I tend to stay clear of that in terms of record production.Onstage I have to do them.They are useful to give your listeners a checking point on you.They make you get lazy as a writer.A great way to spot a decline in an act is when the covers start coming out,an indicator that the inspiration is starting to run dry.I think it to be way more en vougue to pick a new song by an unknown writer and make it a hit.It is not a bad thing to be a great group that does not write it's own material.Years ago "Three Dog Night" was a classic example of this.They did not write any of their large catalog of hits.Instead of writing they devoted their time to finding great songs to do.And they chose well.By the same token you will not hear Bob Dylan singing "You Got The Silver" by Keith Richards although I would love to hear that!After we did (oo)(oo)in New York Chip and Marvin wanted to cover "Hey Jude" secretly we rehearsed it up to a mindblowing version.We did it for American Impact and blew them away yet they would not record it,"don't mess with The Beatles,you will not do it onstage either.""Too heavy!"Do your own thing!"No matter how well we could have done it,it would still sound cheezy and second rate.The original version cannot be topped by anyone.