This Is Embarrassing: Goot, Bieber, Glee

Okay, this is embarrassing. YouTube has a way of getting me to watch or listen to things I would never give the time of day. I say this like I have no control over what I search for (things like this), but that would be like believing that Obama was really a Christian born in America. Here are three videos that I've watched way too many times.

One of the best/worst categories of YouTube videos is the self-made pop song cover. There are different kinds, from webcam videos to slick productions like this nerd in the top video. He's singing an American Idol-ish version of "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz, a catchy song that sounds better after four drinks, that I can't help but really like. Getting past the dance beat in the original, this Alex Goot character strips the song down to an acoustic guitar, piano and electric keyboard, and drums, that really emphasizes how good the melody is. He performs all the instruments himself, like a modern day Prince... or something like that. He also does a cover of "California Gurls," which nearly cancels out all the goodwill he accumulates with "Dynamite."

The next embarrassing song I love right now is *sigh* "Runaway Love" by Justin Bieber. I would be lying if I said I first heard this as part of Kanye's sample in his "Runaway Love" remix with Raekwon that splices the song with "Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing To Fuck Wit," but I was well aware of "Runaway Love" long before. I hate to say it, but it's a really good song. The YouTube video of the song describes it as "Michael Jackson-ish," and I would have to agree, except Biebs can't really dance or sing and hasn't started molesting boys.

I was at a dive bar in Athens after the Arkansas game a few weeks ago, and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler came over the speakers. I knew the words way too well, and I have Glee to thank for this knowledge. Glee is at its best when it combines the perfect song and video that actually pushes the plot forward, which, you know, is what a musical does. Although the show is incredibly manic and devolves into one-liners and awkward song choices performed by adults (I'm looking at you, Will Schuester), it does hit it out of the park sometimes. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" has all that you need: a song that captures the emotions of the characters, a well executed video (but why are they randomly doing ballet?), and Jonathon Groff's incredible hair. (Take that, Schuester! I really don't like that character.)