The CoverUp

Not just the birth of rock and roll, but a song that perfectly captures brilliance, potential, and charm -- and a cover by someone uniquely able to handle all of that. Not Fade Away, originally by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, covered by Sheryl Crow.

Outro music is Everyday, also by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

This week we get killer clowns, Killer Clowns, child prodigies, and the world's best 401k. Tears of a Clown, originally by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, covered by The English Beat (though it's a little complicated).

Outro music is That's the Way That the World Goes Round, by John Prine.

A classic song with a more complicated -- and dramatic -- origin than anyone expected. Ring of Fire, originally by Anita Carter (yes, you read that right), covered by Johnny Cash, and by Social Distortion.

Outro music is Ball and Chain, also by Social Distortion.

There's something in the water this week with all kinds of 80s metal trying to find a way to fit in the world -- and some of those choices are unexpected. Breaking the Law, originally by Judas Priest, covered by Stryper.

Outro music is We're Not Gonna Take It, by Twisted Sister.

The episode where we run out of superlatives. A brilliantly engaging retelling of an over examined classic, and a reinvention that combines deeply personal with universal. Romeo and Juliet, originally by Dire Straits, covered by Indigo Girls.

Outro music is Storybook Love, by Mark Knopfler.

Maximum ballad from a great balladeer, and a giant talent's confusing choices. It all asks the question: How much is too schmoopy. Honesty, originally by Billy Joel, covered by Beyonce.

Outro music is Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It), also by Beyonce.

Sweet, sentimental, brilliant, and with the world's most amazing backing band. We speak for everyone when we say "We want to go to the zoo with him, too". Perfect Day, originally by Lou Reed, covered by Duran Duran, and by Kirsty MacColl with Evan Dando.

Outro music is Choppin' Broccoli by Dana Carvey, and we're not sorry at all.

Vocal brilliance meeting incredible composition and musicianship when the genres don't match? No problem. Situation, originally by Yaz, covered by Tom Jones.

Outro music is Crazy by Andy Bell.

Feather your hair and get ready to stick it to the East Coast french fry king. Rich Girl, originally by Daryl Hall and John Oates, covered by Nina Simone, and by Everclear.

Outro music is Sarah Smile, also by Daryl Hall and John Oates.

A massive departure that still fits perfectly into a brilliant body of work, and some musical choices that may have been more about revenge than artistic direction. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting), originally by Elton John, covered by Nickelback with Kid Rock and Dimebag Darrell.

Outro music is This Love, by Pantera.