The CoverUp

Classic comedy, brass mayhem, and cartoon minarets. What more could you ask for in a song? Istanbul (Not Constantinople), originally by The Four Lads, covered by They Might Be Giants.

Outro music is The Teddy Bears' Picnic, sung by Bing Crosby.

The song with the greatest amount of controversy ever around its cover-song-status, guitar rock greatness, blues/jazz greatness, and stopping in at the honky-tonk in between. Layla, originally by Derek and the Dominos, covered by Charlie Daniels, and by Eric Clapton (yes, we know).

Outro music is Alive by Pearl Jam (unplugged).

An artist's most beloved work, that he kinda' hates because of a terrible business deal made at a desperate time, radar-evading maneuvers, and a bouncy castle full of trumpets. This week is Brown Eyed Girl, originally by Van Morrison, covered by Jimmy Buffett, and by Reel Big Fish.

Outro music is Talk Dirty To Me, by Poison.

A Christmas Song? In March? Absolutely, if it's this Christmas song. By far the UK's most successful, and arguably the most relatable, despite the absence of sleigh bells and reindeer. Fairytale of New York, originally by The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl, covered by KT Tunstall with Ed Harcourt, and by Jon Bon Jovi.

Outro music is Chemical Rush, by Brian McFadden. It's appropriate to the episode, so we're only a little sorry about that.

A hidden gem of a song with all the feel and style of Motown, and a cover that ended a musical career in the best possible way. Break-a-way, originally by Irma Thomas, covered by Tracey Ullman.

Outro music is (The Best Part of) Breakin' Up, by The Ronettes.

Quick, which version of the song is thoughtfully arranged with respect to its roots and current musical context: folk or disco version? Did you say both? If You Could Read My Mind, originally by Gordon Lightfoot, covered by Viola Wills.

Outro music is Save A Prayer by Duran Duran.

One of the greatest pop songs of the 80s, and a musician who was out to redefine modern music. These are probably the two smartest songs we've had in the same episode. Time After Time, originally by Cyndi Lauper, covered by Miles Davis.

Outro music is Human Nature by Michael Jackson.

The idea that the original song wasn't released as a single is a crime. It's brilliant work by an impossibly talented musician, overtaken by a singer who exists to overtake brilliant songs. You Are So Beautiful, originally by Billy Preston, covered by Joe Cocker.

Outro music is In Your Eyes, by Peter Gabriel.

One of the biggest songs by the longest running bands ever. It was a moment of transformation in a band that worked harder at keeping their music fresh than anyone gives them credit for. And a cover version by a band that has always known exactly what they were about. Sharp Dressed Man, originally by ZZ Top, covered by Ministry.

Outro music is I Love L.A., by Randy Newman.

A rare - or maybe not so rare -- self-diss-track rich in text and subtext, covered brilliantly on instruments that shouldn't be covering it. While My Guitar Gently Weeps, originally by The Beatles, covered by Jake Shimabukuro, and by Regina Spektor.

Outro music is Bohemian Rhapsody, also by Jake Shimabukuro.