Ananova:

Gary Jules and Michael Andrews' version of Mad World is to be released in the US following its success in Britain.

The chart-topping cover of Tears For Fears' 1983 hit is already receiving plays on commercial free stations in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego and Baltimore.

Now the track, which is the theme music from the cult 2001 film Donnie Darko, will be officially released as a US single.

Jules is also in talks with US-based labels for a re-release of his independently released album Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets. He also plans to tour the US following his European tour this spring.

Jules, 34, told the New York Post the success of Mad World in the UK is "surreal, I'm an indie guy."

The Californian begins a UK tour at the Wedgeroom Rooms, Portsmouth, on February 12. The tour includes shows in Leeds, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets is released on Sanctuary Records on January 19.

Mad World has been certified Gold in the UK with sales of more than 400,000. It topped the chart for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.