The CoverUp

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176 - Jailhouse Rock - The CoverUp May 10, 2021

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The undeniable roots of rock and roll, and band that couldn't help but force rock to evolve, and bongo drums. Jailhouse Rock, originally by Elvis Presley, covered by Jeff Beck Group and by John Mellencamp.

Outro music is Yakety Yak by The Coasters.

175 - The Passenger - The CoverUp May 03, 2021

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An incredibly compelling song by the greatest living punk, and a cover so full of depth, musical richness, and complexity that the band can hardly be called punk, but always is. The Passenger, originally by Iggy Pop, covered by Siouxsie and The Banshees.

Outro music is Trust In Me by Sterling Holloway, as the voice of Kaa.

174 - We Found Love - The CoverUp Apr 26, 2021

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An enormously successful song with the rare combination of being entirely danceable and wonderfully listenable -- and a cover that shows surprising depth to an apparently thin story. We Found Love, originally by Rihanna with Calvin Harris, covered by Jessie J.

Outro music is Cherry Cherry, by Neil Diamond.

173 - Achy Breaky Heart - The CoverUp Apr 19, 2021

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We promise, this is more interesting than you might think. One of the biggest country songs and debut singles ever, covering a serviceable but uninspiring original, and the only change was adding mullets -- ALL the mullets. As far as the eye can see. Achy Breaky Heart, originally by The Marcy Brothers, covered by Billy Ray Cyrus.

Outro music is Achy Breaky Heart by Alvin and the Chipmunks, with Billy Ray Cyrus.

We're serious about this one. Give it a chance.

172 - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding Apr 12, 2021

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The best song nobody ever knew, except the one guy who had to know it, so he made it huge and unforgettable. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding, originally by Brinsley Schwarz, covered by Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

Outro music is Cruel To Be Kind, by Nick Lowe.

171 - Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - The CoverUp Apr 05, 2021

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Classic comedy, brass mayhem, and cartoon minarets. What more could you ask for in a song? Istanbul (Not Constantinople), originally by The Four Lads, covered by They Might Be Giants.

Outro music is The Teddy Bears' Picnic, sung by Bing Crosby.

170 - Layla - The CoverUp Mar 29, 2021

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The song with the greatest amount of controversy ever around its cover-song-status, guitar rock greatness, blues/jazz greatness, and stopping in at the honky-tonk in between. Layla, originally by Derek and the Dominos, covered by Charlie Daniels, and by Eric Clapton (yes, we know).

Outro music is Alive by Pearl Jam (unplugged).

169 - Brown Eyed Girl - The CoverUp Mar 22, 2021

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An artist's most beloved work, that he kinda' hates because of a terrible business deal made at a desperate time, radar-evading maneuvers, and a bouncy castle full of trumpets. This week is Brown Eyed Girl, originally by Van Morrison, covered by Jimmy Buffett, and by Reel Big Fish.

Outro music is Talk Dirty To Me, by Poison.

168 - Fairytale of New York - The CoverUp Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

A Christmas Song? In March? Absolutely, if it's this Christmas song. By far the UK's most successful, and arguably the most relatable, despite the absence of sleigh bells and reindeer. Fairytale of New York, originally by The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl, covered by KT Tunstall with Ed Harcourt, and by Jon Bon Jovi.

Outro music is Chemical Rush, by Brian McFadden. It's appropriate to the episode, so we're only a little sorry about that.

167 - Break-a-Way - The CoverUp Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

A hidden gem of a song with all the feel and style of Motown, and a cover that ended a musical career in the best possible way. Break-a-way, originally by Irma Thomas, covered by Tracey Ullman.

Outro music is (The Best Part of) Breakin' Up, by The Ronettes.

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