The CoverUp

Low-key greatness from an artist at the top of his game, and a cover that doubles down on everything that makes the original great. Somebody's Baby, originally by Jackson Browne, covered by Stories featuring Jennah Bell. Outro music is Fishing in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

A brilliant song reaches improbable success on the charts, and a band shows gumption covering the un-coverable. Ana Ng, originally by They Might Be Giants, covered by Star F*cking Hipsters (yes, it's not _exactly_ their name, but you can see the leap, right?). Outro music is Protect Ya Neck by Wu-Tang Clan, which we never thought would be possible on this show, but love that it finally happened.

We have a first for the show, with a listener sharing their story behind the request. Personal rediscovery of a song, separating art from artists, and artists assumptions that don't pan out. Everyday is Like Sunday, originally by Morrissey, covered by The Pretenders. Outro music is Willow by Joan Armatrading.

Genius, personality, tragedy, and dance-induced trauma. This week is The House is Rockin', originally by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, covered by Brian Setzer Orchestra.    Outro music is I Remember You by Skid Row.

You think you'll file this one under "didn't know it was a cover". And you could. But it's really in a category all its own. I've Got My Mind Set On You, originally by James Ray with the Hutch Davie Orchestra & Chorus, covered by George Harrison. Outro music is "(This Song is Just) Six Words Long", by Weird Al Yankovic.

A confusing origin and timeline, one of the saddest stories in rock and roll, and Billy Baldwin. But Rich doesn't care, because he's all nostalgic. Real Real Gone, originally by Tom Fogerty (yes, that's not a typo), covered by Van Morrison. Outro music is Train to Nowhere, also by Tom Fogerty.

A band that perfectly blended innovation with powerhouse performances find their feet -- and ends up standing with Florida Man. Don't Change, originally by INXS, covered by Limp Bizkit. Outro music is Suicide Blonde, also by INXS.

A group of musicians pivotal to multiple popular music genres, golden age and modern variety shows, and titans of their style. Cupid, originally by Sam Cooke, Covered by Bernadette Peters, and by Boyz II Men. Outro music is Blue Moon, by Rod Stewart featuring Eric Clapton, who managed to outclass Tony Bennet that year -- Just listen. Everything will be clear.

Artists going their own way, a surprise songwriter, and brilliantly malicious compliance. For No One, originally by The Beatles, covered by Emmylou Harris, and by Rickie Lee Jones. Outro music is Up A Lazy River, by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong.

A brilliant and beloved song that didn't work like expected, a fascinating charity album, and a pretty darned good roll on a d20. Nightswimming, originally by REM, covered by Okay Kaya, and by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Outro music is I've Been to Memphis, by Lyle Lovett.

A musical journey from Los Angeles to Ukraine, through Sweden, to get hooked on phonics. Hot N Cold, originally by Katy Perry, covered by Los Colorados. Outro music is Johnny Saucep'n, by Moxy Früvous.

New Wave, Glam, Punk, Pop, New Romantic, and Ska? It makes sense in the end. Stand and Deliver, originally by Adam and the Ants, covered by No Doubt. Outro music is Antmusic, also by Adam and the Ants.

A voyage of discovery -- is it the song or the episode? Shotgun, originally by George Ezra, covered by Pomplamoose featuring Dodie. Outro music is Budapest, also by George Ezra, because Rich is convinced Amanda actually knows that one.

A surprise revelation buried under another surprise revelation -- and one of us kinda misses the point (one guess only). I Haven't Seen You In A Long Time, originally by Colin Hay, covered by Great Big Sea. Outro music is Jack Hinks, also by Great Big Sea -- but seriously, spend some time with both of these bands. You won't be disappointed.

Not just the birth of rock and roll, but a song that perfectly captures brilliance, potential, and charm -- and a cover by someone uniquely able to handle all of that. Not Fade Away, originally by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, covered by Sheryl Crow. Outro music is Everyday, also by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

This week we get killer clowns, Killer Clowns, child prodigies, and the world's best 401k. Tears of a Clown, originally by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, covered by The English Beat (though it's a little complicated). Outro music is That's the Way That the World Goes Round, by John Prine.

A classic song with a more complicated -- and dramatic -- origin than anyone expected. Ring of Fire, originally by Anita Carter (yes, you read that right), covered by Johnny Cash, and by Social Distortion. Outro music is Ball and Chain, also by Social Distortion.

There's something in the water this week with all kinds of 80s metal trying to find a way to fit in the world -- and some of those choices are unexpected. Breaking the Law, originally by Judas Priest, covered by Stryper. Outro music is We're Not Gonna Take It, by Twisted Sister.

The episode where we run out of superlatives. A brilliantly engaging retelling of an over examined classic, and a reinvention that combines deeply personal with universal. Romeo and Juliet, originally by Dire Straits, covered by Indigo Girls. Outro music is Storybook Love, by Mark Knopfler.

Maximum ballad from a great balladeer, and a giant talent's confusing choices. It all asks the question: How much is too schmoopy. Honesty, originally by Billy Joel, covered by Beyonce. Outro music is Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It), also by Beyonce.

Sweet, sentimental, brilliant, and with the world's most amazing backing band. We speak for everyone when we say "We want to go to the zoo with him, too". Perfect Day, originally by Lou Reed, covered by Duran Duran, and by Kirsty MacColl with Evan Dando. Outro music is Choppin' Broccoli by Dana Carvey, and we're not sorry at all.

Vocal brilliance meeting incredible composition and musicianship when the genres don't match? No problem. Situation, originally by Yaz, covered by Tom Jones. Outro music is Crazy by Andy Bell.

Feather your hair and get ready to stick it to the East Coast french fry king. Rich Girl, originally by Daryl Hall and John Oates, covered by Nina Simone, and by Everclear. Outro music is Sarah Smile, also by Daryl Hall and John Oates.

A massive departure that still fits perfectly into a brilliant body of work, and some musical choices that may have been more about revenge than artistic direction. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting), originally by Elton John, covered by Nickelback with Kid Rock and Dimebag Darrell. Outro music is This Love, by Pantera.

Musical greatness finds unexpected substance and social context, a young band nails it, and a mighty band falls. Dancing in the Streets, originally by Martha and the Vandellas, covered by Carpenters, and by The Who. Outro music is My Size by John Entwistle.