You’ve probably heard about this video already, even if you what you heard wasn’t exactly about this video. Instead, you’ve probably read the argument that the label shouldn’t allow the video to be embedded because band would make more money if you watched the video on YouTube instead of here, and the counter-argument that people would only want to watch the video on YouTube if it became an embeddable, viral sensation in the first place.

That’s all old news, though, so let’s forget about it. Instead, let’s just watch the video. Because it is AMAZING. Even if you don’t accept the face-value whimsy, it’s fun to dissect it and figure out where there might be hidden cuts. I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter if there’s some video trickery, it’s still endlessly entertaining. The song is good, too.

First, a performance of hers from her turn on SNL. This convinced me that, fine, there might actually be something under those weird bubble dresses. The good stuff kicks in around the two-minute mark.

But you know who does Lady Gaga better than Lady Gaga? Christopher Walken.

Walken’s interpretation is great, but Jude Law brings a certain classy charm to the same text.

But my personal favorite is done by Cartman from South Park.

What do you think: Who wore it best?

Okay, now I don’t watch Gossip Girl OR listen to Cobra Starship, so the analysis is all up to you. Is this fun and self-aware, or are they tools and poseurs?

Things to consider:

*The white (lensless?) glasses.
*All of Mr. Starship’s incessant pointing.
*Ms. Starship’s bionic silver eye.
*Ms. Meester’s vocal chops that don’t seem to be auto-tuned…until the end.
*The melody’s resemblance to Sean Kingston’s “Fire Burning on the Dance Floor” at the chorus.
*The fact that Kara DioGuardi had to help make a song that sounds like a Sean Kingston song.
*Rap breakdown.

Verdict?

This is a video for a band called Fever Ray, which is spearheaded by The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson. The song is called “If I Had a Heart” and it is creepy as all get out. Making matters worse is the video by a guy named Andreas Nilsson which features a scene seemingly pulled from the aftermath of a zombie movie. It’s very artsy European avant-guard, with bizarre and haunting imagery to compliment the ominous music.

Not sure why I’m sharing this on the day before what is supposed to be a beautiful weekend — but there you have it.

These British lasses (called The Mentalists) learned to cover Kids by MGMT only using apps for the iPhone and iPod touch.

First, MIA performing with a bunch of dudes. Man, getting someone who is nine-plus-months-pregnant to jump around on stage like that is more suspenseful than an episode of 24.

Next, Radiohead. Radiohead is pretty much always awesome, but having a marching band doesn’t hurt.

But Casiotone’s new single for “White Corrolla” (which I only know about because John posted it on his Facebook the other day) is a fun and breezy bit of electronic twee. I don’t really understand how the band operates — usually it’s just this one guy named Owen — but this song has a female singer.

Whatevs.  Let’s try not to overthink it, just enjoy it and watch the trippy animation.

NPSH is basically a young party band that infuses their electronic dance rock with silly lyrics and an aggressively goofy attitude. Aggressively goofy?  Yes, aggressively goofy. See their video below for Sophisticated Side Ponytail.

There’s something I like about the fact that NPSH’s music, like their name, seem to be a kitschy, contemporary joke.  It probably won’t age well, but that’s not important.  The fact that they have enough balls to make music that probably won’t stand the test of time is something that I admire.

But, who knows? Maybe they’ll be the Dee-Lite of the late 2000s.

natalie portman’s shaved head – sophisticated side ponytail from thatgo on Vimeo.

Last season.

But I really shouldn’t let that psych me out. After all, a good song is a good song and the fact that Grey’s Anatomy is a ridiculous show doesn’t negate the fact that the people who do the song licensing get it spot-on much of the time (that is, when they’re not spinning their wheels with piano-based teen songstresses).

Frightened Rabbit is a wonderful Scottish band that I’ve grown to love, literally, over the past four hours. Fronted by two brothers named Hutchison, the songs on their second album (The Midnight Organ Fight, released early last year) are lilting break-up anthems. Sample lyrics: “I am armed with the past, and the will, and a brick/ I might not want you back, but I want to kill him.”

The lyrics aren’t shy on four-letter words, but they’re clearly borne of frustration. Plus, it’s hard to get offended when you hear Scott Hutchison’s charming brogue. Maybe it’s just me, but I am completely helpless against a Scottish accent.

Here’s the video for one of the best (if not the very best) songs on the album, Heads Roll Off. It features adorable wee Scottish schoolchildren.

PS – This band sort of reminds me of Counting Crows, which makes me feel uncomfortable.  Like Adam Duritz and his cheeks and his white guy dreads are just masquerading as Scottish folk-rocksters. So now I’ve put that in your head so you can feel uncomfortable too. You’re welcome.