May 29, 2023

An impossibly successful song with deeper roots than anyone imagined — both musically and inspirationally, and a cover which shares the love of both. Day O (The Banana Boat Song), originally by Edric Connor and the Caribbeans, covered by Harry Belafonte, and by Donovan. 

Outro music is Jump in the Line, also by...

May 22, 2023

A massive rock star gets his biggest hit by breaking his own rules, and an unlikely cover that works because a wonderful artist paid attention. Dancing in the Dark, originally by Bruce Springsteen, covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter. 

Outro music is This Shirt, also by Mary Chapin Carpenter, because y’all need to listen...

May 15, 2023

A brilliant song by one of Canada’s greatest artists which probably reveals a bit too much about a troubled soul, and the unlikeliest of covers at the unlikeliest of times. Sundown, originally by Gordon Lightfoot, covered by Depeche Mode. 

Outro music is F You (but the radio version, because we try to be family...

May 8, 2023

One of the most amazing voices in blues and soul, covered by a band that was great in their own way even before finding a particular muse. Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City, originally by Bobby “Blue” Bland, covered by Whitesnake. 

Outro music is Here I Go Again, also by Whitesnake — but it’s the original...

May 1, 2023

A classic of mid-70s pop with a surprising — and amazingly serendipitous — origin. Also, the unlikeliest of covers. Rhinestone Cowboy, originally by Larry Weiss, covered by Glen Campbell and by Radiohead. 

Outro music is Bend Me Shape Me by The American Breed — and which is itself a cover, so keep an eye on that...