The CoverUp

Latest Episodes:

396 - Bette Davis Eyes - The CoverUp Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

395 - Different Drum - The CoverUp Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

394 - Espresso - The CoverUp Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

393 - LA Freeway - The CoverUp Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

392 - Surfer Girl - The CoverUp Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

391 - Everyday People - The CoverUp Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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.

390 - I Can See Clearly Now - The CoverUp Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

389 - Pink Pony Club - The CoverUp Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

388 - Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - The CoverUp Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

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.

387 - Life On Mars? - The CoverUp May 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected