The CoverUp

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.