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  • 5
    Mar
    2013
    11:40am, EST

    Most unlikely mashup pairs 'Call Me Maybe' with Nine Inch Nails hit

    Getty Images

    Carly Rae Jepsen, left, goes "weeeeee!" Trent Reznor, right, goes "arrrrrrrgh!"

    By Kurt Schlosser, TODAY

    Nine Inch Nails fans won't like the fact that the band's hit "Head Like a Hole" has been mashed together with Carly Rae Jepsen's viral beast "Call Me Maybe." But if Trent Reznor's faithful lift their bobbing heads and wipe away the eyeliner streaming down their cheeks, they might just enjoy this most unlikely pairing.

    Pieced together beautifully on SoundCloud by pomDeterrific (with a hat tip for inspiring the idea to Reddit user carly_rae_reznor), the song, titled "Call Me A Hole," makes NIN's 1989 industrial anthem seem so carefree. And it's hilarious to imagine the person who Jepsen just met and asked to call her being told to "bow down before the one you serve."

    Reznor's vocals lose all of their angst and grit when set over the top of the bubblegum synth of Jepsen's song. Why is he screaming "I'd rather die than give you control!" to a legion of 13-year-old girls?!

    "Call Me Maybe" was the most downloaded track on iTunes in 2012. The video for the song has 418 million views on YouTube. Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like a Hole" video has 1.8 million views on YouTube. One of the videos features a shirtless lawn guy and an extended car washing scene. The other video features a rotating, half-man/half-machine head.

    User comments on the SoundCloud page range from, "This is the only mashup I have ever enjoyed this thoroughly" to "This makes me want to kill myself."

    You can't argue that Jepsen's pop hit lacked a catchy hook. So if all you hated was her lyrics, subbing in Reznor's words should do the trick, right? As Gawker simply notes -- it's "surprisingly good." Is it better than this attempt by Devo? Is it more fun than Kermit the Frog doing this "Hurt" cover? Go ahead and cast your vote below.

    Show more
    Explore related topics: music, featured, nine-inch-nails, trent-reznor, carly-rae-jepsen, call-me-maybe
  • 5
    Mar
    2013
    8:09am, EST

    Carly Rae Jepsen, Train pull out of Boy Scout event over gay ban

    AP, Getty Images file

    Carly Rae Jepsen and Patrick Monahan of Train.

    By Randee Dawn, NBC News contributor

    Carly Rae Jepsen and Train fans who also happen to be Boy Scouts: Don't count on seeing them perform at the upcoming Jamboree in July.

    Both artists have pulled out of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, an annual conclave that attracts over 50,000 participants, over the Scouts' position on including gay, lesbian and transgender members and leaders. Train and Jepsen had originally been slated as headliners for the West Virginia event.

    "As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer," Jepsen tweeted Tuesday morning. 

    Train members wrote on their blog last Friday, "When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen. We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organization. We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then."

    Over 63,000 people signed a petition at Change.org asking Jepsen to reconsider playing the event, while a collection of 140 petitions urging the Boy Scouts to end their ban has garnered 1.6 million signatures. 

    The Boy Scouts of America said in February that it needed "time for a more deliberate review" of its policy banning gay Scouts and leaders, delaying a final decision on the controversial membership guidelines that have dogged the private youth organization in recent years.


    Follow @ NBCNewsEnt

    Regarding the latest turn of events, spokesperson Deron Smith of the BSA told NBCNews.com, "We appreciate everyone’s right to express an opinion and remain focused on delivering a great Jamboree program for our Scouts."

    Miranda Leitsinger contributed to this report.

    Related content:

    • Unlikely mashup pairs Carly Rae Jepsen and Nine Inch Nails

    More in NBC News Entertainment:

    • Justin Bieber booed by London fans
    • Whitney Houston's FBI file reveals purported extortion attempt
    • What are Bono and Paul McCartney discussing at Paris Fashion Week?
    Show more
    Explore related topics: music, train, boy-scouts, featured, carly-rae-jepsen
  • 8
    Nov
    2012
    2:03pm, EST

    Carly Rae Jepsen accused of stealing 'Call Me Maybe' from Ukrainian singer

    Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images file

    Carly Rae Jepsen.

    By Josh Grossberg, E! Online

    Steal me maybe ... or maybe not? Carly Rae Jepsen is seeing that success sometimes has its downside.

    The Canadian crooner is on the receiving end of a copyright infringement suit filed by a fellow recording artist and producer who claimed she ripped off her sexually suggestive Christmas song and used it as the basis for Jepsen's infectious hit, "Call Me Maybe."

    Per the complaint set to be filed today in federal court in Los Angeles, Ukrainian popster AZA accused Jepsen and Scooter Braun (the manager she shares with Justin Bieber) of borrowing elements from her tune "Hunky Santa" off her album "High Speed" for "Call Me Maybe," which AZA claimed was a derivative work.

    Carly Rae Jepsen talks touring partner Justin Bieber: "His Energy Is Contagious"

    "I'm shocked and surprised that these people wanted to sample my lyrics on "Call Me Maybe," AZA said in a statement obtained by E! News. "They didn't ask me for permission -- they just stole it. That's why I filed this lawsuit. When I first listened to it on the radio while driving my car, I almost got into an accident. I couldn't believe what I was hearing."

    Watch on YouTube

    Also listed among the defendants are the 26-year-old popster's cowriters, Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay, as well as her label Schoolboy Records.

    The Ukrainian singer is seeking unspecified damages against Jepsen and company and a court order barring the parties from continuing to possess, distribute, sell, reproduce, advertise or promote "Call Me Maybe" around the world.

    Watch on YouTube

    Nine great moments from Comedy Central's Night of Too Many Stars

    Given that the video for "Call Me Maybe" has racked up over 325 million YouTube views, we can't imagine Carly's fans would be thrilled about that.

    An attorney for Jepsen could not be reached for comment.

    Carly's touring partner, Justin Bieber, is all grown up!

    Related content:

    • Which 'Call Me Maybe' parody is your favorite?
    • VIDEO: Jepsen performs 'Call Me Maybe' on TODAY
    Show more
    Explore related topics: music, featured, carly-rae-jepsen, call-me-maybe
  • 18
    Sep
    2012
    1:14pm, EDT

    'Call Me Maybe' meets 'Gangnam Style' in ultimate mashup

    Getty Images, AP

    Carly Rae Jepsen, left, and Psy, both during concerts on TODAY.

    By Courtney Hazlett, NBC News

    What could possibly be more viral or earwormy than Korean sensation Psy's "Gangnam Style," or Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe?" A mashup of both songs, of course.

    A Soundcloud user with lots of time and some mad editing skills has rather seamlessly put the two songs together for your listening pleasure. Give a listen to "Call Me Gangnam":

    We can only hope a video of some sort is in the works next. In the mean time, you can check out PSY's recent cameo on the 38th season premiere of "Saturday Night Live." And just for fun, a personal favorite -- Jimmy Fallon, Carly Rae Jepsen and the Roots covering "Call Me Maybe."

    Related Content:

    • Video: Carly Rae Jepsen performs 'Call Me Maybe' on TODAY
    • Video: 'Gangnam Style' makes plaza go gangbusters with PSY
    • Going Gangnam! This Korean music video has 117+ million YouTube view
    Show more
    Explore related topics: music, featured, psy, carly-rae-jepsen, call-me-maybe, gangnam-style
  • 22
    Aug
    2012
    6:29pm, EDT

    Which 'Call Me Maybe' parody is your favorite?

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, TODAY

    It's the most parodied, copied, lip-dubbed and reworked song of the summer. From Olympians to Cookie Monster, everyone who can carry a tune (or pretend to) has taken a turn belting out Carly Rae Jepsen's catchy, bouncy hit.

    Here are a few of our favorites:

    U.S. Olympic swim team
    They're talented athletes but they're also up on modern music -- and look terrific in their suits. Don't miss Ryan Lochte's blown kiss, Michael Phelps' wink and the hilarious airplane-aisle scene. And how much do we want a shot at that water slide?

    Watch on YouTube

    Jimmy Fallon and friends
    Hard to beat Jimmy Fallon's rendition -- after all, he has Jepsen herself singing along with his band The Roots. We love this for the variety of little-kid instruments enlisted, plus the fact that these folks are actually singing, not lip-synching.

    Watch on YouTube

    Harvard baseball team
    This early version is simpler than many of the elaborate ones that came later, but we still love it for the serious looks, the car-ceiling-thumping choreography and best of all, the one guy in the back seat who sleeps through it. Even the YouTube video has the explanation "yes, he was actually sleeping the whole time." (The Southern Methodist University women's crew team also has a version, and the two teams met on TODAY in May for a face-off, with the TODAY anchors joining in.)

    Watch on YouTube

    Kathie Lee and Hoda
    The ladies of TODAY's fourth hour got in on the craze too when the SMU and Harvard teams visited the show. They may not be ready to medal in synchronized kicking yet, but the results were pretty funny. Note Kathie Lee showing off the binder clips holding down her dress.

    U.S. Olympic dive team
    The divers couldn't let the swim team take all the watery, musical glory. Their version contains the awesome line, "Hey, I just medaled, and this is crazy, but Ryan Lochte, call me maybe!" It was also filmed during the Olympics, so viewers get to see what the athletes' housing looks like -- love the American flags hanging from their balconies.

    Watch on YouTube

    Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and pals
    Even celebrities who make their own music can't resist Jepsen's ditty. Check out Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and various friends of theirs rocking out with some fake mustaches, billiards equipment, a banana phone and a copy of "The Hunger Games."

    Watch on YouTube

    President Obama and Mitt Romney
    Jay Leno put the two politicians together in a car (OK, so it's not really them ...) for a fun version. Dig those black socks. (The Prez also rated a stand-alone take.)

    Cookie Monster
    Of course, furry blue Muppet Cookie Monster doesn't want anyone's number, he wants a COOOOOKIE! "Pie and ice cream, it no faze me, but you got cookie, so share it maybe!"

    Watch on YouTube

    Which version of the song is your favorite? Vote in our poll, and tell us on Facebook.

     

     

    Carly Rae Jepsen on TODAY:

    • Video: Jepsen performs smash hit 'Call Me Maybe'
    • Video: Jepsen: I'm living my dream

    Related content:

    • Swim team makes 'Call Me Maybe' lipdub
    • Jimmy Fallon has the most fun with 'Call Me Maybe'
    • Harvard and SMU recreate 'Call Me Maybe' videos on TODAY
    • KLG and Hoda nailed the 'Call Me Maybe' dance-off
    • Obama gets 'Call Me Maybe' treatment
    • Obama, Romney parody 'Call Me Maybe," thanks to digital hijinks
    • Cookie Monster begs for treats in pop parody

     

     

    Show more
    Explore related topics: music, featured, carly-rae-jepsen, call-me-maybe
  • 17
    Aug
    2012
    1:19pm, EDT

    Obama has seen his 'Call Me Maybe' parody

    By Julieanne Smolinski

    At long last, President Obama has weighed in on an important matter of our time: Does he like his "Call Me Maybe" parody?

    During a radio interview with KOB-FM, a person actually asked the leader of the free world about the pop song, which has inspired what feels like millions of viral "response" videos and this, on TODAY. 

    A disc jockey for the New Mexico station wanted to know if the president had ever seen the parody in which he appears to sing the ear worm. 

    The president admitted that while he hasn't heard the original, he has indeed seen "Barack Obama Sings Call Me Maybe."

    "I saw this version where they spliced up me from a whole bunch of different speeches that I made. They kind of mashed together an Obama version of it," he said. "It looks like a cute pop song."

    Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor.

    More:
    Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City join TODAY concert lineup  
    Obama, Romney parody 'Call Me Maybe' thanks to some digital hijinks 
    Sorry, everyone else: KLG and Hoda totally nailed the 'Call Me Maybe' dance-off  
    Kid plays hooky, gets presidential excuse note
    Adorable baby grooving in car to Gotye goes viral  
    Romney staff pranks candidate for April Fool's 
    Romney 'raps' in Eminem parody  

    11 comments

    Obama is out to destroy America, as we know and love it. He is a discrace to America!!

    Show more
    Explore related topics: barack-obama, featured, carly-rae-jepsen, call-me-maybe
  • 25
    Jun
    2012
    2:47pm, EDT

    The song remains the same on this mix of modern pop music

    By Kurt Schlosser, NBC News

    If you haven't heard any of the songs in this pop music mash-up, you're either very lucky or we should be discussing rock. Like the one you live under.

    YouTube user Vissagan has uploaded a 3:55 nod to commercial radio, earworms, viral videos, the tween next door and the club downtown with this mix of the best music Auto-Tune can produce.

    Watch on YouTube

    The seamless blend of bubblegum transitions from Rihanna to Katy Perry to Carly Rae Jepsen to ... we've lost track, we're too busy dancing. And filming a lip dub. And remembering prom.

    Here come boy banders One Direction, and LMFAO, and Flo Rida, and Coldplay, and ... is summer over yet? Close your windows!

    Video: One Direction: 'We don't follow the stereotype'

    Vissagan says in the video description, "I was listening to the radio when I realized I could mix every song I had just heard. Pop songs are so replaceable these days ..."

    Perhaps the artists who created these songs would view that as a good thing. You might not like Katy Perry in particular, but thanks to all the stuff that sounds like Katy Perry, you're listening to a lot of Katy Perry.

    No one here is opposed to a little dance pop on the radio dial. But when even the shuffle function on your iPod is out of ideas, it's time to mix things up -- in a good way.  

    Related content:

    • Dumped after Coldplay?! Tales of first concerts
    • Can you name 18 iconic rockers in viral video?
    • Why you can't get 'Call Me Maybe' out of your head
    • Dance off! 'Call Me Maybe' viral hits recreated on TODAY
    Show more
    Explore related topics: coldplay, featured, rihanna, maroon-5, katy-perry, lmfao, carly-rae-jepsen

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Kurt Schlosser is a senior entertainment producer at TODAY.com and msnbc.com.

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