The CoverUp

An episode remembering a towering talent who broke new ground in unexpected ways, and covers by a couple of other remarkable talents who are clearly appreciated, but not enough and for not enough reasons. Everyday People, originally by Sly and the Family Stone, covered by Taj Mahal, and by Jeff Buckley. Outro music is Underdog, also by Sly and the Family Stone.

A beautiful song that subtly obscures its musical roots by an artist with surprising connections to the genre, and a cover that goes all in on everything. I Can See Clearly Now, originally by Johnny Nash, covered by Hothouse Flowers. Outro music is Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls, and we guarantee it will all make sense.

A no-nonsense dance hit that has depth beyond what you usually see in a no-nonsense dance hit, and a cover that embraces the story and an artists peculiar place in the world. Pink Pony Club, originally by Chappell Roan, covered by Rick Astley.  Outro music is Together Forever, also by Rick Astley. 

A lifetime of curious musical collaborations and a killer song that needed to find the right band. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo, originally by Johnny Winter And, covered by Rick Derringer.  Outro music is an utterly improbable cover of Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo by Mean Gene Okerlund. If you know you know, and if you don't you're going to want to take a look at the video link we post. 

A stunning song that perfectly captures the complexity of a musical and cultural genius, and a cover that strips the song down to almost nothing, but has so much to offer. Life On Mars?, originally by David Bowie, covered by Seu Jorge. Outro music is Bowie's Starman, also covered by Seu Jorge, because we can't get enough of this guy. We think you'll agree.

Rather than debating who put whose chocolate in which peanut butter, we see the results of someone really knowing what to do with some good ingredients. Without You, originally by Badfinger, covered by Harry Nilsson.  Outro music is Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procul Harum. 

An enduring song that finds the perfect balance of catchy and smart, and a band that was a little enigmatic for us, makes strange choices, but clearly has the right stuff. Save Tonight, originally by Eagle-Eye Cherry, covered by Silos.  Outro music is Mind Eraser, also by Silos. 

A breakthrough song on a breakthrough album from a band that's generationally influential, with a couple of covers that fully transform but still respect the spirit of the original. Karma Police, originally by Radiohaed, covered by Scary Pockets featuring Monica Martin, and by Pierce the Veil.  Outro music is Radiohead's Creep, also covered by Scary Pockets, this time featuring India Carney, where circumstances allow them to bring a little more funk. 

One of the biggest songs of the 80s that started out with almost all the right people, but needed some time for everyone to settle into the right role before it could become absolutely iconic. Alone, originally by I-Ten, covered by Heart, and by Celine Dion.  Outro music is Eternal Flame, by The Bangles, which was also written by the guys from I-Ten, who are really all over this episode. 

A one hit wonder with a surprising number of hits, and an artist that managed to always be herself when the whole entertainment industry expected otherwise. Your Love, originally by The Outfield, covered by Kelly Clarkson.  Outro music is Since You've Been Gone, also by The Outfield. Yes, you read that right, and you'll just have to listen to find out. 

A killer song that almost killed the band, and a musical friendship that lead to some surprising results. Talk To Ya Later, originally by The Tubes, covered by Richard Marx.  Outro music is Save It For Later by The English Beat, not that anyone was ever confused preparing for this episode. 

An iconic artist on the cusp of a powerful but controversial transition, a band that was able to put the music first for just long enough, and a singer who understands what performance art should be. It's All Over Now Baby Blue, originally by Bob Dylan, covered by Them, and by Cat Power.  Outro music is Gloria, also by Them.

One of the all-time-great pop songs pushes an already substantial artist to new heights, and a cover that has surprising strengths (and weaknesses), while reminding us to tip the wait staff. Toxic, originally by Britney Spears, covered by Franz Ferdinand.  Outro music is Take Me Out, also by Franz Ferdinand.

The undisputed godfather of brilliant hilarity goes his own way, and a band that couldn't be more ridiculous on paper turns out to be the perfect band for what might be the best tribute ever. We're not kidding. Dare To Be Stupid, originally by Weird Al Yankovic, covered by Cybertronic Spree.  Outro music is Turbo Heart, also by Cybertronic Spree, because they really deserve another listen. 

A very old, less known, and wildly special song before the maximally meteoric rise, and a cover by a band that was — and still is — there through it all. Cry for a Shadow, originally by the Beatles, covered by The Ventures. Outro music is Walk, Don't Run, also by The Ventures.

One of the greatest protest songs and just plain old songs ever recorded is tragically germane across the decades. What's Going On, originally by Marvin Gaye, covered by Cyndi Lauper, and by Los Lobos.  Outro music is Biko by Peter Gabriel. And honestly, the folks at Rolling Stone need to get their house in order. 

A song that seemed to come out of nowhere and take over the whole world is a lot more than just well formulated pop, and a cover from a secret band. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra, covered by Army of Three.  Outro music is The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. 

A debut single that put the biggest possible flag in the ground, and a cover that shows up with its own ideas. Mr Brightside, originally by The Killers, covered by Hauskey.  Outro music is Elmo's Song, by Elmo featuring Big Bird and Snuffy. Yes, it fits. 

A song that was a point of transition which lead to a future that nobody expected, least of all the band behind it, and a perfect tribute. Southern Accents, originally by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, covered by Dolly Parton.  Outro music is Rebels, also by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and you can't tell us that isn't a great line. 

A song that perfectly captures a historical moment that's coming around to bite us again, and a cover that gets it all wrong in the rightest possible way. Video Killed The Radio Star, originally by The Buggles, covered by The Presidents Of The United States Of America.  Outro music is Cleveland Rocks, also by The Presidents Of The United States Of America. 

We always love a song with a complicated origin story, and here we get to pay tribute to an amazing songwriter and still indulge our favorite plot twists. Help Me Make It Through The Night, originally released by Percy Sledge, with versions by Kris Kristofferson, and by Gladys Knight and the Pips.  Outro music is Jump In The River by Sinead O'Connor — and if you don't know about the connection between Kris Kristofferson and Sinead O'Connor, you need to dig into that, because it's amazing. 

A lively song from a young band that shows a lot more musical maturity than you might expect, and a cover by an equally young band that knows what they're about, even if the industry isn't ready for it yet. Going Down To Liverpool, originally by The Waves (who had not yet given Katrina top billing), covered by The Bangles.  Outro music is Walking On Sunshine, also by Katrina and the Waves. Let us know if it helps you figure out who's actually singing in the first song, because we're still confused. 

It's hard to find a song - or a singer - who nails it better than this, which makes covering it an impossible task. We found a band that did it. Someone Like You, originally by Adele, covered by Water From Your Eyes.  Outro music is Love at the Five and Dime, by Nanci Griffith — and you should really go back and check out that episode if you missed it the first time.

An iconic song with an origin story that defies all understanding, and a cover by a singer with more talents than any six people should be trusted with. All The Young Dudes, originally by Mott the Hoople, covered by Bruce Dickinson.  Outro music is Bang a Gong, by T.Rex, who makes a surprise appearance in this episode — let us know if you spot it.  

A song that knows its genre better than anyone could have expected, but also understands its roots in a way that elevates the sound, and a cover that does its country proud. A Bar Song (Tipsy), originally by Shaboozey, covered by Twenty One Two.  Outro music is Sweat Honey Buckiin by Beyoncé featuring Shaboozey. 

An ideal pop song that was far enough ahead of its time it got to come around again for a second try, and a cover with all the right bits and pieces. There She Goes, originally by The La's, covered by The Wombats.  Outro music is Sweet Emotion, by Aerosmith. And we promise that makes sense. 

We embrace the Christmas spirit with a top-tier listener request and absolute classic of a song, and a cover that has equal measures of heart and musical greatness. The Heat Miser Song, originally performed by George S. Irving, covered by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  Outro music is Put One Foot In Front Of The Other, from Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, another Rankin Bass Classic. 

A song from an experimental phase that is utterly complete and fully formed, and a cover that should sound like a gimmick but a brilliant band makes it polished and natural. Eleanor Rigby, originally by The Beatles, covered by Kansas with the London Symphony Orchestra.  Outro music is Mama Told Me Not To Come, by Three Dog Night with the London Symphony Orchestra. 

A subtle song from band that never took over the world, but is a perfect representative of a rich and often overlooked time in music history, and a cover that leaves it all on the table. Always The Last To Know, originally by Del Amitri, covered by Jill Jackson.  Outro music is Tell Her This, also by Del Amitri, who continue their tradition of naming their songs just a little differently than you think they should. 

Maximum attitude and acres of style when music wasn't really going that way, and a cover that definitely hits the mark the band aimed at. A Girl Like You, originally by Edwyn Collins, covered by Random Hearts.  Outro music is You Only Get What You Give, by New Radicals. 

The unlikeliest of artists remakes a reliable formula to create the unlikeliest of mega hits, and a band that does their thing well, but nobody really knows why. Scatman, originally by Scatman John, covered by The Axel Boys Quartet.  Outro music is Only You, also by Scatman John, which we desperately hoped would be a Yaz cover. It's not, but it's fun none the less. 

A hugely successful song that was only coincidentally perfect for a movie, and a serious cover that knew where not to take the original too seriously. Wicked Game, originally by Chris Isaak, covered by Daisy Gray.  Outro music is Threads by Portishead. 

A song that is as unexpected as it is utterly satisfying, and a cover so far beyond insightful it's hard to fathom. Lost Cause, originally by Beck, covered by Willie Nelson.  Outro music is Keep Me In Your Heart by Warren Zevon, which is another one of those songs that just hits you, and which Willie Nelson included on the album we discuss here. Are we foreshadowing a future episode? 

One of the songs that put Motown and the Motown sound on the map and a cover by a troubled but flawless band — with probably more surprise musical contributions than we've had in any three episodes. Stick around for the world's greatest hype man.  Outro music is 911 Is A Joke by Public Enemy, which we also discussed way back in episode 20— that one is a similarly wild ride. 

A song very much of its time that's stood the test of time, and a cover that takes it into a new space and context. Forever Young, originally by Alphaville, covered by Brandi Carlile.  Outro music is Big in Japan, also by Alphaville. 

A song with roots so hidden, yet so obviously appropriate they never should have been hidden, a big star does a cover no one bothers to forget, and an obvious path from a non-obvious choice. Mercury Blues, Originally by KC Douglas Trio, covered by Alan Jackson and by Meat Loaf.  Outro music is Houd Dog, by Big Mama Thornton — so we get really great bookends on this one. 

If you think you can explain prog rock, you don't understand prog rock — so listen while we try to explain it. Breakfast in America, originally by Supertramp, covered by Gomez.  Outro music is Roundabout by Yes. 

An iconic song by a band that had mastered not just their sound, but their feel and approach to being a band, and a cover by a master of her craft. I Need You Tonight, originally by INXS, covered by Bonnie Raitt. Outro music is Lazaretto, by Jack White. 

An impossibly bold debut song that was an obvious choice to the only genius in the room, and a cover that speaks to a brilliant, but often unsung collaboration. Wuthering Heights, originally by Kate Bush, covered by Pat Benatar.  Outro music is Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (Chipmunks), by Alvin and the Chipmunks, off the timeless Urban Chipmunk album. 

One of the biggest songs ever, by one of the biggest performers ever, from one of the biggest movies ever, and a cover from a band that only knows how to go big. My Heart Will Go On, originally by Celine Dion, covered by Dragonforce.  Outro music is Tears in Heaven, by Eric Clapton. 

A song that defines a band for casual listeners while giving the real fans a breather, and a cover that almost nails it. Friday I'm In Love, originally by The Cure, covered by David Gray.  Outro music is Shiny Happy People by R.E.M.

A great issue song even if the issue gets misplaced sometimes, and the real dance rock pedigree. Beds are Burning, originally by Midnight Oil, covered by Novaspace and by Murray Head.  Outro music is One Night In Bangkok from Chess, by Murray Head. 

A breakthrough song that took a while to break through and probably still deserves a little side eye in spite of its importance — and covers that reveal entirely different perspectives. Roxanne, originally by The Police, Covered by George Michael, and by Lacey Sturm.  Outro music is Wasted on You by Evanescence. 

An attitude song that has a reach which may exceed its grasp, and a cover by a noteworthy performer who gets the point, but can still miss the boat. That's Not My Name, originally by The Ting Tings, covered by Dizzee Rascal.  Outro music is This Is How It Feels, by Inspiral Carpets. 

A song that perfectly conveys the themes of a film without sounding plastic or artificial, like you might expect. And a cover that plays so strongly to type no other band in history could have pulled it off. I'm Just Ken, originally by Ken played by Ryan Gosling, covered by GWAR.  Outro music is Rarrr by Heavysaurus. 

The birth of New Wave channeled through satisfying melancholy, and covers that find polar opposites in the same song. More Than This, originally by Roxy Music, covered by Lucy Kaplansky, and by Missy Higgins.  Outro music is The Second Act, also by Missy Higgins. 

An enduring song that stands out because of the contribution of an unlikely collaborator, and a cover so steeped in genius it'd be hard to imagine the possibility if you didn't hear it with your own ears. Don't Come Around Here No More, originally by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, covered by Rhiannon Giddens, featuring Silk Road Ensemble and Benmont Tensch.  Outro music is Texas Hold ‘Em, by Beyonce, which features Rhiannon Giddens on banjo. 

The song that launched an enduring genre of music with a combination of brilliance and success in spite of itself, and a cover that succeeds in surprising ways, but has an even more surprising legacy.  Outro music is Girl You Know It's True by Milli Vanilli. 

A perfect representation of the band that started the revolution, but is mostly remembered by there reflection in the revolutionaries who followed, and the master of taking a whole lot of nothing and turning it into something amazing. Radioactivity, originally by Kraftwerk, covered by Fatboy Slim. Outro music is Linus and Lucy by the Vince Gauraldi Trio. 

A song that does manage to really hit the mood even without a ukulele, that missing ukulele, and an artist who does it the hard way but just right. Another Love, originally by Tom Odell, covered by Blanks, and by Josiah and the Bonnevilles.  Outro music is Heart on Fire, also by Blanks, and apparently from that thing we discuss in the show. 

A comeback song that does its job perfectly in spite of an incredible disguise, one of the greatest teams in modern music, and an utterly savvy outside perspective. I'm Still Standing, originally by Elton John, covered by Gold Fang.  Outro music is I Guess That's why They Call It The Blues, also by Elton John.