The CoverUp

One of the biggest songs of the 90s has a surprising origin with some very surprising originators. But we all know where this episode ends up. Torn, originally by Ednaswap, covered by Natalie Imbruglia.

Outro music is Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You (I Love You Baby) by Lauryn Hill, who was in the same grammy race we discuss in the show. It was a heck of a year, no doubt.

We celebrate our 400th episode with a song we love. It's a standout for the original band in a number of fascinating ways, and has a cover that turns everything on its head to brilliant effect. Strange Currencies, originally by R.E.M., covered by Louisa Stancioff.

Rich got the name wrong during the episode, but the outro music is Rumble by Link Wray. He was probably overcome by the reverb.

We hope this is the end of our run of tribute episodes as we remember a remarkable talent and exceptional musician. An exceptional ability for satire, an absurd but resolute sense of humor, and a mirthful approach to life which he imposed on the world around him. Poisoning Pigeons In The Park, originally by Tom Lehrer, covered by Roberta Alexander with David Triestram.

Outro music is The Masochism Tango, also by Tom Lehrer. Because he was generous enough to release all of his music into the public domain, we've included the entire song as the outro. It's a great one, and we think you should listen to the whole thing.

We do a rare instrumental episode remembering an amazing musician who was the sound of a decade — everyone wanted this sound. Feels so good, originally by Chuck Mangione, covered by Alison Brown with Jake Shimabukuro.

Outro music is Give It All You Got, also by Chuck Mangione.

We pay tribute to one of the greats of rock and metal, and find some surprising range from a former teen heartthrob. Crazy Train, originally by Ozzy Osbourne, covered by Pat Boone.

Outro music is Mama I'm Coming Home, also by Ozzy Osbourne.

The secret history of someone who deserves superstar status, one of the biggest songs of the 80s that deserves every accolade, and a cover that chooses to do it the hard way. Bette Davis Eyes, originally by Jackie DeShannon, covered by Kim Carnes, and by JoJo Siwa.

Outro music is Put A Little Love In Your Heart, also by Jackie DeShannon, because wow, we can't get enough of her.

A charming song by one of our favorite songwriters, and a band that carved out its place in history, and the cover where everyone realized the world had changed in an important way. Different Drum, originally by the Greenbriar Boys, covered by Stone Poneys.

Outro music is Papa Gene's Blues, by The Monkees, because we don't often get to share a song where Mike Nesmith is credited as the lead vocalist.

A song that's a worldwide sensation by an artist with the tools to get it done, and a satisfying cover by someone who shows that you don't know what forms success will take. Espresso, originally by Sabrina Carpenter, covered by Madilyn Bailey.

Outro music is Titanium, as covered by Madilyn Bailey.

A pivotal figure in outlaw country with a song that was always going to be his to sing, and songwriter behind the song shows the power of telling your own story. LA Freeway, originally by Jerry Jeff Walker, covered by Guy Clark.

Outro music is Love at the Five and Dime by Nanci Griffith.

We pay tribute to a musical giant, focusing on the moment where is started to get the recognition he deserved, and a cover where everyone reinforced that recognition. Surfer Girl, originally by The Beach Boys, covered by Paul Simon.

Outro music is Brian Wilson, by Barenaked Ladies.