"Set Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol (Click)

Been listening to two versions of this song, one sung by Martha Wainwright (original) and Cheryl Cole (cover).  I can see why many people would prefer Cole's version because her voice sounds more nasal, more pleasing to the ear.  Wainwright's voice is a lot sharper, and reminds me of Kate Bush.  Wainwright's voice is not what you'd normally hear in radio pop songs.

I much prefer Wainwright's version.  The intensity of her voice is a clear contrast to Gary Lightbody's, which is also quite nasal.  When I listen to them sing, I can hear the excrutiating yearning in their voices.  If their voices matched, that effect would be lost because they'd sound too well-blended, which is what I hear when I listen to Cole's version.  When Cole and Lightbody sing the duet, her voice almost overpowers his.  When Wainwright and Lightbody sing, his voice sounds more velvety, an effect that I find very emotive for this song.