Haven't listened to Mad World on iTunes yet -- waiting for the video tomorrow for the full effect. In the meantime, I've been watching many of the vast number of covers on YouTube. A few observations:
- Amazing how many great covers there are. As much as we loved Lambert's and Joey Cook's versions, there are many more equally as good.
- I wasn't impressed with Susan Boyle on
I Dreamed a Dream, but
Holy Smokes! on
Mad World.
- Best of the YouTube amateurs:
Jasmine Thompson.
- All of the college acapella groups were awful.
- Not a lot of male/female duets, although
Ashley Smith/Cody Robbins was nice.
- Best overall Gary Jules himself.
This version was wonderful until the original Tears for Fears signer joined in at the end and ruined it.
- Best in the original TFF style,
Smoky Plans.
- My personal favorite by Julia Westlin, who hooked me in the middle with the harmony featured over the melody for an intriguing effect.
Looking forward to seeing how Haley and PMJ differentiate themselves. It's a tall order.