Mad World
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Mad World" is a song originally written by Roland Orzabal of the British band Tears for Fears. It was released in 1982 and reached number 3 on the UK Singles chart and later number 2 in South Africa, and was included on the album The Hurting which was released early in 1983.
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[edit] Cover Versions
[edit] Jules/Andrews, 2001
The song reached a larger audience 19 years later, in 2001, when it was covered by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews for the film Donnie Darko and became the 2003 Christmas number one single in the UK.
The Tears for Fears version featured various synthesizers and could be considered somewhat of a dance song, albeit having a dark undertone. Jules' version was simpler and instead of a full musical backing, used only a haunting set of piano chords and a cello. Originally released in 2002 on the Donnie Darko soundtrack (Everloving Records), Jules' version of the song took two years to reach the charts.
In 2005, this version appeared on the popular US television show, CSI in the 2nd episode of the 6th season, "Room Service". Afterwards, it was also used in episodes of Cold Case, Smallville, Judging Amy, and Third Watch and ER , as well as in several episodes in the fall 2006 season of Without a Trace. It also appears on a compilation album released by San Francisco radio station KLLC. A slightly remixed part of the song was used in the TV commercial for the 2006 Xbox 360 game Gears of War. The song has increased in popularity because of the Gears of War commercial, and at one point in late 2006 was number one on the iTunes music store.
[edit] Nu Romantix, 2001
There is a version by the Nu Romantix featuring DJ John Bora, labeled the "A1 Pulsedriver remix", 6:55, released by Dos or Die Recordings, DOS 175, Germany, in 2001. In 2004 a compilation mix by VA was released on May 3rd, samples from the Nu Romantix mix was included on the CD but track title was changed. Listed as "Familiar Faces - Mad World" Track 11. CD Title: "Hard Dance Mania Vol 1 - Mixed by Pulsedriver".
[edit] Finch, 2002
An acoustic version of Mad World, performed by alternative band Finch was one of three songs released on their "Rolling Stone Acoustic Session", November 2002.
[edit] Alex Parks, 2003
Alex Parks included a cover of Mad World on her first album, Introduction (2003).
[edit] Evergreen Terrace, 2004
Evergreen Terrace also did a cover of Mad World that can be heard on their album Writer's Block from February 2004.
[edit] Brainclaw, 2004
Brainclaw did a cover in April 2004 which can be downloaded at their website.
[edit] Die Toten Hosen, 2004
On their show at the Rock am Ring Festival 2004 at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany (where they played as headliners), Die Toten Hosen covered the song. Although the concert was recorded live on MTV, "Mad World" did not appear on TV, but was later released on their DVD "Rock am Ring 2004". By the way, translated into English, "Die Toten Hosen" means "The Dead Pants".
[edit] The Red Paintings, 2005
The Red Paintings produced a cover of Mad World that appeared on their Walls EP album in 2005, featuring an acoustic cello and guitar arrangement.
Additionally, they played a live version of this cover in conjunction with the Dresden Dolls during their 2006 tour.
[edit] Wise Guys, 2006
The Wise Guys are a German acapella pop music band. The song is track 18 on their album, Radio, released May 5, 2006.
[edit] Sara Hickman, 2006
Austin, Texas artist Sara Hickman produced a version of Mad World on her double album "Motherlode" in June 2006.
[edit] Trampled By Turtles, 2006
Duluth, Minnesota-based non-traditional bluegrass band, Trampled By Turtles have performed Mad World at festivals throughout the county, including at the 2006 10,000 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
[edit] Martin White
Martin White[1] produced an instrumental cover played exclusively with an accordion.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by: "Changes" by Ozzy Osbourne & Kelly Osbourne |
UK number one single December 21, 2003 |
Succeeded by: "All This Time" by Michelle McManus |
