459 - Thunderstruck - The CoverUp

One of the most important, impactful, and enduring songs in American music teaches us as much about the artist as he teaches us with the song, and a cover that's timeless in its own way. A Change Is Gonna Come, originally by Sam Cooke, covered by The Neville Brothers. Outro music is a live recording of Sam Cooke's version of Blowing In The Wind, which gives even more context to the whole story. 

A song that marked a turning point for a remarkably talented band, changing their focus and direction but keeping the core of their sound intact, and a cover that sure seems to know what it's doing, which is good because we didn't figure it out. Takin It To The Streets, originally by The Doobie Brothers, covered by Fu Manchu. Outro music is What A Fool Believes, also by The Doobie Brothers, and also of the Michael McDonald era.

A huge song that marked the beginning of an incredibly impactful collaboration, the fingerprints of a remarkably influential writer/producer, and an example of being on the right side of 'go big or go home'. Teenage Dream, originally by Katy Perry, covered by Jenny Owen Youngs. Outro music is Pirates, also by Jenny Owen Youngs. 

A huge song with an odd origin based in an odder movie that makes some -- you guessed it -- odd musical choices. Iris, originally by the Goo Goo Dolls, covered by Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers. Outro music is Red House by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, from that same odd movie. 

One of the most important songs in the history of blues isn't what you expect -- or really what anyone else expected either. We get to see not just the history of the blues, but a lot of what makes Americana something that speaks to us. The Thrill Is Gone, originally by Roy Hawkins, covered by B. B. King, and by Joy Oladokun. Outro music is Why Do Thinks Happen To Me, also by Roy Hawkins. We touch on the story behind that one, too, and it helps everything make even more sense. 

One of the most enduring and powerful songs in rock and roll, and a cover that does _almost_ everything we love. Thunderstruck, originally by AC/DC, covered by Steve n Seagulls. Outro music is Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants, because we needed to keep the accordion thing going. 

Someone far too young to have so much skill and perspective shows up out of nowhere with one of the biggest songs ever recorded, and a cover by a genuinely huge singer. Royals, originally by Lorde, covered by Puddles Pity Party with Post Modern Jukebox. Outro music is Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. 

A bizarrely polarizing song that fittingly took over the world, and a cover with an of-its-time point of view. Everybody Wants To Rule The World, originally by Tears For Fears, covered by Moreland and Arbuckle. Outro music is Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2, so that you have a chance to check your notes.

A viral sensation that's also so packed with musical brilliance it's hard to keep up, and a cover that picks up its mail in the same zip code. WHERE IS MY HUSBAND, originally by Raye, covered by UMC. Outro music is If This Isn't Love by Jennifer Hudson.

We mourn the passing of a a legend who inspired the world with a remarkable talent and heart to match. Hard Candy Christmas, originally by Dolly Parton, covered by Kelly Clarkson. Outro music is Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That, also by Dolly Parton.