A.V. Undercover

A.V. Undercover is a fascinating and unique web series from The Onion, an American digital media company and news satire organization known for its humorous and often biting takes on popular culture and news events. While The Onion is primarily known for its satirical articles, A.V. Undercover showcases a different angle of their work, focusing on music in a way that is equally engaging and refreshing.

Launched in 2010 and primarily hosted on The A.V. Club, The Onion's non-satirical entertainment section, A.V. Undercover is a creative and innovative premise where bands or solo artists visit the A.V. Club office in Chicago and cover a song from a list pre-selected by the A.V. Club's staff. The list typically includes a mix of well-known classics, recent hits, and cult favorites across various genres, ensuring diversity, unpredictability, and versatility.

The charm of A.V. Undercover is not only in the delightful randomness of its concept but also in the unexpected musical treasures it often uncovers. Some of the reinterpretations bring a whole new dimension to the original songs, revealing surprising connections between different musical styles. Others stand out for the sheer passion and talent of the performers, who frequently manage to make something truly personal and unique out of well-worn material. Throughout each episode, viewers can expect to experience the pure joy of musicians indulging their passion and talent while also paying homage to their idols or exploring new musical landscapes.

Each episode of A.V. Undercover begins with a brief interview segment, where the artists discuss their choice from the list and share insights about their preparation and approach to the song. This offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the underpinnings of the musical process, adding depth and context to the performances. Once the conversation ends, the music begins, and viewers are treated to an exclusive live performance right in the offices of The A.V. Club.

A.V. Undercover has an incredibly wide array of artists, ranging from established acts like Mumford & Sons, They Might Be Giants, and The Punch Brothers to indie darlings like Sharon Van Etten, Mitski, and The Mountain Goats. Owing to this, the show has an impressive genre diversity covering the whole gamut of being downright fun, emotional, electrifying and sometimes, even surreal. It’s almost like a surprise jam session where nothing is off-limits, as long as it’s on the song list.

The cinematography of A.V. Undercover is quite simple and straightforward, often just using a static camera setup in a small, intimate set. However, the lack of fanciness serves to highlight the main focus of the show – the music. It’s stripped raw of any glamour, just musicians, their instruments and a passion for the song they’re recreating. The show thrives on its simplicity and makes the viewer feel they are right there, witnessing the creative process unfold in real-time.

The heart of the show is its unpredictability. Each week, the list shrinks, gradually running out of options, leaving later bands to face a more limited selection. Additionally, multiple bands may wish to cover the same song, creating a playful sense of competition. This unpredictability ensures that each episode is a surprise, making it a memorable experience not just for the audience but also the performers.

As it continually challenges musicians to step outside of their comfort zones, A.V. Undercover is a testament to the versatility and creativity inherent in music. For viewers, it is a rare chance not only to find delight in rediscovering beloved songs but also to explore new music they might not have encountered otherwise. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply someone who enjoys a unique take on pop culture, A.V. Undercover will strike a chord with its innovative concept, diverse artist lineup, and inspiring performances.