IT’S a mad world – in Britain at least.
A cover of “Mad World,” a 1983 Tears for Fears tune, has made stars in London out of two Los Angeles musicians, who are barely a blip on the American music scene.
For three weeks running, Gary Jules, 34, and Michael Andrews, 36, have a No. 1 hit in England with their 3-year-old, stripped-down version of “Mad World” by Brit new wavers Tears for Fears.
“We’re a completely unknown duo from Los Angeles with a song that has no drums, no bass and a suicidal chorus,” Jules told The Post.
The song took the highly coveted No. 1 spot for Christmas week. But it’s scarcely registered on the American scene – for the most part, its only airplay has been on some non-commercial radio stations.
“It’s surreal,” says Jules about his newfound overseas popularity. “I’m an indie guy.”
It took the duo three years to become overnight sensations with “Mad World,” which was recorded in 2000 for the soundtrack to cult flick “Donnie Darko.”
The song, pivotal to the film’s climax, slowly grew a following over the Internet and through small radio stations.
Jules and Andrews tracked the song’s worldwide growth through the Web. It was spun on radio stations as far away as Israel and Sweden.
It hit the top of the Brit charts by being the most requested song on Britain’s national pop and rock station, Radio One.
“Not only have we been friends forever, we’ve been playing music together for 20 years,” Jules says. “I was in Michael’s band in junior high school. We’ve made hundreds and hundreds of songs together.”
He says the duo never really cared if they made it big. But, “once you got it, it’s cool,” he admits.
The track has had some exposure in America – on commercial-free stations such as KCRW in L.A. and WFUV, in New York. But the uncharted song may begin rolling across America soon.
The tune, which will be released as single here, has been added to L.A.’s KROQ’s playlist and other more mainstream West Coast stations. Also, discussions are being held with labels to re-release Jules’ indie-album, “Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets.”
Jules will be rolling across America, too – he’s returning to Europe to tour for two months, then will hit New York for some shows in the spring.
