People have been finding this post for years because Gary Jules sounds a little like Michael Stipe.
R.E.M. does not sing “Mad World.” Gary Jules does. And it’s a Tears for Fears cover? Those first two sentences are for the good folks finding their way here by searching “REM Mad World.” The third sentence is an admission: if it’s not “Shout” or that other song, I don’t know it. “Everybody Wants to Rule The World.” That’s a great one.
I was listening to WXPN tonight and they were streaming some indie band who said “we promised to learn a song by the beautiful Leonard Cohen for tonight. But then we didn’t.” Just last night a friend emailed me and said “I actually don’t listen to all that much Leonard Cohen (interpretation, I don’t listen to leonard cohen but I don’t want to sound uncool by saying so straight out.”)
This post is originally from July, 2008. As I add these notes, that’s over a decade ago. Everyone who wasn’t already a Leonard Cohen fan then now surely is.
This next part was an update to the original post from a few years ago, from whenever The King is Dead came out:
A few days ago, I heard The Decemberists talking about their new record, The King Is Dead. Colin Meloy was getting into the influences behind the album’s vibe and used the adjective REMy. I thought, well yes, “Down By The Water” is basically “The One I Love” with different words, more accordion, and Gillian Welch. Then David Dye mentioned that Peter Buck played on three tracks and asked Colin Meloy what that was like. Meloy said that Buck was really cool about the influence and put the band at ease by saying he learned everything he knew from the Byrds. Speaking of influences, I’m still waiting for a Wilco/Belle & Sebastian performance of “This Is Just a Modern Rock Song/California Stars.” Come on, team.
Chris Cocca 
Mad World is a beautiful (albeit a bit depressing…) track. Have you heard the version off of the Donnie Darko soundtrack? Michael Andrews performs… check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v52Igdotisk
Simply amazing choreography.
that is pretty awesome. Love that version. I was thinking about using the song in church during Lent. Can you imagine what could be done with it on Good Friday?
Oh, i think its too dark for church. I was also confused on this for a while…Gary Jules SINGS the song for the Darko soundtrack and Michael Andrews PLAYS the music. Yes, its a Tears for Fears cover, but their version is all speedy, and well…awful really.
Tears for fears version is awesome. The original and best version
I agree Kp, however, have you heard the following version by Curt and his daughter, Diva (who just happens to be gorgeous)
thanks for Jules/Andrews clarification. That makes sense.
As far as this song in church, think of it as a Maundy Thursday song, song from the perspective of the about-to-be-handed-over-and-crucified Jesus.
Someone very dear to my heart used to do a cover of Mad World blended with Silent Night with just a male vocal and an acoustic guitar. It was excellent, and effectively unsettling.
sounds like it would be.
What…no Leonard Cohen video links? The man is a genius and he still “has it” even in his golden years.
he’s The Man. What’s your favorite Leonard Cohen song?
without a doubt…Hallelujah…that song is pure soul
agreed. “The Stranger Song”, “Suzanne”, “So, Long Marianne”, “Famous Blue Raincoat”, “If It Be Your Will” are five others that come right to mind for me, but “Hallelujah” is my favorite, and Leonard’s studio version of it from 1984 is my favorite version ever.
His poetry is amazing as well….”A Thousand Kisses Deep” comes to mind…….and of course the song…”I’m Your Man” The 2009, Live in London, DVD is really great.
Thanks for educating us CC!
I have his poetry book that was published when he was an undergrad, Let Us Compare Mythologies. There are some excellent, excellent poems in there. I’m fond of “Prayer For Messiah”, among others.
I’ll have to get on that, thanks!
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Yes, REM did. They renamed it “It’s the End of the Mad World As We Know It”. . .
In what universe does “Gary Jules sounds a little like Michael Stipe”?
I mean, a little. Enough that people are convinced REM does Mad World.