329 - Beggin' - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
A big shift for a talented but comfortably conventional band, and a cover by a group that conquered Europe. Beggin’, originally by The Four Seasons, covered by Maneskin. Outro music is Zitti E Buoni, also by Maneskin, and the song they used to win Eurovision.
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328 - You're So Vain - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
There are so many sides to this song, from the brilliant writing, to the cultural obsession with the secrets behind it, and a huge cast of eligible narcissists ready to play their part. You’re So Vain, originally by Carly Simon, covered by Liza Minnelli, Faster Pussycat, and John Barrowman. Yes, we needed this many versions of it to get to the bottom of things. Outro music is 1987 by Steel Panther, and they are so good.
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327 - Islands In The Stream - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
One of the biggest duets ever recorded by a pair of artists that were a remarkable team-up, and a cover that’s entirely unexpected, but really did its homework to find the spirit of the song. Outro music is Grease by Frankie Valli, which was written by the Bee Gees, which totally fits if you know what’s up.
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326 - Graceland - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
A controversial song which is still beyond brilliant and with durable and positive musical impact, and a cover that does a complete musical relocation of the song without losing the magic. Graceland, originally by Paul Simon, covered by Willie Nelson. Outro music is In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel, but it’s the bit at the end where we get to hear the stunning Wolof singing by Youssou N’Dour — and which came out in the same year as Graceland.
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325 - You Don't Own Me - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
A song that redefined a career and charted a new course for an entire generation, a cover that looks back on that new course and smiles, and a version that fit the film because that’s the job it had to do. You Don’t Own Me, originally by Lesley Gore, covered by Joan Jett, and by The Blow Monkeys. Outro music is Bad Reputation, also by Joan Jett.
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324 - Here Comes The Rain Again - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
One of the most impactful songs of the 80s by a band impossibly deep with talent, and a cover that, honestly, shouldn’t have worked but succeeded brilliantly thanks to the right artist with the right plan. Here Comes The Rain Again, originally by Eurythmics, covered by Macy Gray. Outro music is Macy Gray’s cover of Colby Caillat’s Bubbly — which apparently features Idris Elba, but we don’t think he shows in the clip, so listen to the whole thing.
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323 - Mother - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
The biggest song by the Godfather of American Metal, a cover that captures the essence of a regional sound, and the shame of a Beach Boy. Mother, originally by Danzig, covered by The Delorean Sisters. Outro music is She Bop, by Cindy Lauper.
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322 - Abracadabra - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
A song that may not have stood the test of time, but definitely lives rent free in your head — and a band that may well do the same. Abracadabra, originally by The Steve Miller Band, covered by Sugar Ray. Outro music is My Own Worst Enemy by Lit.
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321 - I'm a Man - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
A huge song from a band that should have taken over the world, an early cover from a band that kinda did, and a family band that can hold their own with both of them. I’m a Man, originally by Spencer Davis Group, covered by Chicago Transit Authority, and by Los Lonely Boys. Outro music is 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago, where they really let the horns go wild.
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320 - Unchained Melody - The CoverUp
The CoverUp
An unforgettable song with origins we never would have expected, and a wild ride of popularity nobody could have predicted. Unchained Melody, originally by Todd Duncan, covered by The Righteous Brothers. Outro music is Christmas in Prison by John Prine.
info_outlineA song with a complicated origin and non-collaborative collaboration that became a signature sound, unexpected country, and the Nashville machine. Wagon Wheel, originally by Old Crow Medicine Show, covered by Nathan Carter and by Darius Rucker.
Outro music is I'm On My Way by Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi.