A stunning song that perfectly captures the complexity of a musical and cultural genius, and a cover that strips the song down to almost nothing, but has so much to offer. Life On Mars?, originally by David Bowie, covered by Seu Jorge.

Outro music is Bowie’s Starman, also covered by Seu Jorge, because we can’t get enough of this guy. We think you’ll agree.

Rather than debating who put whose chocolate in which peanut butter, we see the results of someone really knowing what to do with some good ingredients. Without You, originally by Badfinger, covered by Harry Nilsson. 

Outro music is Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procul Harum. 

An enduring song that finds the perfect balance of catchy and smart, and a band that was a little enigmatic for us, makes strange choices, but clearly has the right stuff. Save Tonight, originally by Eagle-Eye Cherry, covered by Silos. 

Outro music is Mind Eraser, also by Silos. 

A breakthrough song on a breakthrough album from a band that’s generationally influential, with a couple of covers that fully transform but still respect the spirit of the original. Karma Police, originally by Radiohead, covered by Scary Pockets featuring Monica Martin, and by Pierce the Veil. 

Outro music is Radiohead’s Creep, also covered by Scary Pockets, this time featuring India Carney, where circumstances allow them to bring a little more funk. 

One of the biggest songs of the 80s that started out with almost all the right people, but needed some time for everyone to settle into the right role before it could become absolutely iconic. Alone, originally by I-Ten, covered by Heart, and by Celine Dion. 

Outro music is Eternal Flame, by The Bangles, which was also written by the guys from I-Ten, who are really all over this episode. 

A one hit wonder with a surprising number of hits, and an artist that managed to always be herself when the whole entertainment industry expected otherwise. Your Love, originally by The Outfield, covered by Kelly Clarkson. 

Outro music is Since You’ve Been Gone, also by The Outfield. Yes, you read that right, and you’ll just have to listen to find out. 

A killer song that almost killed the band, and a musical friendship that lead to some surprising results. Talk To Ya Later, originally by The Tubes, covered by Richard Marx. 

Outro music is Save It For Later by The English Beat, not that anyone was ever confused preparing for this episode. 

An iconic artist on the cusp of a powerful but controversial transition, a band that was able to put the music first for just long enough, and a singer who understands what performance art should be. It’s All Over Now Baby Blue, originally by Bob Dylan, covered by Them, and by Cat Power. 

Outro music is Gloria, also by Them.

One of the all-time-great pop songs pushes an already substantial artist to new heights, and a cover that has surprising strengths (and weaknesses), while reminding us to tip the wait staff. Toxic, originally by Britney Spears, covered by Franz Ferdinand. 

Outro music is Take Me Out, also by Franz Ferdinand.

The undisputed godfather of brilliant hilarity goes his own way, and a band that couldn’t be more ridiculous on paper turns out to be the perfect band for what might be the best tribute ever. We’re not kidding. Dare To Be Stupid, originally by Weird Al Yankovic, covered by Cybertronic Spree. 

Outro music is Turbo Heart, also by Cybertronic Spree, because they really deserve another listen.