Songs That Get Under Your Skin - Unexpected Entry

When Gnarls Barkley released their single 'Crazy' back in May of 2006, I instantly connected to it. From the very first verse, they had a life long fan. With Cee-Lo Green's vocals, and Danger Mouse's arrangements, it was something that had never the likes had never been heard of before on radio. And the video, with the ever changing Rorschach test incorporating the members of the band with various images...spellbinding.

Last night, while searching Youtube for a video for 'Trouble', I came across a cover of 'Crazy' by Ray Lamontagne. It was as if he was the songwriter. Whereas Cee-Lo gave the impression that he had become comfortable with his mental issues, Lamontagne sings the song as if he is not only comfortable, but thrives off the instability. He has been so familiar with this "crazy" for such a long period of time that it is part of him now. He is in control of it. It doesn't control him. It's that kind of vibe that he gives with his vocals, that feeling that it is so much a part of him, that it is ingrained in him, that makes the song almost uncomfortable to listen to. I absolutely loved it. I hope you do to.

Side note: I've looked everywhere. I cannot find a website(ITunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, etc.) where this song is available.

Songs That Get Under Your Skin, Part II

Recorded for the 2001 film 'Donnie Darko', this cover of the 1982 Tears for Fears hit 'Mad World', by Gary Jules, instantly, and forever, gets under your skin.

I remember watching the movie the first time. The song comes in at the end. Instead of paying attention to the movie, I'm thinking to myself, "Oh my god. What a creepy song. Wait. Is that 'Mad World'?

The song is stunning. The first time you hear it, the piano(courtesy of Michael Andrews) will haunt you for days. The song has been featured in many TV shows and commercials since 2001, most notably A&E's 'The Cleaner', and 'CSI'. XBox 360 had a very successful ad campaign a couple of years ago using the song for it's 'Gears of War' game. But for me, it will always remind me of 'Donnie Darko'. Hope you enjoy the song, and I hope it haunts you too until you have to pass it on to someone else.

Songs That Get Under Your Skin, Part I

My wife and I were talking a few days ago about how there are some songs that instantly get under your skin. One for example would be 'Mad World', by Gary Jules, a cover of an old Tears for Fears song featured in the movie 'Donnie Darko'. We both instantly agreed on this one.

In 2003, Placebo covered the 1985 Kate Bush song, 'Running Up That Hill'. From the first time I heard it, I have never been able what to make of it. I think it was Blender magazine that said that Kate's version sounded like she was trying to make a deal with God. Placebo's cover sounded more like they were trying to make a pact with the Devil. It's haunting, touching, deeply moving and personal...and easily, one of my favorite songs. Enjoy.

Placebo - Running up that hill