The CoverUp

A massive song from a foundational band on their breakthrough album proves a challenging song to cover. Enjoy The Silence, originally by Depeche Mode, covered by Moriarty, and by Nada Surf.

Outro music is Elaine, Elaine by Victor and Penny, demonstrating the value of the jazz ukulele.

We wanted to go big for episode 150, and it's unlikely we could have gone bigger than this. An impossibly important song by impossibly important artists -- and someone else, too. Heroes, originally by David Bowie, covered by Peter Gabriel, and by David Hasselhoff. Yes, we said David Hasselhoff.

Outro music is Space Oddity by William Shatner, which is a whole other thing, too.

An original largely unknown in the US, peculiarities of UK culture, and way more Christmas than we ever expected when we sat down to record this one. Mad World, originally by Tears for Fears, covered by Gary Jules with Michael Andrews, and by Seal.

Outro music is Christmas is All Around by Bill Nighy

The best known song of 1997 by the least understood band of its generation, covered by the most brilliantly confusing band in popular music. Tubthumping, originally by Chumbawumba, covered by They Might Be Giants.

Outro music is Dust In The Wind, by Kansas.

The biggest gospel song ever, done by three amazing sets of groundbreaking performers. Everyone made an impact with this song. I'll Fly Away, originally by The Selah Jubilee Singers, covered by The Chuckwagon Gang, and by Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss.

Outro music is I Don't Know Why, by Alison Krauss and Union Station.

A song that surprises a brilliant musician with its greatness, and a surprisingly effective - and touching - cover. Black Hole Sun, originally by Soundgarden, covered by Norah Jones.

Outro music is Roundabout by Yes.

A superstar both at her peak and at her best, and a serious musician who makes cool sound effortless. A Little More Love, originally by Olivia Newton-John, covered by Juliana Hatfield.

Outro music is That Song In My Head, by Julianne Hough.

A Queen song so good, even Queen can barely perform it, utterly deceptive in its simplicity. And a pair of covers that are touching for entirely different reasons. Love Of My Life, originally by Queen, covered by Extreme featuring Brian May, and by The Scorpions.

Outro music is Dust In The Wind by The Scorpions.

A happy pop song with brilliant musical choices from an anti-pop band, and some gutsy, inventive reimaginings. Just Like Heaven, originally by The Cure, covered by Dinosaur Jr., and by Kat Edmonson.

Outro music is My Heart Will Go On, by Kenny G. Seriously, stick around for it.

A brilliant song by a musical giant, overshadowed by a fantastic cover, and the passing of a genuine musical pioneer. This week is a lot, but we look at Hard to Handle, originally by Otis Redding, covered by The Black Crowes, and by Gov't Mule with Toots Hibbert.

Outro music is Do The Reggay by Toots and the Maytals. And yes, the spelled it like that. Are you really going to argue with the man?