorded for the Eagles second album of the same name in 1973. It did not become a hit until Linda Ronstadt released a cover of the song later that same year. I love both versions, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the Eagles. I Shot The Sheriff. Written by Bob Marley and released by The Wailers in 1973. Clapton did his cover version a year later. I'm a big fan of Bob Marley, as well as other Reggae artists like Burning Spear (a fucking genius) and Black Uhuru. But I like Clapton's cover of I Shot The Sheriff. One last mention: Ziggy Marley has done several beautiful versions of Redemption Song, and it's a fitting tribute to his father. But I don't think he'd mind me saying that Bob's original is my favorite.