Episode #45 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees Tee-J Sutherland, Dan Collacott, Imran Mirza and Denis-Jose Francois discuss the third show in the MCU's foray into Disney+ TV shows.

Loki premiered on June 9, 2021, and ran for six episodes until July 14. It is part of Phase Four of the MCU and has already been renewed for a second series.

Following the show's successful run, the Disney+ exclusive explores how Loki moves forward following the events of Endgame and introduces consequences that will impact significant areas of the MCU's Phase 4. The third of the MCU's incorporation of the streaming service as part of their overall narrative, the team discuss their expectations of the show going in, where the MCU moves to from here, plus we take a look at the Spiderman 'No Way Home' trailer, the first three episodes of 'What If' and talk Black Widow and Shang-Chi.

​Episode #44 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees Dan, Imran and Denis-Jose Francois sit down to discuss the surprising rise of movies that position established villains as the protagonist.  Through movies like Joker, Cruella, Suicide Squad, Venom, Dracula Untold, Maleficent... we're seeing more sympathetic presentations of villains we've come to affectionately *hate* for decades.  But what inspires a shift like this - are we running out of super hero stories to tell?  Is this a move indicative of evolving audience tastes?  And what's the future of on-screen villainy if there are no on-screen villains?

​Welcome to episode #10 of the 90s State of Mind podcast - a collaborative project between 4ever in Electric Dreams and Blue-in-Green:RADIO. This podcast series sees Imran (London, UK) and Rhonda (California, USA) delve into some of their favourite releases from the 90s and this week, the pair revisit the one-&-only album from incomparable Groove Theory.

Released in 1995 through Epic Records - and spearheaded by the classic single 'Tell Me' - the pairing of vocalist Amel Larrieux and producer Bryce Wilson resulted in one of 90s R&B's most beloved projects.  Having achieved moderate success upon release, the duo disbanded a few years after their album release and although there have been efforts to resurrect the Groove Theory name, no new full-lengths have come to fruition.  The 90s was certainly a prolific decade for each member with Amel Larrieux having established herself as a solo star with the first of what would be five solo albums having been released in 1999 along with multiple guest appearances on projects by The Roots and Guru.  Wilson continued his run of excellent productions jumping behind the boards for colossal names like Mary J Blige, Changing Faces and Toni Braxton.

Imran & Rhonda delve deep into this definitive 90s R&B album looking at the project, remixes, b-sides, solo projects and efforts to revive the group with vocalist Makeda Davis.

Episode #43 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees Dan partner with friends of the show Denis-Jose Francois and Richard Roth to look at the impact of nostalgia in our lives: how much does nostalgia impact the things we hold dear? As we either marvel or bemoan evolving trends with technology, social media, music, film, etc, do we remember things from our childhood as perhaps being just that little bit better than they were?

​Episode #42 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees Tee-J, Imran, Dan and friend of the show Denis-Jose Francois settle down to classic movies that we've never actually seen. Episode #41 saw each member of the team pitch three movies we haven't seen to the group with them voting on which movie each person should watch. Episode #42 sees us all discuss the movies we ended up watching.

00:00 Hi...
02:47 Shawshank Redemption (1994)
19:47 Dr Strangelove (1964)
39:50 They Live (1988)
55:15 Citizen Kane (1941)
01:12:05 "What does it take to have a 10/10 film?"​

​Episode #41 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees Tee-J, Imran, Dan and friend of the show Denis-Jose Francois settle down to classic movies that we've never actually seen. For the third in our 'catching up with the classics' series, we each pitch three movies we haven't seen to the group with them voting on which movie each person should watch. 

Marvel with us in astonishment at the gaps within our own catalogues!

Thank you for those that checked out the epic presentation of us running rown our top 100 cover versions of the 21st century.  We're thrilled with it as a celebration of some wonderful contemporary music that pays homage to some legendary songwriters and composers.

As you can see from the names featured throughout, we boasted such an eclectic - and expansive - selection across the musical spectrum of awesome covers which ultimately begs the question 'What makes a good cover?'

It's a fair question.  Again, looking at our list, could you really locate the specific rhyme or reason why things were selcted or a specific quality as to why songs were chosen.

Covers seem to have to abide by their own rules.  Obviously, covers are presented as openly serving as recreations of someone else's art, which may already be a well-known piece of art in of itself, has to come with a good reason behind it.  Why cover something everyone already knows and loves?

I suppose it comes down to the connection we all have with the music we listen to and the ways in which we choose to celebrate that connection.  From a listener perspective, I suppose it has to be believable.  Episode #40 of the C.E.N.K. podcast made reference to the slew of rock records that cover pop songs in contrast to the slew of pop songs that cover rock records and asked which one was more acceptable.  The obvious answer is that rock bands covering pop songs is vastly more acceptable because their efforts are largely taken as being tongue-in-cheek.  There's very little that's believable about a teenage pop star singing an anthemic rock number that's older than they are as it's perceived to be a marketing-driven decision lacking any real sense of rebellion. 

Believability has to be the key defining factor that makes for a great cover and the lack of it certainly the key defining factor that makes for a bad cover.  I have very vivid memories of an episode of American Idol many years ago - a contestant (whose name I do not know) was on stage singing a rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'.  The contestant looked great, sounded great and earned a glowing review from the audience in attendance, and the judges... and I couldn't understand how she had got away with it!  'Jolene' is such a heart-wrenching song.  Imagine being so in love with someone, and having such low self-esteem, that you would beg someone not to take the person you love the most from you.  And imagine singing that song with a smile on your face.  That's all I could see, this big, beaming smile and I couldn't understand how there could be such a lack of a connection with the words she was singing.  I suppose songs that have lived for decades can be so ingrained within our consciousness and pop culture that we don't even wonder what they're about anymore.  

..."Scaramouch, Scaramouch, will you do the Fandango!" anyone?

That probably serves as our final note about covers.  Let us know if there's anything we missed as we'd love to hear your takes on what makes a great or bad cover.

Welcome to episode #9 of the 90s State of Mind podcast - a collaborative project between 4ever in Electric Dreams and Blue-in-Green:RADIO. This podcast series sees Imran (London, UK) and Rhonda (California, USA) delve into some of their favourite releases from the 90s and this week, the pair revisit the debut album from Lauryn Hill, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'.

Released in 1998, the debut solo album album from Lauryn Hill followed the massive success of 'The Score' by The Fugees.  Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras had solified their name within hip-hop following the sophomore Fugees album and its success paved the way for the solo projects that would follow-on afterwards.  The one and only studio album album from Hill was spearheaded by three singles and ten Grammy nominations winning five of those.  The album has gone on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide making it one of the biggest selling records of all time and a definitive 90s album.

Blue-in-Green:RADIO is a London-based online internet radio station which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music.

www.blueingreenradio.com

Welcome friends to 4ever in Electric Dreams and our official run-down of the Top 100 cover songs of the 21st century.  This has been such a blast to put together and we really hope it's something you guys will enjoy jumping into as much as we did putting it all together.

You'll see below that this list is bolstered by an accompanying episode of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast which sees Dan Collacott, Tee-J Sutherland and Imran Mirza discuss the nature of cover songs and our individual favourites.  And following the list itself we'd like to invite you to check out our Spotify playlist where you can hear the songs out yourself and let us know what you guys think of our picks.

A couple of quick caveats from the outset - this is a 21st century list so we haven't included any of the countless covers that pre-date the year 2000.  We definitely thought it would be a great way to celebrate more contemporary music and side-step a lot of the obvious choices.  Secondly, this is an unranked list so it's a pure celebration with the songs included alphabetically.

We've travelled the world with this one including multiple genres and we really hope you enjoy our presentation...

​1. 'Addicted to Love' by Florence & The Machine
Originally performed by Robert Palmer
Included amongst the B-Sides collection for the group's debut album, 'Lungs', this typically epic interpretation by Florence & Co marks the first of many inclusions by the band on this list. TS

2. 'Africa' by Weezer
Originally performed by Toto
This no frills yet entirely faithful cover emanates from a random social media campaign calling for the band to cover this 1982 pop classic from Toto. They even made a music video featuring Weird Al to accompany the song. DC

3. 'All My Life' by Frank Turner
Originally performed by Foo Fighters
An acoustic version of one of the Foo Fighter's heaviest songs on paper doesn't seem a good a idea. Thankfully Frank Turner and band craft a perfect tribute to Grohl and cos 2002 stadium anthem. DC

4. 'Another Love' by Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL
Originally performed by Alice Smith
From Prince's final studio album, 'Plectrumelectrum', this more rockier take on Alice Smith's R&B-inspired gem is a brilliant interpretation of the track.  Would love to have been in the room when Smith hears the news that The Purple Majesty himself wants to cover something that she created. IMRAN MIRZA

5. 'Back to Black' ("Je broie du noir") by Lisa Melissa & The Mess
Originally performed by Amy Winehouse
Lisa Mélissa's releases for Q-Sounds Recordings boast a distinctive style that fuses elements of soul, funk and even teases a little of punk music's rebellious streak.  Mélissa's interpretation of the iconic Amy Winehouse and her seminal Mark Ronson-produced single, sung here in French to a reggae-esque beat, is a brilliant reworking of a beloved track which really positions Lisa Mélissa as an awesome talent. IM

6. 'Bad Guy' by The Interrupters
Originally performed by Billie Eilish
US punk band The Interrupters weaponize trumpets and ska beats to win the battle of the many Bad Guy covers out there. Check out Reel Big Fish's 2009 cover of Take on Me for a ska punk take on another pop classic. DC

7. 'Best of You' by Prince
Originally performed by Foo Fighters
This live cover courtesy of the late great Prince is quite a rare treasure. It's possible he appreciated the Foos covering his music so decided to pay back the compliment or is just a fan. DC

8. 'Blow Out' by Lo Freq
Originally performed by Radiohead
BBE Records released a gem back in 2006 with their compilation celebrating the music of Radiohead entitled 'Exit Music'.  Boasting an incredible array of artists and musicians across a variety of genres, this interpretation of 'Blow Out' by Lo Freq beautifully reimagines the track with this exquisite acoustic-folk-meets-soulful-house aesthetic.  IM

9. 'Blue Monday' by Health
Originally performed by New Order
Bowie's Heroes aside, this is potentially the most covered song of all time. Honourable mention goes to Orgy's version, only coming second to alt electronic noise band Health's recent cover (recorded for the 2017 film soundtrack to Atomic Blonde). DC

10. 'Bulls on Parade' by Denzil Curry
Originally performed by Rage Against The Machine
The question, 'who on earth can faithfully pull off the vocal on a RATM song', is answered by Denzil Curry who should probably just step in and take the job Zach no longer seems to want. DC

11. 'C.R.E.A.M.' by El Michels Affair
Originally performed by Wu-Tang Clan
From one of two albums created by New York's El Michels Affair celebrating the music of Wu-Tang Clan ('Enter The 37th Chamber' and 'Return To The 37th Chamber'), the band's typical dusty analog style convinced many that this was the song originally sampled by RZA for the classic Wu track released 15 years prior to this version. IM

12. 'Can't Hide Love' by Sabrina Malheiros
Originally performed by Creative Source/Earth, Wind & Fire
Although absolutely a Creative Source original, it's Earth, Wind & Fire's cover which actually secures all of the limelight and has proved to be the benchmark by which the song is measured.  Both sampled and covered an innumerable amount of times, it seems right to showcase the indelible talents of Sabrina Malheiros and her nu bossa stylings in regards to this classic. IM

13. 'Cornflake Girl' by Florence & The Machine
Originally performed by Tori Amos
If this cover hadn't already happened that it's sure to have been one fans would have pined for - Florence & The Machine covering the 1994 standout track from Tori Amos. TS

14. 'Creep' by Arlo Parks
Originally performed by Radiohead
A brooding anthem covered with great weight and reverence. DC

15. 'Darling Nikki' by Foo Fighters
Originally performed by Prince
A sublimely crafted cover from one of the most covered artists of all time. DC

16. 'Don't Speak' by Leela James
Originally performed by No Doubt
Famously written as a tribute song by Gwen Stefani to No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal following him ending their 7 year relationship, Leela James' soulful cover finds its home on her debut album which also sees James tackling Sam Cooke's revered 'A Change is Gonna Come'. TS

17. 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' by Quantic Y Anita Tijoux
Originally performed by Lauryn Hill
With a great vocal from Anita Tijoux, the prolific talents of Will "Quantic" Holland are put to fine use here in this Cumbia-inspired take on the classic Lauryn Hill track.  IM

18. 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Lourde
Originally performed by Tears for Fears
Cited for its darker and more atmospheric setting, Lorde's cover of the Tears for Fears track was recorded for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack. TS

19. 'Everything in its Right Place' by Osunlade featuring Erro
Originally performed by Radiohead
This track marks our second visit to BBE Records' 'Exit Music' compilation - featuring so many tracks that we could have used for this list, we had to give it up for the Brazilian dance anthem from the Midas touch of Osunlade featuring his long-time collaborator, Eric Roberson. IM

20. 'Ex-Factor' by Flevans featuring Laura Vane
Originally performed by Lauryn Hill
For his debut record for Brighton's Jalapeno Records, the multi-talented and multi-faceted Flevans tackled what is surely another classic from Lauryn Hill's 'Miseducation...' album.  Featuring a killer vocal from Laura Vane, who sounds just as good here as she does when backed by her band The Vipertones. IM

21. 'Feel Good Inc' by Cookin on 3 Burners
Originally performed by Gorillaz featuring De La Soul
A blistering high-energy workout from one of the most revered names in Australia's thriving funk & soul scene. IM

22. 'Four Winds' by The Killers
Originally performed by Bright Eyes
A folking good indie cover. DC

23. 'Frontin' by Jamie Cullum
Originally performed by Pharrell Williams featuring Jay-Z
A really exciting take on Pharrell's first ever solo single that even prompted Williams himself to gasp at Cullum's rendition.  It prompted the two to hit the studio afterwards with the only results of those sessions being Cullum's backing vocals for one track on Pharrell's 'In My Mind' album. IM

24. 'Get Lucky' by Daughter
Originally performed by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers
Recorded in 2013 for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, the up-tempo, disco number is beautifully recreated here as a sombre and introspective journey by Daughter. IM

25. 'Goin Out West' by Queens of the Stone Age
Originally performed by Tom Waits
Don't get me wrong the original is a classic, but Josh Homme somehow manages to sandpaper down the gruff rasping edges of Wait's vocals and replace it with a smooth groove that is the musical equivalent of a eating a bar of galaxy whilst lying in a velvet lined bath full of Baileys. DC

26. 'Good Enough' by Nautilus featuring Sara Yoshida
Originally performed by Cyndi Lauper
While the Japanese jazz trio are well-known for tackling tracks from a wide array of past subjects including Gil Scott-Heron, De La Soul and Suzanne Vega, a chance to showcase Nautilus' take on the classic 80's single from Cyndi Lauper is too good to pass up. IM

27. 'Hard Times' by John Legend & The Roots
Originally performed by Baby Huey
The Grammy-winning 'Wake Up' album by John Legend and The Roots was designed specifically to address socio and political issues by way of covering classic soul tracks.  Written by Curtis Mayfield, there aren't many bands better than The Roots who can capture that gloriously grimy and authentic soul sound to do justice to this classic. IM

28. 'Head Like a Hole' by Miley Cyrus
Originally performed by Nine Inch Nails
Sung as part of a Black Mirror episode (and performed live many times), Miley's rasping attitude mixed with sweetened pop vocals work unbelievably well over this classic from the dark mind of Trent Reznor. DC

29. 'Heart Shaped Box' by Glass Animals
Originally performed by Nirvana
Take a fast song, slow it down a bit, vary the tone and emphasis of the lyrics and you've got the tried and tested formula for a good cover. Not that covering Nirvana is ever easy. DC

30. 'Heroes' by Moby featuring Mindy Jones
Originally performed by David Bowie
One of the most covered songs ever is in safe hands courtesy of dance music pioneer Moby with vocals from long term collaborator Mindy Jones. DC

31. 'Hey Ya' by Sweater Beats & KAMAU
Originally performed by Andre 3000
The first single from Andre 3000's 'The Love Below' may not have been what anyone expected from the legendary rapper but it's certainly become a track engrained within popular culture.  There are a few covers of this one floating around - one by Will Young no less - but this version strives to brilliantly capture the glorious chaos of the original but in creative new ways. TS

32. 'High & Dry' by Pete Kuzma featuring Bilal
Originally performed by Radiohead
Another track that has seen its fair share of covers over the years, Pete Kuzma's jazz-based interpretation of one of the most recognizable Radiohead songs ever really takes some beating.  Imaginative, inspired and featuring a great vocal from Philadelphia's neo soul star, Bilal. IM

33. 'Hot in Herre' by Jenny Owen Youngs
Originally performed by Nelly
"I was like, 'Good gracious, Ass is bodacious'" - it really doesn't sound the same when Jenny Owen Youngs sings it when compared to the dancefloor sensation that was Nelly's original but I defy you not to fall head over heels with this tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek rendition.  Plus the video is set in a makeshift igloo.  Brilliant. TS

34. 'How Come you Don't Call Me' by Alicia Keys
Originally performed by Prince
From Alicia Keys' debut album, 'Songs in A Minor', this song also boasts an excellent remix by The Neptunes featuring backing vocals from Justin Timberlake that we'd like to turn your attention to as well. TS

35. 'Hungry Like the Wolf' by Muse
Originally performed by Duran Duran
Intended initially to serve as a standalone live performance in support of Muse's 'Simulation Theory' album, the song garnered such an exciting reception that the studio version soon followed for Spotify's Singles series.  TS

36. 'Hurt' by Johnny Cash
Originally performed by Nine Inch Nails
When Jon Lennon passed, the world turned to 'Imagine'; For Michael it was 'Man in the Mirror', and Prince it was 'Purple Rain'.  For Johnny Cash, an icon who had been releasing music since the 1950s, the world turned to his interpretation of 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails - a song he released just a year before he passed in 2003. TS

​
​37. 'I Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor' by Baby Charles
Originally performed by Arctic Monkeys
Prompting covers from the likes of Tom Jones, The Vines and Sugababes, this soul-heavy rendition soars amongst them all. TS

38. 'I Wonder If I Take You Home' by Meshell Ndegeocello
Originally performed by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Meshell's 'Ventriloquism' album boasts some fantastic covers including Ralph Tresvant's 'Sensitivity' and Janet Jackson's 'Funny How Time Flies' but this fantastic take on the Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam classic absolutely steals the show. IM

39. 'If You Have Ghosts' by Ghost
Originally performed by Roky Ericcson
It's hard to know whether it was purely the song title that inspired Tobias Forge's Ghost to cover this hidden gem of a song from late great psych rock pioneer Roky Erickson. For the track itself Tobias beefed up the catchy melodies and composition with some strings and their trademark big guitar sound. It is worth noting that Erickson's repetitive and non sensical lyrics were believed to emanate from a man suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Not to mention the influence a shit tonne of acid has on your music. Either way this quirky vampire infused song manages to seamlessly blend with Ghost's Satanic aesthetic. DC

40. 'I'm Afraid of Americans' by Bones UK
Originally performed by David Bowie
The all-female Camden trio of Rosie Bones, Carmen Vandenberg and Heavy create this faithful cover from Bowie's darker electronic era, delivering equal levels of attitude and bite in the process. DC

41. 'Imagine' by A Perfect Circle
Originally performed by John Lennon
From the band's 'Emotive' album which featured a collection of anti-war cover songs, this version of 'Imagine' did garner opposing responses with the band's somewhat harsher tone neglecting the 'hope' perpetuated by Lennon's original. TS

42. 'Immigrant Song' by Karen O & Trent Reznor
Originally performed by Led Zepplin
The song leads off the soundtrack to the David Fincher film 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' which was created by Nine Inch Nails frontman Reznor along with his musical partner, Atticus Ross. TS

43. 'It's a Sin' by Ghost
Originally performed by Pet Shop Boys
Papa does Pet Shop Boys with rather pleasing results. DC

44. 'Lady Marmalade' by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nk
Originally performed by LaBelle
One of countless covers of the song that can be found, this version was produced by Missy Elliott and Rockwilder for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack and proved to be a huge hit in the US and UK. TS

45. 'Lahore State of Mind' by Jaubi
Originally performed by Nas
The jazz quartet from Lahore, Pakistan, have expressed their affection for their hip-hop heroes through covers of music by Dilla and MF Doom but this thrilling take on the DJ Premier-produced track from Nas' debut album 'Illmatic' is the one they're most remembered for.  Shout out to the Al Dobson Jr remix as well. IM

46. 'Land of Confusion' by Disturbed
Originally performed by Genesis
The US heavy metal band Disturbed released a cover of the song on their third studio album, 'Ten Thousand Fists'.  Vocalist David Draiman once stated that the group chose this song to cover because they wanted to take "a song that's absolutely nothing like us and mak[e] it our own." ​TS

47. 'Learn to Fly' by Rockin 100
Originally performed by Foo Fighters
1000 Italian bands/musicians got together to record a live version of Learn to Fly in order to convince The Foo Fighters to come and play at their town of Cesena and the result is incredible (and they duly obliged). DC

48. 'Life on Mars' by Atticus Ross & Trent Reznor
Originally performed by David Bowie
This unique instrumental at the end of The Watchmen TV series soundtrack, is incredibly poignant and fitting to the end of heavyweight narrative that it scores. DC

49. 'Like I Love You' by The Traffic
Originally performed by Justin Timberlake featuring Clipse
The Australian trio have presented their fiery brand of funk & soul through covers of MJ, Tupac and Daft Punk tracks but their full-funk workout for The Neptunes-produced debut single by Justin Timberlake is everything! IM

50. 'Lose Yourself' by Kellylee Evans
Originally performed by Eminem
For an artist who has recorded tribute projects to the revered jazz artist, Nina Simone, tackling one of Eminem's biggest hits might seem like a worlds apart collaboration but Evans' energy and charm really make this cover seem like the most natural fit in the world.  No easy achievement.   IM

​51. 'Lost in You' by Childish Gambino
Originally performed by Garth Brooks
This very random song from Garth Brooke's alter ego Chris Gaines, is a powerfully sung yet tongue in cheek love ballad covered by Childish Gambino (who himself is Donald Glover's alter ego). Confused? Yep. DC

52. 'Loving You' by Jesse Fischer featuring Sarah Elizabeth Charles
Originally performed by Minnie Riperton
Multi-instrumentalist and producer, Jesse Fischer, teams with his long-time friend and collaborator, Sarah Elizabeth Charles, for this beautifully understated take on a classic soul tune. IM

53. 'Mad World' by Michael Andrews & Gary Jules
Originally performed by Tears for Fears
Housed as part of the awesome 80s-centric Donnie Darko soundtrack, this melancholy rendition of the Tears for Fears track proved to be a huge hit in the UK claiming the #1 chart spot for three weeks. TS

54. 'Metal' by Nine Inch Nails
Originally performed by Gary Numan
Trent Reznor credits electro pop wizard Gary Numan as a huge influence on his musical output, so it's fitting that he covers probably (at the time) one of Numan's lesser-known songs. The original stripped back electronic classic is given a few more layers and body courtesy of Reznor's trademark production. Ironic then that Numan's more recent output has sounded darker, more epic and well more Nine Inch Nails. Proving that music always comes full circle. DC

55. 'Midlife Crisis' by Breaking in a Sequence
Originally performed by Faith No More
A fun and enthusiastic Nu-Metal cover of this 90s classic. DC

56. 'Modern Love' by Jonah Mutono
Originally performed by David Bowie
We've highlighted BBE Records earlier through their fantastic Radiohead tribute project, 'Exit Music', well the London label has done it again this time celebrating the music of David Bowie featuring a host of Bowie renditions from the likes of Khruangbin, KING, Meshell Ndegeocello.  The Jonah Mutono version of the project's title track is a really sublime version. IM

57. 'My Sharona' by Royal Blood
Originally performed by The Knack
Another live performance from Radio 1's Live Lounge makes our list with the Brighton duo tackling the classic by The Knacks. TS

58. 'Need you Tonight' by Cassettes Won't Listen
Originally performed by INXS
Not veering a million miles away from the original, this version was found on the CWL release 'Guilt By Association, Vol.2'. TS

59. 'No Diggity' by Chet Faker
Originally performed by Blackstreet featuring Dr Dre & Queen Pen
Included on his debut EP 'Thinking in Textures', this inspired and more electronic-leading take on the 90s R&B classic produced by Teddy Riley is propelled here by a fantastic vocal. TS

60. 'No One Knows' by The Vaccines
Originally performed by Queens of the Stone Age
With covers from a huge amount of names including Stuart Matthewman and Mark Ronson, this version of the track features on The Vaccines covers EP 'Cosy Karaoke, Vol.1'. TS

61. 'No Ordinary Love' by Deftones
Originally performed by Sade
A moody and sultry rendition by the Deftones does right by the classic Sade track from the 'Love Deluxe' album. TS

62. 'Pumped Up Kicks' by 3 Teeth
Originally performed by Foster the People
It makes little sense that a fast-rising industrial band would cover a song by the criminally underrated indie band Foster the People. Yet the result is a fairly heavy wall of electric distortion that still manages to retain all the goodness of the catchy chorus. File under shouldn't work, but does. DC

63. 'Rapture' by Ink Project
Originally performed by Blondie
Blondie's 1981 original sees itself receive an epic electronic makeover with an excellent vocal from Melanie Dymond and production from Ink Project and Blind Colour label founder, Jez Lloyd. IM

64. 'Reckoner' by Cee-Lo Green
Originally performed by Radiohead
Not many singers have the vocal range to match Thom Yorke, but Cee Lo Green comes surprisingly close with this beautiful take on a mind-altering Radiohead classic. DC

65. 'Red Right Hand' by Arctic Monkeys
Originally performed by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The original song found a new audience due to its use in hit TV series Peakey Blinders. Suprisingly, even before that Alex Turner and co had created a higher tempo version with added elements from The Arctic Monkey's trademark sound. DC

66. 'Rhiannon' by Res
Originally performed by Fleetwood Mac
The 'Refried Mac' EP from alternative R&B vocalist Res featured some excellent covers from the hallowed catalogue of Fleetwood Mac but this version of 'Rhiannon' has always been the clear stand-out. IM

67. 'Ride on Time' by The Bamboos
Originally performed by Black Box
Australian funk & soul connoisseurs, The Bamboos, covering Black Box's 'Ride on Time' is one of the most out of the box collaborations that makes this list but the results are undeniable. IM

68. 'Running up that Hill' by Placebo
Originally performed by Kate Bush
The first time I heard this track it was used on an amazing promo video for Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker match at Wrestlemania and being a lifelong fan of Kate Bush it really stuck with me. Brian Molko's dark and mournful vocals take Bush's already ethereal lyrics to a different, almost chilling, place.  TS

69. 'Sabotage' by Cancer Bats
Originally performed by Beastie Boys
Surprising there hasn't been more heavy metal covers of Beastie Boys songs considering how well this one works. DC

70. 'Save a Prayer' by Bob Moses
Originally performed by Duran Duran
A series of acoustic performances in support of the 'Battle Lines' album were compiled for an exclusive EP release with this take on Duran Duran's popular tune garnering the most attention. TS

​
​71. 'Seconds' by LCD Sound System
Originally performed by New Order
LCD Sound System covering New Order feels like a natural progression within a shared genre and sounds even better. DC

72. 'Seven Nation Army' by Ben L'Oncle Soul
Originally performed by White Stripes
French soul singer Ben l'Oncle Soul covered the song on his self-titled album. Released as the album's debut single, 'Seven Nation Army' was a commercial success in multiple countries. TS

73. 'Shadowplay' by The Killers
Originally performed by Joy Division
Whatever the cover, Brandon Flowers and co rarely disappoint. Anything that keeps Joy Division from being forgotten cannot be sniffed at. DC

74. 'Shake It Off' by Us the Duo
Originally performed by Taylor Swift
A lovely acoustic-driven cover of the Taylor Swift song saw the duo aim the song towards teens and online abuse.  In the band's own words, "Thanks to all of our fans with giant hearts and tough skin for speaking back to hateful words #ishakeitoff". TS

75. 'Sledgehammer' by Maiysha
Originally performed by Peter Gabriel
From the 'This Much is True' album, several versions of Maiysha's cover are available to seek out including a "Plush" remix and a "Hush" remix. TS

76. 'Smack My Pitch (Bitch) Up' by The Traffic
Originally performed by The Prodigy
The Traffic making their second appearance on our list with a typically eclectic track for them to immerse themselves into - insane energy on this one, we really recommend people checking out the group's Bandcamp page to hear awesome new versions of some of your favourites. TS

77. 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Robert Glasper Experiment
Originally performed by Nirvana
Clearly one of the most difficult songs for anyone to cover with some renditions even making many online 'worst ever covers' lists so what chance would a jazz-fusion band of creating something magical?  On paper, this is a car crash waiting to happen but, in truth, it's awesome!  IM

78. 'Snow Blind' by System of a Down
Originally performed by Black Sabbath
An insane cover of an absolute rock classic. I think Serj Tankian could add his vocal to a cat food commercial and instantly make it awesome. DC

79. 'SOS' by Fozzy
Originally performed by Abba
A wrestling legend (with his classic rock band), covering the best pop band of all time, what's not to like? DC

80. 'Still in Love With You' by Sade
Originally performed by Thin Lizzy
Not partial to releasing many covers at all, Sade's excellent rendition of Thin Lizzy's track was included as a never-before-released bonus number on the two-disc 'Ultimate Collection' package celebrating Sade's revered catalogue. IM

81. 'Stop Me' by Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather
Originally performed by The Smiths
Smith's fans weren't happy, but this Ronson reworking definitely breathed new life into one of Mozza and the band's dusty old chestnuts. DC

82. 'Summer in the City' by Incognito featuring Carleen Anderson
Originally performed by Quincy Jones
Incognito's 'Bees + Things + Flowers' album featured some fantastic covers of classic soul and jazz tracks and while there was some stiff competition between Roy Ayers 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' and America's 'Tin Man', the anthemic Quincy Jones cover just pipped them for inclusion here. IM

83. 'Take Care' by Florence & The Machine
Originally performed by Drake featuring Rihanna
Another entry that comes to us as part of Radio 1's Live Lounge, Florence's version adds itself to a track with something of an unusual lineage with Gil Scott-Heron's original popularized by its accompanying Jamie xx remix, which was subsequently covered by Drake which was subsequently covered by Florence. IM

84. 'Teardrop' by Hayley Williams
Originally performed by Massive Attack featuring Elizabeth Fraser
Truth be told I've never listened to a single Paramore track so I have pretty much zero knowledge of anything Hayley Williams during her time with the band. However I am a big fan of Massive Attack and Teardrop in particular is an all-time classic track of theirs for me. Hayley doesn't actually do much to change up the flow of the original but there's a rockier edge to her vocals which contrasts well with the vulnerability of the lyrics. Hayley has actually gone solo in the last couple of years and her solo work is more sombre and lowkey than her work with Paramore so it's fitting that Teardrop was her first foray into that sound. TS

85. 'The Girl from Ipanema' by Amy Winehouse
Originally performed by Antonio Carlos Jobim
The inimitable Amy Winehouse brings her charm and personality to the oft-covered bossa nova standard. TS

86. 'The Seed 2.0' by The Roots featuring Cody ChesnuTT
Originally performed by Cody ChesnuTT
With the original version of this song recorded by Cody ChesnuTT in his bedroom as part of his two-disc 'Headphone Masterpiece' album, the revamped version is helmed by The Roots from their eclectic 'Phrenology' project and features the song's original architect as a bonus treat. IM

87. 'The Sound of Silence' by Disturbed
Originally performed by Simon and Garfunkel
First they were down with sickness, now they are down with the whimsical warblings of folking legends Art and Paul. What next? Covers of Genesis? DC

88. 'This Woman's Work' by Maxwell
Originally performed by Kate Bush
Maxwell initially included this cover as part of his MTV Unplugged set following the release of his debut album 'Urban Hang Suite'.  Announcing Kate Bush as "the bomb", the contemporary soul icon launched into his exquisite falsetto-driven rendition cementing it as a classic for Maxwell fans everywhere.  Having the cover so well received prompted a studio recording to be included on the artist's third album 'Now'. TS

89. 'To Hell with Poverty' by Die Krupps
Originally performed by Gang of Four
German industrial band Die Krupps covering post punk band Gang of Four? Not the musical marriage you'd expect, but the result is definitely worth a listen. DC

90. 'Toxic' by Mark Ronson featuring ODB & Tiggers
Originally performed by Britney Spears
One of three entries on our list, Mark Ronson's pairing with The Dap-Kings for the 'Version' project resulted in some brilliant renditions including this ODB-assisted take on the Britney Spears hit. TS

91. 'Under the Moon & Over the Sky' by Lasperanza featuring Heidi Vogel & Keni Stevens
Originally performed by Angela Bofill
Created as something of a love letter to the music he grew up with, saxophonist and producer, Rico "Lasperanza" Garofalo, birthed a 10-track masterpiece for Dome Records that featured some loving recreations of tracks by Michael Jackson and Al Green aided by some excellent vocal contributions. IM

92. 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Nick Pride & The Pimptones featuring Susan Hamilton
Originally performed by Massive Attack featuring Shara Nelson
Initially released as a vinyl-only limited run, this excellent cover by the Newcastle Upon Tyne-based band is now part of a free-to-download compilation on Bandcamp entitled 'The Bootleg Project'. IM

93. 'Valerie' by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse
Originally performed by The Zutons
The eagle-eyed among you will have noted that Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is credited as providing percussion on this track.  The story goes that he was so keen to record with Winehouse that he said he'd happily be a part of the session if only for hand claps.  Suspecting he'd actually be granted the opportunity to drum on the track when he arrived at the studio, imagine his surprise when Daptone drummer Homer Steinweiss was already sat in the chair. IM

94. 'What You Won't Do for Love' by Jessie Ware
Originally performed by Bobby Caldwell
Initially recorded by Bobby Caldwell as the final song to his debut album when the label felt the album was missing a hit record.  Caldwell diagreed but the label were clearly right as this has become one of Caldwell's most signature songs.  Both covered and sampled multiple times, this is a lovely version by Jessie Ware to include for the list. TS

95. 'Wish' by Device
Originally performed by Nine Inch Nails
There have been numerous covers of this high-octane NIN classic, none better than industrial supergroup Device's 2013 version. DC

96. 'Wonderwall' by Ryan Adams
Originally performed by Oasis
Included as part of Adams' 'Love is Hell' album, even the song's creator Noel Gallagher had to tip his hat to this version by saying in a 2008 SPIN magazine interview "We’ve never got it right. It’s too slow or too fast. I think Ryan Adams is the only person who ever got that song right." IM

97. 'Woo Hah (Got You All in Check)' by Setenta
Originally performed by Busta Rhymes
If a jazz quartet from Lahore, Pakistan, covering the 90s classic 'New York State of Mind' could be topped by anything then it would have to be the Latin soul band from France, Setenta, covering Busta Rhymes.  It's everything you would imagine it to be! IM

98. 'Word Up' by Willis
Originally performed by Cameo
Word Up! By Cameo has been covered numerous times by a wide range of artists from Korn! to Mel B but when I randomly came across this bluesy version by little known band Willis years ago I immediately fell in love with the sultry vocals of lead singer Hayley Willis. She weaves her way easily through Cameo's funkfest with a smoothness that shows her love of the original but puts her own mark on a classic. It can be a dangerous thing trying to change up such a beloved and well know track but for me Willis pulled it off. TS

99. 'You've Got the Love' by Florence & The Machine
Originally performed by Candi Staton
We began the list with a cover by Florence & The Machine so it's fitting we include one at the end as well.  A massive hit that requires little by way of an introduction - this one can be found on the band's debut album 'Lungs'. TS

100. 'Zombie' by Sarah Elizabeth Charles
Originally performed by The Cranberries
This marks Sarah Elizabeth Charles' second entry into our list, following her contribution to Jessie Fischer's 'Loving You', and this passionate take on The Cranberries matches the original's energy and fiery passion perfectly. IM

​Episode #39 of the Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind podcast sees the team delve into the concept of the immediacy of entertainment, more specifically delving into the conversation around TV shows. While the concept of Netflix and other streaming services had introduced the notion of a complete series being uploaded in one go as something of the new norm, there are small shifts in the release of new shows that hark back to a more traditional weekly release schedule. What factors inform our preferences, and are there advantages to each type of release schedule? Plus, we conclude the episode with an intriguing look into the notion of the subscription lifestyle permeating into more than just our entertainment consumption and what the future could mean for our desired level of control in regards to our viewing habits.

00:00 Hi
03:06 Is this a generational conversation?
09:50 Episodic episodes vs binging
22:19 Can the varying release schedules help or hinder a show's success?
26:07 Is there pressure to keep up with shows?
36:39 The watercooler conversation
41:22 How much can you binge?
51:13 The subscription lifestyle + the evolution of "control"​