Staff Album Review - Tyler

Flight of the Conchords - Self-Titled

audio proves to be nearly as funny as television show.

A wise man once told me to “be more constructive with your feedback.” That is why I will do my best to give a fair review of this fantastically hilarious album. On their first full-release, self-titled effort, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have recorded a majority of the songs from the first season of the hit show Flight of the Conchords (HBO). If fans are looking for something new, they will not find it here (although there is a new verse on Hiphopopotamus…). FOTC have offered narry a peak into what the future (..the distant future…ok, I’ll stop) holds for the New Zealand duo. I guess we will just have to wait.

Even though this album lacks in new material, it offers fans a chance to break down the material. Hell, one could even learn a few of the songs on their guitar and play said songs at a Sunday open mic night at Hops and Barley, 4359 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641 – hypothetically speaking of course. This album could prove very useful for groups of friends who love the show’s Indie appeal.

The album begins with a French (well, kind of) song called Foux De FaFa which translates into “crazy about funny,” or “crazy about easy.” At any rate, the song seems to be about faking knowledge of the French language. As the songs move on, you really get a feel for Jemaine and Bret’s different styles and roles. This could be compared to Abbott and Cosello meets Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Where the listener can really get a sense for who is contributing what in the creative process. I have one major complaint about the song selection. Songs such as Tape of Love and If That’s What Your Into were left out, and Prince of Parties was put on. That is just maddening.

There are parts of this album where the hilarity of the lyrics is matched only by the interesting progression of chords. “The Artist Formerly Known As Princesque” catchy melodies are also ever present on this record. However, if you are looking for the Beatles White Album, then you should listen to The Beatles White Album. This record, and the corresponding television show, is only for people willing to not take themselves too seriously, if even for just a brief moment. I give FOTC 4 out of 5 spins.

Love These: Think About It, Business Time, Bowie

Skip These: Prince of Parties