The CoverUp

The CoverUp

By Amanda and Rich FriedemanMusicMusic CommentaryMusic History
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The CoverUp episodes

  • 281 - Sundown - The CoverUp

    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.

    29 min
  • 280 - Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City - The CoverUp

    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. Listen all the way to the end, and please — please — check out the video. You won't be disappointed.

    18 min
  • 279 - Rhinestone Cowboy - The CoverUp

    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.

    26 min
  • 278 - The Last Saskatchewan Pirate - The CoverUp

    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.

    17 min
  • 277 - Don't Cha - The CoverUp

    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.

    22 min
  • 276 - I Think We're Alone Now - The CoverUp

    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.

    19 min
  • 275 - Lay All Your Love On Me - The CoverUp

    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.

    21 min
  • 274 - Hooked on a Feeling - The CoverUp

    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.

    14 min
  • 273 - I Follow Rivers - The CoverUp

    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.

    16 min
  • 272 - Bay Mir Bitsu Shayn - The CoverUp

    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.

    24 min

About The CoverUp

From the publisher's feed

Amanda and Rich talk about cover songs. How do they relate to the originals? What's the definitive version of the song? The better version? What makes them interesting musically? Is it a karaoke…