I don’t know any of the words, only that it has some background music that sounds like a combination of carnival/circus music and early 1980s video games. It’s probably five years old, and maybe even 10. Possibly a little older, but it’s most definitely not “Tears of a Clown” or “Goodbye, Cruel World.”
The word you want is hurdy gurdy music.
Could it be something off this album:
Sea Wolf “Winter Windows”?
I was going to guess something by the Fiery Furnaces, myself.
Sounds like ‘Carousel’ by Mr Bungle. I’d be amazed if it was though.
Male singer? Female singer? Did you hear it on the radio? If a movie or on TV? I’m sure there’s a little more leads you can provide…
some idea of genre would maybe help as well
Male singer, I think. I first heard this on piped-in music in “Outback.” Then, I heard it tonight in traffic. Someone near my was playing it in his vehicle. (Nothing in the above list was a hit, but thanks for the responses.)
I have no idea about the song, but want to give a shout out for the application Shazam. It probably wouldn’t have helped in the OP’s situation, but sometimes you hear a song on a commercial or something and it works!
I’m gonna say that it wasn’t Mr. Bungle then. Although that would be hilarious.
So, was the carnival/circus music only during the intro, or throughout the song?
Long shot… but maybe Running by No Doubt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H2l9Lo-jPk&ob=av2e The beginning is kind of video-gamey and it came out in 2003ish
I’ve never heard the whole song, so I don’t know whether or not it occurs throughout. What always got my attention is a five-seconds or so interlude that is just the circus music–and by that time, half the song is over. I think it does occur thru at least some of the vocals though, although at a lower level. I might have to hum it and post a video.
Any lyrics? Even a couple of words would help a lot.
Unlikely, but how about Blood, Sweat and Tears - “Spinning Wheel” ? David Clayton-Thomas could belt it out.
Edit: Missed the age of the song your looking for. Have a listen anyway.
KISS’ ‘Psycho Circus’ ?
Knick knack paddywhack, and give your dingo a bone.
A long shot since the song is much older than what you described … The Millionaire Waltz by Queen?
Fireflies by Owl City?
I did a search to see if any recentish songs use the calliope and found this song by Vernian Process. It would certainly catch my attention if they played this at Outback!
