The CoverUp

We do something a little different this week. One of the biggest and most impactful songs of the 90s relied heavily on sampling and was subsequently significantly parodied. Both of those use the music of a nearby song to tell a new story, and it sheds some light on how the business of cover songs works. Gangsta's Paradise, originally by Coolio, sampled Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder, and parodied in Amish Paradise by Weird Al Yankovic.

Outro music is Eat It, also by Weird Al Yankovic.

We celebrate 250 episodes with a listener request that blew up on us a little. A classic song with deeper roots and more variations than anyone saw coming. Mack the Knife, originally sung by Kurt Gerron, covered by Gerald Price, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, The Doors, and The Psychedelic Furs.

Outro music is Put Your Head on My Shoulder, by Paul Anka.

Post-punk, the birth of industrial music, one-man bands, and a goth icon. Check your eyeliner for this week's episode. Dead Souls, originally by Joy Division, covered by Nine Inch Nails.

Outro music is Superman (It's Not Easy), by Five for Fighting. It doesn't sound like it fits, but it totally fits.

Covering one of the greatest living singers when they record a basically perfect song is a bold choice. Wonder how that works out. Rolling in the Deep, originally by Adele, covered by Linkin Park and by Greta Van Fleet.

Outro is Final Masquerade, also by Linkin Park.

Pop royalty writes a song for a band that deserves pop royalty status, and an impassioned defense of skater trash. I'm a Believer, originally by The Monkees, covered by Smash Mouth.

Outro music is also I'm a Believer, this time by Eddie Murphy, performing as Donkey.

One of the oldest blues recordings inspires an almost perfect hit, and some not-so-great choices. Black Betty, originally by James "Iron Head" Baker and Group, covered by Ram Jam, and by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Outro music is Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus.

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.