The CoverUp

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 Bettencourt is an absolute beast, in an under appreciated band.

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.