Dec 6, 2021

A hit that was never supposed to chart, and a cover that defies expectations by playing to type. In Bloom, originally by Nirvana, covered by Sturgill Simpson.

Outro music is I Against I by Bad Brains.

Nov 29, 2021

Pop music royalty's coronation day and a song that launched more careers than you think. ...Baby One More Time, originally by Britney Spears, covered by Travis.

Outro music is It's My Life, by Bon Jovi -- co-written by (you guessed it) Max Martin.

Nov 22, 2021

A capstone on a brilliant body of work, an amazing recontextualization for an audience that badly needed it, and an artist who loved the song too much. Redemption Song, originally by Bob Marley and the Wailers, covered by Wycelf Jean, and by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.

Outro music is Rock the Casbah by The Clash.

Nov 15, 2021

A wild ride through a great song's creepy and disappointing roots, through a reinvention of traditional music. Callin' Baton Rouge, originally by The Oak Ridge Boys, covered by New Grass Revival and by Garth Brooks.

Outro music is Blue Moon of Kentucky by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys.

Nov 8, 2021

The breakthrough song from a musically and socially vital band, and a cover with some surprising musical choices. Karma Chameleon, originally by Culture Club, covered by Lou Bega.

Outro music is The Brandenburg Concerto, by Confucius, which was the working band name for The Hideaways at the time. It'll all make sense,...