Lyrics Undercover

Lyrics Undercover 278: “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:47:41 +0000

		In today’s world of reality show crazes when you hear the words “Jersey Shore” the automatic image that comes to mind is high-haired Snooki, Gym-tan-laundry, and sleazy outfits in night clubs, but once upon a time the Jersey Shore had a different claim to fame, music. This week’s Lyrics Undercover takes a look at the one hit wonder from a band who started their journey on the jersey shore, Looking Glass, and “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
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Lyrics Undercover 277: “Synchronicity II” – The Police

admin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:01:17 +0000

		In the 1920′s Swiss psychologist Carl Jung described a concept in which two or more events that are seemingly unrelated occur together in a seemingly meaningful way. These events, when examined more closely, reveal a pattern that outlines a framework that encompasses the two events, but does not cause them. Put simply, two unrelated things happen that point to a bigger picture. On this weeks episode of Lyrics Undercover, I’ll take a look at a song that was named after this phenomenon, Synchronicity II, by the Police.
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Lyrics Undercover 276: “One Night In Bangkok” – Murray Head

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:49:25 +0000

		Back as far as the 1920s and 30s, theatre has often set the tone for popular music. From the Zeigfeild Follies to Gershwin and Rodger and Hammerstein, musical theatre permeated the “popular” music scene far past its reach of just theatre in New York. However, as time moved on the stage and radio waves began to separate and form their own unique identities. This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on a song that successfully spanned both genres, 1984′s pop music sensation from Broadway’s CHESS, “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head.
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Lyrics Undercover 275: “MLK” – U2

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:11:19 +0000

		The Irish rock band U2 long ago cemented its place in the annals of rock music history. In terms of worldwide popularity, their body of work is often mentioned in the same breath with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson. There is no shortage of classic tracks one could point to when making a “Best Of U2″ compilation. The song “Pride (In the Name of Love)” will always be part of that conversation, but a lesser known track referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exists, and among fans of U2, is often cited as their favorite. That song is MLK.
		Lyrics Undercover 275: “MLK” – U2 (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 274: “New York Mining Disaster 1941″ – The Bee Gees

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:31:20 +0000

		More bands than can be counted lived in the shadow of The Beatles. Many tried to eclipse them unsuccessfully. Others tried to ride along on their coattails. This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on a band that tried to do just that and became a legend with a sound and feel all their own. The Bee Gees symbolized what disco was in the 1970s, but this week we look at them just before that moment, with their first hit single “New York Mining Disaster 1941″.
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Lyrics Undercover 273: “Thrift Shop” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:16:07 +0000

		Ben Haggerty, aka Macklemore, is no overnight sensation. He began releasing independent music in 2000; when ‘The Heist” was released, it took less than a week for fans to send the debut studio album to Billboard’s number 2 spot. The fifth and final single from this album, released in October 2012, is “Thrift Shop,” the subject of this week’s Lyrics Undercover.
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Lyrics Undercover 272: “West End Girls” – Pet Shop Boys

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:43:58 +0000

		On rare occasions, impossibly diverse influences combine to form a song that epitomizes an entire musical genre. On this week’s Lyrics Undercover, I’ll take a look at West End Girls, a song by English 80′s duo Pet Shop Boys, that defined the synthpop sound by joining Protest Rap, Existentialist Prose, and an old Hollywood gangster film.
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Lyrics Undercover 271: “Operator” – Jim Croce

admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:18:25 +0000

		In our modern world of technology and constant contact it sometimes feels as if we cannot escape both the people we want to hear from and those we don’t. This week’s Lyrics Undercover takes up back to a simpler time where heartache and longing for communication was aided by a middle man, or woman, in Jim Croce’s “Operator.”
		Lyrics Undercover 271: “Operator” – Jim Croce (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 270: “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:03:05 +0000

		Sometimes songs are born of events happening in an artist’s life, sometimes as a reflection of the times in which they live. Rarely, they are born of a confluence of the two. One of these rarities is my Lyrics Undercover subject this week, Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Though only a moderate success sales-wise, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement, and is widely considered Cooke’s best composition.
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Lyrics Undercover 269: “The Super Bowl Shuffle” – The 1985 Chicago Bears

admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:55:41 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover I’m going to talk about a memorable Super Bowl moment, and not one that involves a wardrobe malfunction or a darkened Superdome. The performers are members of the 1985 Chicago Bears and their song is the Super Bowl Shuffle.
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Lyrics Undercover 268: “A Talk With George” – Jonathan Coulton

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:49:28 +0000

		Jim Hanas told Jonathan Coulton, in 2006, about a song contest sponsored by The Plimpton Project. The organization, dedicated to getting a statue of George Plimpton erected in Manhattan, wanted a song that would honor Plimpton’s life. This week on Lyrics Undercover I look at both “A Talk With George,” Coulton’s prizewinning entry, and the man who inspired the song.
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Lyrics Undercover 267: “Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club

admin — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 01:01:46 +0000

		With outlandish makeup, stovepipe hats and dreadlocks, Boy George was a cultural lightning rod. The undisputed leader of Culture Club, he owned several hits in 1983 and ’84. “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” made the number one slot in 23 countries, but my focus on Lyrics Undercover is their next hit, “Karma Chameleon”.
		Lyrics Undercover 267: “Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 266: “Payphone” – Maroon 5

admin — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:16:58 +0000

		By request of a listener, this week’s Lyrics Undercover is filling up the radio waves with its melodic plea for a way to get back a failing relationship, and filling up the internet with a far less innocent version of the same tale. From the same band who didn’t mind “waiting in the pouring rain” for a girl and later that love “took control” is now left standing on a street corner…if you haven’t guessed, it’s Maroon 5 with “Payphone.”
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Lyrics Undercover 265: “Us” – Regina Spektor

admin — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:34:50 +0000

		Regina Spektor is not Indie music’s answer to Phoebe from “Friends.” Her work isn’t kooky; rather it is as idiosyncratic as it is original. Today’s Lyrics Undercover examines a song from her third album, ‘Soviet Kitsch (2004)’’ and that ran under the opening credits of the movie, “(500) Days of Summer:” Us.
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Lyrics Undercover 264: “Boy With A Coin” – Iron & Wine

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:27:07 +0000

		Inspiration for songs can come from anywhere – early folk music tended to spring from current events as a form of protest, while pop radio has always found inspiration in the writer’s loves lost and found. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’m taking a look at a song whose inspiration came from the writer’s experience as a filmmaker watching the start of the 21st century. Let’s look at “Boy With A Coin” by Iron & Wine.
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Lyrics Undercover 263: “Thriller” – Michael Jackson

admin — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:11:30 +0000

		No one can think of Halloween without bringing to mind images of slasher flicks, pointy fanged vampires, the undead, and this seasonally themed but loved year round 1984 hit, Michael Jackson’s Thriller!
		Lyrics Undercover 263: “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 262: “Save The Country” – Laura Nyro

admin — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:13:57 +0000

		Most who know Laura Nyro’s work know it through covers: The 5th Dimension, ‘Wedding Bell Blues’ and ‘Stoned Soul Picnic;’ ‘When I Die,’ Blood Sweat and Tears; Three Dog Night and ‘Eli’s Coming.’ Each cover succeeded in being definitive, but none hint at the power of the source. This week on Lyrics Undercover I’m exploring “Save the Country,” from Nyro’s third album, ‘New York Tendaberry,’ released in 1969.
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Lyrics Undercover 261: “When Doves Cry” – Prince

admin — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:37:10 +0000

		Oftentimes it is the most unexpected songs that have not only a momentary flash of brilliance and top the charts, but also stand the test of time. One such song was merely written as a film segment to help explain part of the life of singer Prince. “When Doves Cry” became much more than just a track for Purple Rain, it became a hit that is still beloved almost 20 years later.
		Lyrics Undercover 261: “When Doves Cry” – Prince (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 260: “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” – Soul II Soul

admin — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:11:01 +0000

		Sometimes the biggest singles for a band come from the work done to their music after it’s been recorded and released. Look at the popularity of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” as a great example. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I take a look at another song that rose from the ashes of it’s album release to become one of the band’s biggest hits, “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” by Soul II Soul.
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Lyrics Undercover 259: “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad” – Moby

admin — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:00:55 +0000

		When anyone thinks of great song creators: writers, producers, mixers, and DJs, their minds cannot help but drift to the quintessential bald man in black rimmed glasses, Moby. This weeks Lyrics Undercover takes a look at “Why does my heart feel so bad” from his unlikely international sensation of an album, Play.
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Lyrics Undercover 258: “Fathers and Daughters” – Kristin Chenoweth

admin — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 19:54:26 +0000

		With Father’s Day here, this week’s Lyrics undercover takes a sentimental look at the way a song can bring to life the relationship a father can share with his child. Kristin Chenoweth’s country ballad “Father’s and Daughters” exemplifies this dynamic beautifully.
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Lyrics Undercover 257: “Somebody That I Used To Know” – Gotye

admin — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:35:27 +0000

		Throughout song history there is the classic break-up song and the post break up song. Both always hold strong opinions about how the protagonist has been greatly wronged by the now ex. However, few songs brush the boundaries of viewing the break up from both sides. On this week’s lyrics undercover, we delve into a hugely popular song of the moment that does just that, Gotye’s “Somebody that I Used to Know.”
		Lyrics Undercover 253: “Somebody That I Used To Know” – Gotye (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 256: “Birdhouse In Your Soul” – They Might Be Giants

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:15:24 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover I look at a song that is ostensibly a meditation by a night-light, and at the eclectic pair who created it. In 1990, ‘Birdhouse in Your Soul’ cemented the reputation of ‘They Might Be Giants.’ More than 20 years later, the pair is still going strong.
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Lyrics Undercover 255: “One Toke Over The Line” – Brewer & Shipley

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:08:52 +0000

		This song landed its artists on the Nixon Enemies list while simultaneously being lauded by the bandmaster of wholesome entertainment, Lawrence Welk, as a “modern spiritual.” If, like Brewer and Shipley, you could only have one hit, you could hardly do better than the catchy, light-hearted “One Toke Over the Line.”
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Lyrics Undercover 254: “The Chair” – George Strait

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:11:37 +0000

		Everyone loves a good love song, and nothing says love song quite like a country ballad. Couples have been falling in love in pick-up trucks, bars, and back porches to the music of Willie Nelson, Alabama, Dolly Parton, and many others for generations. This week’s Lyrics Undercover is dedicated to a special couple who fell in love and were married 25 years ago, Glenn and Phyllis Doss, and is their song, George Strait’s “The Chair.”
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Lyrics Undercover 253: “Lightning Crashes” – Live

admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:55:11 +0000

		Most artists, and humans for that matter, are fascinated by life and death, the cyclical nature of how something dies and something new begins. All sorts of songs across all genres have been written about it from Elton John’s “Circle of Life” to Bette Midler’s “The Rose” and Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take the Girl.” On this week’s Lyrics Undercover we look at the popular early 90s rock take on the circle of life with Live’s “Lightning Crashes.”
		Lyrics Undercover 253: “Lightning Crashes – Live (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 252: “That’s Not My Name” – The Ting Tings

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:37:39 +0000

		Her name is Katie, not Stacey, Mary, Jo or Lisa. Singer-guitarist Katie White and drummer Jules de Martino, the Ting Tings, hit the charts in 2008 with “That’s Not My Name.” The song is an in-your-face reaction to being ignored.
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Lyrics Undercover 251: “Joga” – Bjork

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:05:15 +0000

		Björk’s best-known pop-culture moment may be her swan dress, worn at the Oscar’s. To focus on that is to deny her iconic music with the Icelandic influence, something both dream-filled and concrete. Today on Lyrics Undercover, I’ll look at a single from her 1997 album, Homogenic. Jóga blends a haunting melody line with classical strings and electronic beats.
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Lyrics Undercover 250: “Night Moves” – Bob Seger

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:15:25 +0000

		The 1970s gave us lots of great rock and roll, especially stemming from the Detroit area. Such names one might recognize would be Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, and Glenn Frey of the Eagles. This week’s lyrics undercover will take us through the first national hit of one more Detroit artist’s career: Bob Seger’s Night Moves.
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Lyrics Undercover 249: “Dead Man’s Party” – Oingo Boingo

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:02:06 +0000

		Listening to current music critics, you’d think the 80’s were a wasteland. It’s rather like defining the 70s as the disco era and ignoring artists like Frank Zappa, Bootsy Collins or Steely Dan. Classifying the 80s as glam and dance music is similarly narrow. One band whose influence reached into to the future was Oingo Boingo. This week, Lyrics Undercover looks at one of their high-profile songs: Dead Man’s Party.
		Lyrics Undercover 249: “Dead Man’s Party” – Oingo Boingo (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 248: “I and Love and You” – The Avett Brothers

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:11:24 +0000

		For those who love the indie-folk-rock sound of such bands as Mumford and Sons, The Decembrists, The Mountain Goats, and M. Ward today’s band will be a pleasure. However, even if you’re more of a pop or mainstream rock listener, you will probably still be very familiar. This week’s lyrics undercover is “I and Love and You” by The Avett Brothers.
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Lyrics Undercover 247: “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas and The Papas

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:56:30 +0000

		Recorded by artists as diverse as Neil Diamond, The Ventures, the Four Tops and Weezer, just to name a few, on Today’s Lyrics Undercover, I’ll be taking a look at a song that became the longest running number one since the Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” almost three years earlier. The song is “I’m A Believer”, by The Monkees.
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Lyrics Undercover 246: “I’m A Believer” – The Monkees

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:46:21 +0000

		Recorded by artists as diverse as Neil Diamond, The Ventures, the Four Tops and Weezer, just to name a few, on Today’s Lyrics Undercover, I’ll be taking a look at a song that became the longest running number one since the Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” almost three years earlier. The song is “I’m A Believer”, by The Monkees.
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Lyrics Undercover 245: “Falling In Love Again” – Marlene Dietrich

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:32:20 +0000

		The 1930 film, ‘The Blue Angel’ transitioned Marlene Dietrich from silent films to what were, at the time, called “audible movies.” It was there she delivered the subject for this week’s Lyrics Undercover, ‘Falling In Love Again,’ which became her signature tune.
		Lyrics Undercover 245: “Falling In Love Again” – Marlene Dietrich (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 244: “Stagger Lee” – Lloyd Price

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:59:43 +0000

		Inspired by a bar fight in 1895, southern black communities well-knew the song by the time folklorist John Lomax published it in 1910. First recorded in 1924, this song exemplifies the blues at the root of rock and roll. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’ll talk about a tune that has gone by many names – ‘Stagolee,’ ‘Stakerlee,’ ‘Stack O’Lee’ and ‘Stack-a Lee’ – but the most familiar title is ‘Stagger Lee.’
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Lyrics Undercover 243: “Wannabe” – The Spice Girls

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:52:46 +0000

		The 1990s gave us all sorts of female empowerment, from the more rock-derived independence of Alanis Morissette, Jewel, and Fiona Apple to the British sensation that swept both the UK and America, the Spice Girls. In 1996, a new era of “girl power” began when the Spice Girls recorded their debut album Spice, and released this week’s Lyrics Undercover: “Wannabe.”
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Sorry for the vacuum!

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:36:58 +0000

I wanted to drop a quick note and apologize for the lack of shows in December. As some of you may know, our main writer, Robin, got a new job in December. Obviously, we’re happy for her, but adjusting to her new schedule has taken some time. To that end, I’d like to welcome our new writer, Marlissa, who will be sharing writing duties with Robin. Marlissa’s first episode will be recorded and uploaded this afternoon, so stay tuned!

Lyrics Undercover 242: “Like A Virgin” – Madonna

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:34:56 +0000

		Before she was Madge, before Guy Ritchie said that making love to her was like ‘cuddling up to a piece of gristle,’ before her marketing machine was evident, she was a fresh face on the dance music scene. Her self-titled debut album in 1983 helped make Madonna one of the most exciting new artists of the ‘80s. She solidified that position in 1984 with “Like a Virgin.” This week on Lyrics Undercover I’m going to take a look at that album’s title song.
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Lyrics Undercover 241: “Bulls On Parade” – Rage Against The Machine

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:28:24 +0000

		You have to wonder whether Lorne Michaels was deliberately trying to stir the pot when Rage Against the Machine was booked as the Saturday Night Live musical guest opposite former Republican presidential contender Steve Forbes. The pairing worked about as well as one might expect, with the band being disinvited from the NBC building after their performance of ‘Bulls on Parade.’
		Lyrics Undercover 241: “Bulls On Parade” – Rage Against The Machine (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 240: “Maggie May” – Rod Stewart

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:48 +0000

		Rod Stewart’s career has lasted more than 50 years. His most recent approach to performing—one that is as much or more about style than it is about substance – makes it easy to lose sight of the serious credentials that fueled his work at the beginning. The B-side of ‘Reason to Believe,’ from the 1971 album ‘Every Picture Tells a Story,’ made him a household name. That song is ‘Maggie May.’
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Lyrics Undercover 239: “River Deep, Mountain High” – Ike & Tina Turner

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:54:48 +0000

		ThPhil Spector considered the result of his collaboration with Ike and Tina Turner his best work. Few recordings gave as effective voice to his distinctive ‘Wall of Sound’ than the 1966 single ‘River Deep – Mountain High.’
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Lyrics Undercover 238: “Jim Dandy” – Lavern Baker

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:25:10 +0000

		This week’s song maxed out at #25 on the pop charts when Black Oak Arkansas included it on their 1973 debut, ‘High on the Hog.’ For all their volume, they couldn’t find the intensity of the original version of ‘Jim Dandy,’ recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956.
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Lyrics Undercover 237: “Someone Like You” – Adele

admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 19:24:51 +0000

		This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on what it might mean to be born American. In 1984, Bruce Springsteen answered that question with a hard and often misunderstood hit: “Born in the USA.”
		Lyrics Undercover 237: “Someone Like You” – Adele (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 236: “Song To The Siren” – Tim Buckley

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:11:06 +0000

		The preceding episode of Lyrics Undercover focused on Jeff Buckley and his song “Grace.” His father, Tim Buckley, was often referenced in reviews of Jeff’s work. He was quick to say his father was not an influence, they’d only met shortly before his father died. This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’m going to focus on Tim Buckley and a song better known through cover versions: ‘Song to the Siren.’
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Lyrics Undercover 235: “Grace” – Jeff Buckley

admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:35:30 +0000

		Jeff Buckley was an artist who died too soon, leaving a legacy that includes a single studio album released in 1994, ‘Grace.’ This week on Lyrics Undercover, I’ll explore the album’s title song.
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Lyrics Undercover 234: “Sweet Jane” – The Velvet Undergound

admin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:11:21 +0000

		Brian Eno said, “The first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band.” This week’s Lyrics Undercover looks at Velvet Underground and the song“Sweet Jane,” from their 1970 album “Loaded.”
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Lyrics Undercover 233: “Born In The U.S.A.” – Bruce Springsteen

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:05:46 +0000

		This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on what it might mean to be born American. In 1984, Bruce Springsteen answered that question with a hard and often misunderstood hit: “Born in the USA.”
		Lyrics Undercover 233: “Born In The USA” – Bruce Springsteen (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 232: “Oh Pretty Woman” – Roy Orbison

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:31:28 +0000

		Roy Orbison was offered a tour of England in 1963; when he arrived he discovered he was opening for the Beatles. By 1964, they were ascendant, though described by Billy Graham as “a passing phase,” and “symptoms of the uncertainties of the time.” The British Invasion eclipsed Orbison by 1966, but not before several of his songs became memorable hits. This week’s Lyrics Undercover will consider “Oh Pretty Woman,” released in 1964.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Underocver 231: “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” – Lauryn Hill

admin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:02:57 +0000

		In 1998 an album was released that changed the landscape of hip-hop and contemporary R&B, bringing the styles together in a way never previously envisioned. The album was “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and this week’s song is Doo-Wop (That Thing).
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Lyrics Undercover 230: “Skylark” – Carmichael/Mercer

admin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:26:51 +0000

		In 1941, Johnny Mercer delivered lyrics to music supplied a year earlier by Hoagy Carmichael. It took so long to come up with the words that Carmichael had forgotten about the song. The focus this week is the resulting jazz standard, “Skylark.”
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Lyrics Undercover 229: “Young Americans” – David Bowie

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:36:26 +0000

		David Bowie’s “Young Americans” album was released in 1975, at a time when an irresistible dance beat was pounding through the airwaves and clubs. Disco hadn’t reached its apex—that would come in 1977, with the film “Saturday Night Fever.” This week Lyrics Undercover considers David Bowie’s contribution to that time, one of his first breakthrough US hits, “Young Americans.”
		Lyrics Undercover 225: “Young Americans” – David Bowie (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 228: “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” – Arcade Fire

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:00:52 +0000

		The press described this year’s Grammy for Album of the year as ‘an upset.’ Arcade Fire beat out Eminem, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, and kept Lady Antebellum from sweeping the top awards. The indie rockers’ third album, “Suburbs,” hardly came out of the blue. The group’s first and second albums, “Funeral” and “Neon Bible,” were well received by critics and fans. Today on Lyrics Undercover I’m pulling a track from “Funeral,” “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out).”
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Lyrics Undercover 227: “Monkey Gone To Heaven” – The Pixies

admin — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:42:55 +0000

		The Pixies’ musical style has been described as “an unorthodox marriage of surf music and punk rock, … characterized by Black Francis’s bristling lyrics and hackle-raising caterwaul, Kim Deal’s whispered harmonies and waspy basslines, Joey Santiago’s fragile guitar and the persistent flush of David Lovering’s drums.” The combination is clear in the focus of this week’s Lyrics Undercover, “Monkey Gone to Heaven.”
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Lyrics Undercover 226: “The Revolution Will not be Televised” – Gil Scott-Heron

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:10:14 +0000

		Gil Scott-Heron , a musician who bristled when described as ‘the godfather of rap,’ died last May at the age of 62. He preferred to be called a ‘bluesologist,’ which captured the traditions of blues, jazz and Harlem renaissance poetics that grounded his work. He became a notable voice of protest with his 1970 work, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”
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Lyrics Undercover 225: “Code Monkey” – Jonathan Coulton

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:17:02 +0000

		Code Monkey is described as a song for geeks, the success of its creator a fluke. Jonathan Coulton and his fans would argue both counts. This week, Lyrics Undercover isn’t telling the story behind the song. Instead, I’ll be using the song and its writer as an example of how technology has changed the face of music distribution, giving life to artists who otherwise might not have had a shot. (Additional amazing orchestral cover of Code Monkey performed by Walt Ribiero)
		Lyrics Undercover 225: “Code Monkey” – Jonathan Coulton (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 224: “Nature Boy” – Nat King Cole

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:50:55 +0000

		The melody may have been inspired by a Dvorak piano quintet, or perhaps by a song from a Yiddish play. In any case, the song at the center of this week’s Lyrics Undercover is unforgettable: Nat King Cole’s 1948 hit, “Nature Boy.”
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Lyrics Undercover 223: “Cross Road Blues” – Robert Johnson

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:53:24 +0000

		Long before there was rock and roll, there was blues – and none played it better than the legendary Robert Johnson. His career was short, his influence far-reaching. This week on Lyrics Undercover we’ll look at “Cross Road Blues”– a song that, as legend has it, tells of a Faustian bargain.
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Lyrics Undercover 222: “She Blinded Me With Science – Thomas Dolby

admin — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:11:58 +0000

		This week’s Lyrics Undercover focuses on an electronics wizard of a musician. In 2002, cable network VH1 named “She Blinded Me With Science” number 20 on its list of “100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders.” The same description can hardly be applied to the song’s artist, Thomas Dolby.
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Lyrics Undercover 221: “The Crane Wife pt. 3″ – The Decemberists

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:08:47 +0000

		A literate song from a hyper-literate group is the focus of this week’s Lyrics Undercover. The Decemberists, a group not easily categorized, hail from Portland. Their first album on a major label was “The Crane Wife,” released in 2006. Today we look at the album’s lead song, “The Crane Wife Part 3,” which grew from a Japanese folktale. (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 221: The Crane Wife pt. 3 – The Decemberists (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 220: “Vehicle” – The Ides Of March

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:45:22 +0000

		Today, Lyrics Undercover takes on a song written in response to a romantic awakening. “Vehicle,” by the Ides of March, is the group’s most memorable hit; it probably wouldn’t have been written had its author not found himself suckered by a pretty girl.
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Lyrics Undercover 219: “Superstar” – The Carpenters

admin — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:57:48 +0000

		Long ago, and oh so far away, a squeaky-clean brother-sister duo covered a song that in 1971, became one of their biggest hits. From the album “Carpenters” came Karen Carpenter’s poignant version of “Superstar.” The Carpenters were the #1 selling American music act in the 1970’s, a run that carried both the bitter and the sweet.
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Lyrics Undercover 218: “Jai Ho” – The Pussycat Dolls

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:34:06 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover we’ll consider a song originally performed in Hindi, from a movie soundtrack. In 2009,”Jai Ho” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for the Best Song Written for a Motion Picture. The Pussycat Dolls took the song, held on to its essence as an anthem, and made an English version that took it to #15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Lyrics Undercover 217: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac [repost]

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:41:53 +0000

		A wistful song written in Aspen, reflecting the humbling landscape, is the topic of this week’s Lyrics Undercover. “Landside” first appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album. (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 217: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 216: Loser – Beck

admin — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:34:03 +0000

		Tom from Texas’ request is the topic of this week’s Lyrics Undercover. He asked friends to name favorite songs; one that rose to the top is “Loser,” by Beck. (Two instances of NSFW language)
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Lyrics Undercover 215: I was Born This Way – Carl Bean

admin — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:26:27 +0000

		Long before Lady Gaga crawled out of her egg at the Grammy Awards to sing “Born This Way,” Carl Bean recorded “I Was Born This Way.” This week on Lyrics Undercover we look at a song that became an anthem to gay pride.
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Lyrics Undercover 214: Tighten Up – The Black keys

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:34:16 +0000

		A song title borrowed from Archie Bell and the Drells, and a band Stephen Colbert accused of selling out are the topics of this week’s Lyrics Undercover. The Black Keys were nominated for four Grammy awards, winning best alternative album for “Brothers”, and best rock performance for their hit, “Tighten Up.”
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Lyrics Undercover 213: Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis

admin — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:38:54 +0000

		A sports stadium anthem, and a listener request from Dawn, is the topic of this week’s Lyrics Undercover. The Fratellis envisioned their first hit as as a rock ‘n’ roll gig in an old speakeasy; no one was more surprised when “Chelsea Dagger” took on its unanticipated life. (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 213: Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 212: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) – Eurythmics

admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:42:01 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover we focus on a song that found its start in a manifesto and became a breakthrough commercial hit –. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” by the Eurythmics.
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Lyrics Undercover 211: Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:51:43 +0000

		Some pronounced Radiohead a ‘one-hit wonder’ after “Creep,” but the group’s second album, “The Bends,” was released to terrific reviews in their native Britain. Today on Lyrics Undercover we look at the hit that demonstrated the band’s staying power, “Fake Plastic Trees.”
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Lyrics Undercover 210: Iris – Goo Goo Dolls

admin — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:37:23 +0000

		The 1980’s saw the rise of MTV and artists –like Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince – who had a strong visual appeal. Among the bands ignoring pop culture’s glitz were The Goo Goo Dolls. Today on Lyrics Undercover we are looking at the song that propelled the band to stardom, their 1998 hit “Iris.”
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Lyrics Undercover 209: I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye (and more!)

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:41:33 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’ll look at a Motown breakup song that is a classic. “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” is sung by a narrator who has no clue that his relationship is ending. Only from gossip, ‘through the grapevine,’ does he discover that his partner is cheating. (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 209: I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye (and more!) (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 208: “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:12:29 +0000

		1953 saw more than its fair share of novelty holiday songs. Most have appropriately and thankfully faded into oblivion. Gayle Peevey—a ten-year old–sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” She got her wish, donated the animal to her local zoo. Louis Armstrong recorded “Zat You, Santa Claus?” “Will Santy Come to Shanty Town” was a hit for Eddie Arnold. But that year also saw a novelty song that turned into a classic. “Santa Baby” is the topic of this week’s Lyrics Undercover, a tongue-in-cheek look at a Christmas list, sung by Eartha Kitt.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Undercover 207: Lily, Rosemary and The Jack of Hearts – Bob Dylan

admin — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:53:12 +0000

		“Blood on the Tracks,” released in 1975, marked a return to popularity for Bob Dylan, after several years of lukewarm interest from both fans and critics. It remains an album considered one of Dylan’s best. This week on Lyrics Undercover we’ll look at a song that tells a story as completely as any novel, “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts.” (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 207: Lily, Rosemary & The Jack Of Hearts – Bob Dylan (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 206: Pride (In the Name Of Love) – U2

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:04:23 +0000

		A firearm isn’t the only weapon that can be used against injustice. In 1983, Bono was working on a song he intended to be about Ronald Reagan’s pride in American military power, but in the course of the writing, the song morphed. This week on Lyrics Undercover we examine the song that was the U.S breakout for U2, Pride (In the Name of Love).
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Lyrics Undercover 205: Your Move/All Good People – Yes

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:21:37 +0000

		The early 1970’s saw a number of progressive English rock bands; the high-register vocals of Jon Anderson and the guitar work of Chris Squire made Yes instantly recognizable. Their eclectic musical stylings included a song that used chess as a metaphor and today on Lyrics Undercover we’ll consider a linked pair of songs – “Your Move – All Good People.”
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Lyrics Undercover 204: I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab For Cutie

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:30:20 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover, we look at a dark hit, a story told from the point of view of a stalker. Creepiness didn’t stand in the way of success for “I Will Possess Your Heart.” The song hit No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008, and in 2009 the song was nominated for the Grammy for Best Rock Song. (This is the monthly free episode of Lyrics Undercover, which is included in the Coverville feed. To subscribe, visit LyricsUndercover.com)
		Lyrics Undercover 204: I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab For Cutie (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 203: “Kids” – MGMT

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:53:58 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’ll leave the final answer to you the listener: is the song an environmental anthem, or a lament for a childhood slipping away? The founders of MGMT offer precious little interpretation when talking about “Kids.” Perhaps it is enough that the song is both thought provoking and addictive.
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Lyrics Undercover 202: “I Palindrome I” by They Might Be Giants

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:35:17 +0000

		This week Lyrics Undercover considers a song that takes wordplay, the obscure and the sublime to new heights. “I Palindrome I,” by They Might Be Giants is, on the surface, a song about a man murdering his mother for the inheritance – only to meet his own demise in a glorious flash of ‘what goes around comes around.’
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Lyrics Undercover 201: “Because I’m Awesome” – The Dollyrots

admin — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:59:24 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’re we’re taking a look at one of those songs that gets stuck in your head. In 2007, the Dollyrots released their second album,“Because I’m Awesome.” The title track struck a chord.
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Lyrics Undercover 200: Feeling Good – Nina Simone

admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:40:56 +0000

		Muse’s cover of “Feeling Good” was just voted the best cover song ever by fans at NME.com, beating out The Beatles’ cover of “Twist and Shout” and Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt.” This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’ll go back to visit an iconic performance of the song—itself a cover—performed by the soulful Nina Simone.
		Lyrics Undercover 200: Feeling Good (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 199: Romeo & Juliet – Dire Straits

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:03:28 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover we’ll visit Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed teens who chose to die rather than live without each other. But if they’d lived, would their passion last? Mark Knopfler and the Dire Straits hit, “Romeo and Juliet,” would argue no.
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Lyrics Undercover 198: Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:07:08 +0000

		Today on Lyrics Undercover we’ll consider a song first recorded in 1955, rerecorded in 1965 and that went on to become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century. “Unchained Melody, with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret, has spawned over 500 cover versions in hundreds of languages. Most recently the song was a winner for Michael Grimm on “America’s Got Talent, a testimony to the song’s timeless appeal.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Undercover 197: Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:51:30 +0000

		Of the post-Nirvana alternative bands to break into the pop mainstream, Green Day is among the most influential. Today on Lyrics Undercover, we’ll explore the meaning behind a song from their American Idiot album, “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”
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Lyrics Undercover 196: Because The Night – Patti Smith

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:42:20 +0000

		The subject of this week’s Lyrics Undercover is a woman who has followed her own unconventional path, and a song that is one of the few that grew from a collaboration with Bruce Springsteen. Patti Smith is ambitious, unconventional and challenging, her music a singular fusion of rock and poetry. Springsteen wrote the music and the chorus, but it was Smith who wrote the rest of the lyrics to “Because the Night,” which, despite a large cult following, became her only hit.
		Lyrics Undercover 196: Because The Night – Patti Smith (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 195: They Don’t Know – Kirsty MacColl

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:16:42 +0000

		She was only 17 when she wrote her first hit, but she was an apple that didn’t fall far from the tree. Today on Lyrics Undercover we’ll explore “They Don’t Know,” and the songwriter behind it, Kirsty MacColl.
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Lyrics Undercover 194: A New England – Billy Bragg

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:07:34 +0000

		Today’s Lyrics Undercover comes at you from the political left. Billy Bragg has been a musician for 30 years, and writes from both punk rock anger and the socially conscious tradition of folk music. Today’s song, “A New England,” was one of Bragg’s early ones as a solo musician and has become so firmly entrenched in the consciousness of his audiences that what started as an angry rant is now a concert sing-along.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Undercover 193: Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega and DNA

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:13:06 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover we consider a catchy little tune written in 1981, that went on to spawn a full album’s worth of parodies, cover versions and spin-offs. “Tom’s Diner” was written to be accompanied by a piano, but that’s an instrument its creator — Suzanne Vega — didn’t know how to play. So she did the only other sensical thing, she recorded the song as an a cappella track.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Undercover 192: Chelsea Hotel #2 – Leonard Cohen

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:22:48 +0000

		For 40 years, Leonard Cohen has been a cult darling, a songwriter’s writer and a primal musical influence. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, his way of telling a story has influenced several generations of musicians. He’s a poet, a Zen master, and social critic. The current generation is probably most familiar with his much-covered “Hallelujah;” today, on Lyrics Undercover, we look at his ironic, iconic “Chelsea Hotel #2.”
		Lyrics Undercover 192: Chelsea Hotel #2 – Leonard Cohen (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 191: Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:57:26 +0000

		This week on lyrics undercover we’ll explore one of the biggest singles of the late 1960’s, inextricably linked to the iconic movie, “The Graduate.” The 1967 film features a young Dustin Hoffman, a luminous Katherine Ross and Anne Bancroft, playing one of Hollywood’s most memorable cougars. The song, of course, is Mrs. Robinson.
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Lyrics Undercover 190: One Week – Barenaked Ladies

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:39:14 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover we’ll examine a song that is stuffed full of pop culture references. This punstra rap from the Great White North is “One Week,” by the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies.
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Lyrics Undercover 189: Lush Life – Billy Strayhorn

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:52:51 +0000

		This week on Lyrics Undercover, we look way back to consider “Lush Life”, a much-loved jazz standard by a composer who, if alive, would be 95 this year. Billy Strayhorn is best known for his collaboration with Duke Ellington, but his compositions are his legacy. And in a Lyrics Undercover first, you’ll hear segments of many of these different versions as you learn about the history of the song.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)

Lyrics Undercover 188: Jesse’s Girl – Rick Springfield

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:15:15 +0000

		his week on Lyrics Undercover and, at the request of Tom in Texas, we are going to look at a song about girlfriend angst. The song’s been around for almost 30 years, but it’s current enough to show up on the television show Glee: “Jesse’s Girl,” by Rick Springfield.
		Lyrics Undercover 188: Jesse’s Girl – Rick Springfield (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 187: Mexican Radio – Wall Of Voodoo

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:25:57 +0000

		Today on Lyrics Undercover, we explore the work of a 1980’s New Wave band, and their catchy, loopy hit. Yes, where else would Tijuana rhyme with iguana but in “Mexican Radio,” by Wall of Voodoo.
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Lyrics Undercover 186: You Get What You Give – New Radicals

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:13:20 +0000

		Today on Lyrics Undercover I’m focusing on a complaint rock band that is largely considered a one-hit wonder. The hit is “You Get What You Give,” and the band, the New Radicals.
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Lyrics Undercover 185: One Headlight – The Wallflowers

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:39:03 +0000

		The Wallflowers, first known as The Apples, started playing LA clubs in 1989. This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’re going to look at their mid-90′s hit, “One Headlight.”
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Lyrics Undercover 184: Weapon Of Choice – Fatboy Slim

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:38:00 +0000

		Today on Lyrics Undercover, we’ll make our way through the worm-ridden desert landscape of Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon Of Choice”, and figure out what it all has to do with Christopher Walken’s dance routine.
		Lyrics Undercover 184: Weapon Of Choice – Fatboy Slim (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 183: (I Just Died) In Your Arms – Cutting Crew

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:50:03 +0000

		How did a long hot night, a notepad, and Richard Branson all come together to give Cutting Crew their only number one? We’ll find out this week on Lyrics Undercover, as we examine the song “(I Just Died) In Your Arms”.
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Lyrics Undercover 182: Hell’s Bells – AC/DC

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:03:19 +0000

		What inspired Brian Johnson of the legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC to write a terrifying proclamation in the voice of the devil himself? This week on Lyrics Undercover, we’re taking a look at the first single from their Back in Black album, “Hell’s Bells.”
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Lyrics Undercover 181: Graceland – Paul Simon

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:14:09 +0000

		On today’s Lyrics Undercover, we’re following the Mississippi delta all the way to the gates of the King’s famous castle, as we ride along with Paul Simon and his 1986 hit single, “Graceland”.
		Lyrics Undercover 181: Graceland – Paul Simon (click here to listen)

Lyrics Undercover 180: Wildfire – Michael Martin Murphey

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:44:58 +0000

		On this week’s Lyrics Undercover, we’re going to look for a ghostly woman on horseback on the plains of Dallas, as we uncover the story behind Michael Martin Murphey’s “Wildfire”.
		(Note: this is a Premium episode. To get this show and subscribe to the premium feed, click here!)