Sep 16, 2024

A song that defines a band for casual listeners while giving the real fans a breather, and a cover that almost nails it. Friday I’m In Love, originally by The Cure, covered by David Gray. 

Outro music is Shiny Happy People by R.E.M.

Sep 9, 2024

A great issue song even if the issue gets misplaced sometimes, and the real dance rock pedigree. Beds are Burning, originally by Midnight Oil, covered by Novaspace and by Murray Head. 

Outro music is One Night In Bangkok from Chess, by Murray Head. 

Sep 2, 2024

A breakthrough song that took a while to break through and probably still deserves a little side eye in spite of its importance — and covers that reveal entirely different perspectives. Roxanne, originally by The Police, Covered by George Michael, and by Lacey Sturm. 

Outro music is Wasted on You by...

Aug 26, 2024

An attitude song that has a reach which may exceed its grasp, and a cover by a noteworthy performer who gets the point, but can still miss the boat. That’s Not My Name, originally by The Ting Tings, covered by Dizzee Rascal. 

Outro music is This Is How It Feels, by Inspiral Carpets. 

Aug 19, 2024

A song that perfectly conveys the themes of a film without sounding plastic or artificial, like you might expect. And a cover that plays so strongly to type no other band in history could have pulled it off. I’m Just Ken, originally by Ken played by Ryan Gosling, covered by GWAR. 

Outro music is Rarrr by...