The CoverUp

Amanda and Rich talk about cover songs. How do they relate to the originals? What's the definitive version of the song? The better version? What makes them interesting musically? Is it a karaoke version? Great but unknown? A horror show? A complete surprise? A Hasselhoff?

403 - Big Bottom - The CoverUp 09/15/2025

403 - Big Bottom - The CoverUp The greatest band that never existed, but is somehow still touring, and a cover that’s a tribute, a laugh, and a great show all at once. Big Bottom, originally by Spinal Tap, covered by Soundgarden. Outro music is Starcrossed, by Lenny and the Squigtones. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/38217110

402 - She's Kerosene - The CoverUp 09/08/2025

402 - She's Kerosene - The CoverUp We decide to dive into a band that’s a favorite for one of us, and see if we can find the daylight between our musical tastes. She’s Kerosene, originally by The Interrupters, covered by Jake Clayton. Outro music is By My Side, also by The Interrupters. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/38119380

401 - Torn - The CoverUp 09/01/2025

401 - Torn - 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/38035820

400 - Strange Currencies - The CoverUp 08/25/2025

400 - Strange Currencies - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37943055

399 - Poisoning Pigeons In The Park - The CoverUp 08/18/2025

399 - Poisoning Pigeons In The Park - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37849200

398 - Feels So Good - The CoverUp 08/11/2025

398 - Feels So Good - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37749070

397 - Crazy Train - The CoverUp 08/04/2025

397 - Crazy Train - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37656260

396 - Bette Davis Eyes - The CoverUp 07/28/2025

396 - Bette Davis Eyes - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37567980

395 - Different Drum - The CoverUp 07/21/2025

395 - Different Drum - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37472775

394 - Espresso - The CoverUp 07/14/2025

394 - Espresso - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37393315

393 - LA Freeway - The CoverUp 07/07/2025

393 - LA Freeway - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37299905

392 - Surfer Girl - The CoverUp 06/30/2025

392 - Surfer Girl - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37209530

391 - Everyday People - The CoverUp 06/23/2025

391 - Everyday People - 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37106595

390 - I Can See Clearly Now - The CoverUp 06/16/2025

390 - I Can See Clearly Now - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/37015665

389 - Pink Pony Club - The CoverUp 06/09/2025

389 - Pink Pony Club - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36911900

388 - Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - The CoverUp 06/02/2025

388 - Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36808645

387 - Life On Mars? - The CoverUp 05/26/2025

387 - Life On Mars? - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36704100

386 - Without You - The CoverUp 05/19/2025

386 - Without You - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36613790

385 - Save Tonight - The CoverUp 05/12/2025

385 - Save Tonight - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36523055

384 - Karma Police - The CoverUp 05/05/2025

384 - Karma Police - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36432920

383 - Alone - The CoverUp 04/28/2025

383 - Alone - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36330125

382 - Your Love - The CoverUp 04/21/2025

382 - Your Love - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36230820

381 - Talk To Ya Later - The CoverUp 04/14/2025

381 - Talk To Ya Later - 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36118425

380 - It's All Over Now Baby Blue - The CoverUp 04/07/2025

380 - It's All Over Now Baby Blue - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/36025200

379 - Toxic - The CoverUp 03/31/2025

379 - Toxic - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35924100

378 - Dare To Be Stupid - The CoverUp 03/24/2025

378 - Dare To Be Stupid - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35830035

377 - Cry for a Shadow - The CoverUp 03/17/2025

377 - Cry for a Shadow - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35713810

376 - What's Going On - The CoverUp 03/10/2025

376 - What's Going On - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35589655

375 - Somebody That I Used To Know - The CoverUp 03/03/2025

375 - Somebody That I Used To Know - The CoverUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35505320

374 - Mr Brightside - The CoveUp 02/24/2025

374 - Mr Brightside - The CoveUp 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. /episode/index/show/thecoverupcast/id/35395720

The CoverUp

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