Gotye Clarifies 'Glee' Comment; Calls Darren Criss-Matt Bomer Cover 'Clever'

Australian newcomer Gotye has gotten a lot of attention in recent weeks thanks to his chart-topping hit, "Somebody That I Used To Know," but not all of it has been positive. 

our editor recommends

Coachella 2012: Newcomers Gotye, Gary Clark, Jr., Azealia Banks Bring the Buzz on Weekend 2

Gotye on 'Glee' Cover: It Sounded 'Dinky and Wrong'

'Glee' Season 3: The Episodics

Taking on the Glee cover of his song in last week's episode -- performed by Darren Criss and Matt Bomer -- Gotye told his home country paper the Sunday Mail that he found the show's recording style "dry" and that it sounded "like it's playing to you from a cardboard box." He goes on to describe portions of the tune as "dinky and wrong."

STORY: 'Glee' Preview: 5 Teasers From the Whitney Houston Tribute

But at a private performance for Los Angeles alt-rock station 98.7 held at Hollywood's Sayers Club on Monday afternoon, the 31-year-old clarified his comments, explaining to morning jock Kennedy (formerly of MTV fame) and an intimate crowd of less than 100 (which included Rumer Willis, American Idol winner Kris Allen and reality star Audrina Patridge) that "the nature of using reverb and space in a recording can change your perception of how a sound appeals to you." In regards to the Glee cover, he pointed out that he was referring to "this xylophone hook in my song -- it's kind of dinky not just in the cover version but the original song." Somehow, he added mockingly, "that becomes the Glee cover I hated and Darren Criss is an asshole."

In fact, Gotye went on to compliment the Fox show's interpretation, telling the crowd, "I thought it was really clever to transpose the song to two guys ...  It was a great idea." 

AUDIO: 'Glee' Preview: Which Couple(s) Will Duet During the Whitney Houston Episode?

A not-so-great-idea? Opting not to play his smash for an audience of fans, radio station contest winners and industry folks, many of whom had been sipping on deliciously fruity Svedka vodka cocktails for the better part of two hours. It seems this newcomer still has one lesson to learn: give the people what they want. 

Watch the Glee version of "Somebody That I Used to Know" below:

Twitter: @shirleyhalperin