failed (but interesting) attempts at pop

Ah didn't realise you were talking about this from a marketing POV. Swap Mouse on Mars and add the late 90s 'electronica' push.

I think it's pretty rare for the majors to invest a big marketing push in a very forward-looking or unusual act. Aren't they usually pretty conservative about how they spend their money - sticking to proven formulas or jumping on indie-led bandwagons once they've already gained some momentum?

Fabulon comes to mind, as does the attempt to break this act in the U.S.:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7v5wBYitL0

Um, let's try that URL again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7v5wBYitL0

Just can't get enuf, you know:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJGGRyeLuQ

Scary that I still remember watching this when it originally aired:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NEOQYeahjE

Carly Smithson from American Idol a few years ago....

There was and is nothing interesting about Carly Smithson.