The CoverUp

A charming song by one of our favorite songwriters, and a band that carved out its place in history, and the cover where everyone realized the world had changed in an important way. Different Drum, originally by the Greenbriar Boys, covered by Stone Poneys.  Outro music is Papa Gene's Blues, by The Monkees, because we don't often get to share a song where Mike Nesmith is credited as the lead vocal...

A song that's a worldwide sensation by an artist with the tools to get it done, and a satisfying cover by someone who shows that you don't know what forms success will take. Espresso, originally by Sabrina Carpenter, covered by Madilyn Bailey.  Outro music is Titanium, as covered by Madilyn Bailey. 

A pivotal figure in outlaw country with a song that was always going to be his to sing, and songwriter behind the song shows the power of telling your own story. LA Freeway, originally by Jerry Jeff Walker, covered by Guy Clark.  Outro music is Love at the Five and Dime by Nanci Griffith. 

We pay tribute to a musical giant, focusing on the moment where is started to get the recognition he deserved, and a cover where everyone reinforced that recognition. Surfer Girl, originally by The Beach Boys, covered by Paul Simon.  Outro music is Brian Wilson, by Barenaked Ladies.

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 Radiohead, 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...

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 bet...