The CoverUp

An episode remembering a towering talent who broke new ground in unexpected ways, and covers by a couple of other remarkable talents who are clearly appreciated, but not enough and for not enough reasons. Everyday People, originally by Sly and the Family Stone, covered by Taj Mahal, and by Jeff Buckley.

Outro music is Underdog, also by Sly and the Family Stone.

A beautiful song that subtly obscures its musical roots by an artist with surprising connections to the genre, and a cover that goes all in on everything. I Can See Clearly Now, originally by Johnny Nash, covered by Hothouse Flowers.

Outro music is Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls, and we guarantee it will all make sense.

A no-nonsense dance hit that has depth beyond what you usually see in a no-nonsense dance hit, and a cover that embraces the story and an artists peculiar place in the world. Pink Pony Club, originally by Chappell Roan, covered by Rick Astley.

Outro music is Together Forever, also by Rick Astley.

A lifetime of curious musical collaborations and a killer song that needed to find the right band. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo, originally by Johnny Winter And, covered by Rick Derringer.

Outro music is an utterly improbable cover of Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo by Mean Gene Okerlund. If you know you know, and if you don't you're going to want to take a look at the video link we post.

A stunning song that perfectly captures the complexity of a musical and cultural genius, and a cover that strips the song down to almost nothing, but has so much to offer. Life On Mars?, originally by David Bowie, covered by Seu Jorge.

Outro music is Bowie's Starman, also covered by Seu Jorge, because we can't get enough of this guy. We think you'll agree.

Rather than debating who put whose chocolate in which peanut butter, we see the results of someone really knowing what to do with some good ingredients. Without You, originally by Badfinger, covered by Harry Nilsson.

Outro music is Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procul Harum.

An enduring song that finds the perfect balance of catchy and smart, and a band that was a little enigmatic for us, makes strange choices, but clearly has the right stuff. Save Tonight, originally by Eagle-Eye Cherry, covered by Silos.

Outro music is Mind Eraser, also by Silos.

A breakthrough song on a breakthrough album from a band that's generationally influential, with a couple of covers that fully transform but still respect the spirit of the original. Karma Police, originally by Radiohead, covered by Scary Pockets featuring Monica Martin, and by Pierce the Veil.

Outro music is Radiohead's Creep, also covered by Scary Pockets, this time featuring India Carney, where circumstances allow them to bring a little more funk.

One of the biggest songs of the 80s that started out with almost all the right people, but needed some time for everyone to settle into the right role before it could become absolutely iconic. Alone, originally by I-Ten, covered by Heart, and by Celine Dion.

Outro music is Eternal Flame, by The Bangles, which was also written by the guys from I-Ten, who are really all over this episode.

A one hit wonder with a surprising number of hits, and an artist that managed to always be herself when the whole entertainment industry expected otherwise. Your Love, originally by The Outfield, covered by Kelly Clarkson.

Outro music is Since You've Been Gone, also by The Outfield. Yes, you read that right, and you'll just have to listen to find out.