The CoverUp

We open up the Great American Songbook to visit an artist who broke ground in ways well ahead of her time, and to pay tribute to two of the most significant voices in modern music. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered, originally by Vivienne Segal, covered by Tony Bennett, and by Sinead O'Connor. Outro music is Sister Sinead, by Kris Kristofferson. And honestly, there were so many choices for this...

One of the biggest songs from one of the biggest artists in rap and its literary strengths, and a kindred spirit who couldn't be more different. Lose Yourself, originally by Eminem, covered by Kasey Chambers.  Outro music is Jack and Diane by John Mellencamp. 

A song and an artist who cemented the birth of R&B doesn't take himself too seriously, and a brilliant folk singer takes a big swing. Another Saturday Night, originally by Sam Cooke, covered by Cat Stevens.  Outro music is Just The Way You Are, by Gheorghe Zamfir. 

One of the biggest and most compelling songs in the history of rock and roll gets the flamenco treatment, and takes an unusual turn. Hotel California, originally by The Eagles, covered by Gipsy Kings, and by Nancy Sinatra.  Outro music is Layla by Derek and The Dominos, but just the long piano bit from the end, which  will make total sense by the time you listen to the episode. 

A page directly from The Great American Songbook, with three wildly different perspectives on culture and meaning. Irving Berlin's Puttin' On The Ritz, originally recorded by Leo Reisman and his Orchestra, covered by Taco, and by Neil Diamond.  Outro music is Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek, recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. 

An absolutely astonishing collection of songs this week. And an amazing story, with surprise appearances, proper villains, and music that endures in remarkable ways. Killing Me Softly With His Song, originally by Lori Lieberman, covered by Roberta Flack, and by The Fugees.  Outro music is Schoolhouse Rock! The Great American Melting Pot, sung by Lori Lieberman. 

Artists who are absolutely dominant in their time give a song their all. And, well, they definitely leave their marks. Bad, originally by Michael Jackson, covered by Billie Eilish.  Outro music is I Have Learned to Do Without You, by Mavis Staples. 

The pop punk version of a power ballad turns into a great song that may have been a victim of its own success — and a lack of active listening skills. Plus, a secret supergroup, and a band who understood the assignment. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), originally by Green Day, covered by Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes, and by Wolf Alice. Outro music is Hole Hearted, by Extreme, and wow, Nuno Bett...

A massive song by the best worst family band ever, an incredibly smart cover, and a production deadline. Woderwall, originally by Oasis, covered by Ryan Adams, and by Little Big Town. Outro music is Girl Crush, also by Little Big Town. 

This week is a rare treat where we look at a song with two completely different, and both utterly definitive versions. With these performers, it couldn't have gone any other way. I Don't Know Where I Stand, originally by Fairport Convention, covered by Joni Mitchell, and by Barbra Streisand.  Outro is Don't Rain on My Parade, from Funny Girl, also by Barbra Streisand. 

Could there be a more appropriate song for us to use to pay tribute after the passing of one of the great icons of modern music? The Best, originally by Bonnie Tyler, covered by the incomparable Tina Turner.  Outro music is Better Be Good To Me, also by Tina Turner.

A massive sound in a blend of styles that just shouldn't work, by an artist who has a 200IQ approach to the music business, and a substantial cover that stands on its own. River, originally by Bishop Briggs, covered by Porter and Sayles. Outro music is Maggie's Farm by Bob Dylan.

An impossibly successful song with deeper roots than anyone imagined — both musically and inspirationally, and a cover which shares the love of both. Day O (The Banana Boat Song), originally by Edric Connor and the Caribbeans, covered by Harry Belafonte, and by Donovan.  Outro music is Jump in the Line, also by Harry Belafonte. 

A massive rock star gets his biggest hit by breaking his own rules, and an unlikely cover that works because a wonderful artist paid attention. Dancing in the Dark, originally by Bruce Springsteen, covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter.  Outro music is This Shirt, also by Mary Chapin Carpenter, because y'all need to listen to more of her music. 

A brilliant song by one of Canada's greatest artists which probably reveals a bit too much about a troubled soul, and the unlikeliest of covers at the unlikeliest of times. Sundown, originally by Gordon Lightfoot, covered by Depeche Mode.  Outro music is F You (but the radio version, because we try to be family friendly), by CeeLo Green. 

One of the most amazing voices in blues and soul, covered by a band that was great in their own way even before finding a particular muse. Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City, originally by Bobby "Blue" Bland, covered by Whitesnake.  Outro music is Here I Go Again, also by Whitesnake — but it's the original 1982 version from Saints and Sinners that isn't quite like you remember the song to be....

A classic of mid-70s pop with a surprising — and amazingly serendipitous — origin. Also, the unlikeliest of covers. Rhinestone Cowboy, originally by Larry Weiss, covered by Glen Campbell and by Radiohead.  Outro music is Bend Me Shape Me by The American Breed — and which is itself a cover, so keep an eye on that one. 

Spend a nice day on the river, and throw in a bit of piracy, just to keep the local economy going. Also, Canada is funnier than England — who knew? The Last Saskatchewan Pirate, originally by The Arrogant Worms, covered by The Longest Johns.  Outro music is Hoist Up The Thing, also by The Longest Johns, because England is still funny. 

A hidden battle between artist and studio, producers trying to outdo themselves, and a quick trip to Alaska. Don't Cha, originally by Tori Alamaze, covered by The Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes, and by The Baseballs. Outro music is Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's. 

A brilliant classic of rock and R&B, which flirted with bubblegum, and a cover that goes full-Wonka. I Think We're Alone Now, originally by Tommy James and the Shondells, covered by Tiffany.  Outro music is Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows, by Leslie Gore.

A brilliant and surprisingly innovative dance track from a band that minted them daily, and a cover that can't decide between parody and madness. Lay All Your Love On Me, originally by ABBA, covered by Brian David Gilbert.  Outro music is Batty Bat, by Count Von Count, voiced by the incomparable and departed Jerry Nelson. 

A brilliant and classic song, overshadowed by a perfectly serviceable, but odd, cover of a cover, and a little help from James Gunn. Hooked on a Feeling, originally by BJ Thomas, covered by Blue Swede.  Outro music is Listen to Your Heart, by Roxette.

We dive into a listener request that achieves maximum atmosphere, and then takes it a step or two farther. I Follow Rivers, originally by Lykki Li, covered by Marika Hackman.  Outro music is Save a Prayer by Duran Duran. 

A classic born to of '30s Yiddish theater with roots and history that are worth remembering — and more twists and turns than you'd think were possible. Bay Mir Bitsu Shayn, byJacob Jacobs and Sholom Secunda, covered by The Andrews Sisters.  Outro music is Makin' Whoopee! by Eddie Cantor. 

An attitude song by a consummate attitude performer finds another life on TV — and gets even more attitude. But the tough guys also find out who's really in charge. Red Right Hand (now the theme song for Peaky Blinders), originally by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, covered by Snoop Dog.  Outro music is Way Down in the Hole, by Tom Waits.