Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: The List & Portland

Released on March 12, 2025

In the second hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the realm of cover songs, exploring the best renditions that surpass their original versions. The episode, aptly titled "The List & Portland," not only presents a curated list of standout cover tracks but also intertwines discussions about the Portland Trailblazers, offering listeners a blend of music and sports insights.

1. Exploring the Best Cover Songs

The primary focus of this episode revolves around identifying and debating the greatest cover songs of all time. The trio engages in passionate discussions, weighing the merits of each cover against its original counterpart.

• "The Sound of Silence" by Disturbed vs. Simon & Garfunkel

  • Don La Greca ([00:52]–[01:38]): Expresses frustration over a missing playlist but shifts focus to discussing impactful covers.
  • Peter Rosenberg ([01:01]–[02:01]): States, “I think everybody would collectively say it's better than the original” regarding Disturbed's cover.
  • Alan Hahn ([01:10]–[02:29]): Agrees with the superiority of certain covers, highlighting the emotional depth they bring.

• "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston vs. Dolly Parton

  • Peter Rosenberg ([03:21]–[04:16]): Advocates for Whitney Houston’s rendition, mentioning Dolly Parton’s country hit.
  • Don La Greca ([04:45]–[06:20]): Emphasizes the emotional power Houston's version holds over the original.

• "Blinded by the Light" by Manfred Mann vs. Bruce Springsteen

  • Alan Hahn ([03:18]–[04:16]): Differentiates between the commercial success of Manfred Mann’s version and Bruce’s original.
  • Peter Rosenberg ([03:57]–[04:16]): Appreciates the cover’s impact despite not favoring the original Bruce song.

• "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix vs. Bob Dylan

  • Caller Javier from Queens ([14:40]–[15:32]): Suggests Jimi Hendrix’s cover, stating, “It’s probably one of the biggest hits for Jimi Hendrix.”
  • Don La Greca ([15:10]–[15:32]): Agrees, noting Hendrix’s unique take on the classic.

• "Respect" by Aretha Franklin vs. Otis Redding

  • Alan Hahn ([07:58]–[08:41]): Reveals that Aretha Franklin’s iconic version is a cover of Otis Redding’s original, highlighting its profound impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg ([00:31]): “There's a crazy one that I'm not putting on the list.”
• Alan Hahn ([01:10]): “High I'll put things better than the original.”
• Don La Greca ([03:38]): “Wow. It might make you cry.”
• Peter Rosenberg ([03:00]): “Now, four was a hit song. Not my particular favorite, but it's clearly better than the original.”

2. Listener Engagement and Song Suggestions

Throughout the episode, listeners actively contribute their favorite cover songs, sparking lively debates among the hosts.

• "Hallelujah" by Rufus Wainwright vs. Leonard Cohen

  • Don La Greca ([06:31]–[06:50]): Introduces Rufus Wainwright’s rendition, claiming it’s “so good” and emotionally stirring.

• "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell vs. Gloria Jones

  • Alan Hahn ([20:31]–[21:50]): Discusses the origins, revealing that Soft Cell’s version is a cover of Gloria Jones’s lesser-known track.

• "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm vs. Michael Jackson

  • Caller Eric from Baltimore ([22:20]–[23:14]): Praises Alien Ant Farm’s energetic cover, which blends seamlessly into the American Pie soundtrack.

• "You Can't Hurry Love" by Phil Collins vs. The Supremes

  • Caller Adam from California ([21:50]–[22:18]): Advocates for Phil Collins’s version, emphasizing its pop appeal over The Supremes' original.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller Javier ([14:40]): “That has to be in the top five. First and foremost.”
• Peter Rosenberg ([22:26]): “It's fun. It’s on the American Pie soundtrack that tells you all you need to know, right?”
• Alan Hahn ([22:52]): “I did not know that it was James Ray in 1962.”

3. The Portland Trailblazers Segment

Transitioning from music, the hosts shift focus to the Portland Trailblazers, discussing their recent performance and implications for upcoming games.

• Discussion on Trailblazers' Performance:
  • Peter Rosenberg ([26:23]–[27:00]): Reflects on his connection with Portland Trailblazers, hinting at personal significance.
  • Don La Greca ([26:07]–[26:54]): Shares anecdotes about supporting the team and his enthusiasm despite uncertainties.
  • Caller Interaction ([27:01]–[28:20]): Airminders express mixed emotions about the team's strategies and performance, leading to playful banter among hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg ([26:26]): “Sometimes I wonder, Peter, if I really did listen to the show.”
• Don La Greca ([26:43]): “We've never discussed this.”
• Alan Hahn ([27:10]): “Why? But what really emotionally burned me like a, like a cigarette put out on my soul is that he just has no idea.”

4. Lighthearted Banter and Final Thoughts

As the episode progresses, the hosts engage in playful exchanges, reflecting on their dynamic and the spirited nature of their discussions.

• Mock Arguments:

  • Alan Hahn ([29:07]–[30:23]): Critiques his own take on Disturbed’s version of "The Sound of Silence," admitting it offended some listeners.
  • Don La Greca ([29:09]–[29:16]): Teases Alan about his critiques, keeping the mood light.

• Closing Remarks:

  • Don La Greca ([25:00]–[26:00]): Encourages listeners to participate in contests and stay tuned for upcoming Knicks games.
  • Alan Hahn ([31:09]–[31:44]): Admits to personal speech habits, joking about repetitive phrases.
  • Peter Rosenberg ([31:28]–[32:01]): Reflects on the evolution of their camaraderie and the show's direction.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([30:23]): “I just. I'm sure Disturbed has great music and they're very talented.”
• Don La Greca ([31:25]): “That's what we do. You're welcome.”
• Peter Rosenberg ([32:02]): “It's a. It's a.”

5. Promotions and Giveaways

Throughout the episode, the hosts intermittently promote contests and giveaways, engaging listeners with opportunities to win exclusive experiences.

• Knicks Meet and Greet:
  • Don La Greca ([28:22]–[29:01]): Announces a chance to win a meet and greet with Knicks legend John Stark at an upcoming game against Portland.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca ([28:22]): “Here's your once in a lifetime opportunity to win a meet and greet with Knicks legend John Stark in the ESPN New York Suite.”
• Alan Hahn ([29:07]): “Don, what else? This is what we do. You're welcome.”

Conclusion

"Hour 2: The List & Portland" delivers a rich blend of music analysis and sports commentary, showcasing the hosts' deep knowledge and passionate opinions. Through spirited debates, listener interactions, and engaging storytelling, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg create an entertaining and informative episode that resonates with fans of both music and sports.

Notable Timestamps and Quotes:

• [00:31] Don La Greca: “There's a crazy one that I'm not putting on the list.”
• [03:38] Alan Hahn: “I loved it. It is gorgeous.”
• [14:40] Caller Javier: “I'll throw one more out there. All along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix as a cover of a Bob Dylan song.”
• [26:12] Peter Rosenberg: “Sometimes I wonder, Peter, if I really did listen to the show.”
• [29:07] Don La Greca: “You offended, of course you did.”

This comprehensive exploration of cover songs, combined with lively sports discussions and audience participation, makes "Hour 2: The List & Portland" a standout episode in the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" series.