The CoverUp

A killer song that almost killed the band, and a musical friendship that lead to some surprising results. Talk To Ya Later, originally by The Tubes, covered by Richard Marx.

Outro music is Save It For Later by The English Beat, not that anyone was ever confused preparing for this episode.

An iconic artist on the cusp of a powerful but controversial transition, a band that was able to put the music first for just long enough, and a singer who understands what performance art should be. It's All Over Now Baby Blue, originally by Bob Dylan, covered by Them, and by Cat Power.

Outro music is Gloria, also by Them.

One of the all-time-great pop songs pushes an already substantial artist to new heights, and a cover that has surprising strengths (and weaknesses), while reminding us to tip the wait staff. Toxic, originally by Britney Spears, covered by Franz Ferdinand.

Outro music is Take Me Out, also by Franz Ferdinand.

The undisputed godfather of brilliant hilarity goes his own way, and a band that couldn't be more ridiculous on paper turns out to be the perfect band for what might be the best tribute ever. We're not kidding. Dare To Be Stupid, originally by Weird Al Yankovic, covered by Cybertronic Spree.

Outro music is Turbo Heart, also by Cybertronic Spree, because they really deserve another listen.

A very old, less known, and wildly special song before the maximally meteoric rise, and a cover by a band that was — and still is — there through it all. Cry for a Shadow, originally by the Beatles, covered by The Ventures.

Outro music is Walk, Don't Run, also by The Ventures.

One of the greatest protest songs and just plain old songs ever recorded is tragically germane across the decades. What's Going On, originally by Marvin Gaye, covered by Cyndi Lauper, and by Los Lobos.

Outro music is Biko by Peter Gabriel. And honestly, the folks at Rolling Stone need to get their house in order.

A song that seemed to come out of nowhere and take over the whole world is a lot more than just well formulated pop, and a cover from a secret band. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra, covered by Army of Three.

Outro music is The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson.

A debut single that put the biggest possible flag in the ground, and a cover that shows up with its own ideas. Mr Brightside, originally by The Killers, covered by Hauskey.

Outro music is Elmo's Song, by Elmo featuring Big Bird and Snuffy. Yes, it fits.

A song that was a point of transition which lead to a future that nobody expected, least of all the band behind it, and a perfect tribute. Southern Accents, originally by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, covered by Dolly Parton.

Outro music is Rebels, also by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and you can't tell us that isn't a great line.

A song that perfectly captures a historical moment that's coming around to bite us again, and a cover that gets it all wrong in the rightest possible way. Video Killed The Radio Star, originally by The Buggles, covered by The Presidents Of The United States Of America.

Outro music is Cleveland Rocks, also by The Presidents Of The United States Of America.