"Cover Versions" Seems to me to be a rather tainted term that somehow diminishes any recording or performance other than by the "Original Artist".

Whenever I think of "Cover Versions", I get vivid memories of the old "Embassy Label" that you used to buy in Woolworths in the UK during the 50's and 60's, where the artist tried to sound as much like the original as possible.

I regard the material you are talking about, as "Alternative Personal Interpretations" rather than "Cover Versions.

Cheers

Bugsy