At the turn of the millennium, radio stations and MTV were an interesting amalgamation of sounds and styles. While bands like Smash Mouth were bringing around a fun, bubblegum sound while promoting films like Mystery Men and Shrek, there was also an increase in hip-hop and heavy metal influences sweeping the airwaves. This darker and more aggressive sound from bands like Linkin Park created a natural antithesis to the period’s radio-friendly jams. So, one would never assume the two could possibly work in tandem. But this is the internet, friends — there is no such thing as “no such thing.”

With a Soundcloud name like Nonplayablerecords, the joke just gets better and better. It’s disturbing how well the lyrics and tone put forth by Smash Mouth vocalist Steve Harwell for their hit “All-Star” actually match the gloomy electro-rock sound of Linkin Park’s “In The End.” The vocal track is slowed a bit to match the pace of Linkin Park’s song, and possibly tuned down a bit, but when pieced together neither seems like they were messed with with. The sign of a good mixer at work.

I am not at all embarrassed to say that this mix has made its way onto my iPod, or that it really gives me a new found respect for Smash Mouth. Not that they actually had anything to do with the remixing of the song, but because how just a change in the music that backs the vocal track really makes the song seem so much darker. Where the original All-Star offered an anthem of accepting life as it comes, this new version feels more reflective to a life that has passed one by.

What do you think? Your new favorite, right? Let us know in the comments below.

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HT: LaughingSquid

Featured Image: Vice