Feb 16, 2026

An influential band’s signature song that found its place for multiple generations, and a cover by an artist who seems to look into our world through her own special lens. Rasputin, originally by Boney M, covered by AURORA. 

Outro music is In The Dark Of The Night, which is Rasputin’s villain song in Anastasia. Even...

Feb 9, 2026

A modern and compelling take on protest songs that doesn’t lean on outrage so much as “there but for the grace of God”, and a cover by an artist who redefined what this kind of song can do in the world. Beautiful Strangers, originally by Kevin Morby, covered by Mavis Staples. 

Outro music is I Ain’t Got No Home...

Feb 2, 2026

We look at one of the best songs from one of the best debut albums ever, and follow with a pair of covers that teach us a lot about how music works and what it really means in the world. Honestly, we didn’t see this one coming. Baby Can I Hold You, originally by Tracy Chapman, covered by Luciano Pavarotti, and...

Jan 26, 2026

A song that defined a band, in spite of their many successful reinventions, and a cover by two unlikely artists — or at least ones we thought were unlikely. Sweet Emotion, originally by Aerosmith, covered by Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon. 

Outro music is Jack Fig by Leo Kottke, because you need to hear what he’s...

Jan 19, 2026

Lots of country music is sad stories. This is that, and there’s a sad story under it, but it has way more at work than you might think — and it launched one of the most important careers in the history of country music. Delta Dawn, originally by Alex Harvey, covered by Tanya Tucker.

Outro music is Eighteen Wheels...