The CoverUp

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316 - Sledgehammer - The CoverUp Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

One of the biggest - and most impactful - songs of the 80s, when art rock turned into party rock without losing any of the art. And a cover that shows off a special kind of genius steeped in the purest fandom. Sledgehammer, originally by Peter Gabriel, covered by Lowland Hum.

Outro music is Higher Love, by Steve Winwood.

315 - Just One Smile - The CoverUp Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

We start with an artist you know, but probably don't know you know, and finish with one you definitely know, but maybe didn't know like this. Just One Smile, originally by Gene Pitney, covered by Sheena Easton.

Outro music is A Love Bizarre, by Sheila E, because we couldn't help ourselves.

314 - Twenty Flight Rock - The CoverUp Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

We kick off the new year with a foundational song by a tragic but influential artist, check out a cover by a band that learned all the right lessons, and listen to a version that only exists because network TV executives have no idea how to do their jobs. Twenty Flight Rock, originally by Eddie Cochran, covered by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, and by Conan O'Brien, featuring Jack White.

Outro music is 25 Minutes to Go, by Shel Silverstein.

313 - Tom's Diner - The CoverUp Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

An art project that had a shocking degree of influence on literally all of modern music, and a cover that tries really hard to … well, it tries really hard. Tom's Diner, originally by Suzanne Vega, covered by AnnenMayKantereit with Giant Rooks.

Outro music is Keep On Moving by Soul II Soul.

312 - Down Under - The CoverUp Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

This week, we focus on New Wave greatness, Patriotism, and questionable sandwich spreads. Down Under, originally by Men At Work, covered by Nick Cunningham, and by Leftover Crack.

Outro music is Kookaburra, by Octopretzel.

311 - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - The CoverUp Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

You don't want to miss this. We find deep context, make profound connections, and enjoy some impossibly good — and important — tunes. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, originally by Wham!, covered by Shawn Mullins.

Outro music is Cecilia, by Simon and Garfunkel.

310 - Wild Horses - The CoverUp Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

A brilliant but deeply troubled band, a band whose fame almost matches their egos, and an under appreciated band that knew exactly how to get the most out of their music. Wild Horses, originally by The Flying Burrito Brothers, covered by The Rolling Stones (yes, really, we explain it), and by The Sundays.

Outro music is She's a Rainbow, by The Rolling Stones, because even Rich will admit they have one good song.

309 - Have You Ever Seen The Rain - The CoverUp Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

A classic song by a band that filled their musical space better than anyone, and a surprising duet that's a complete departure, that's still utterly faithful to the original. Have You Ever Seen The Rain, originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival, covered by Willie Nelson featuring Paula Nelson.

Outro music is It Happens by Sugarland, so we know you'll get your recommended daily allowance of twang.

308 - Psycho Killer - The CoverUp Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

One of the most innovative and iconic bands really gets the ball rolling - and leans hard on some under appreciated bandmates. And the kings of New Wave work some black magic on it. Psycho Killer, originally by Talking Heads, covered by Duran Duran featuring Victoria De Angelis.

In honor of David Byrne's French accent, outro music is Prisencolinensinainciusol, by Adriano Celentano. He's an Italian musician who wrote and performed the song to sound English, even though it has no actual English in it. Because he had big ideas too.

307 - Crazy - The CoverUp Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

A brilliant reaches huge success thanks to a combination of musical ability and absurdly savvy marketing, covered by an artist who does her thing as well as anyone. Crazy, originally by Gnarls Barkley, covered by Shawn Colvin.

Outro is Gone Daddy Gone, also by Gnarls Barkley.

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