Home > Music > CD Review > Flight of the Conchords, 'Flight of the Conchords'

Flight of the Conchords, 'Flight of the Conchords'

HBO comedy stars showcase songs from their first season

By Adam McKibbin

Special to Metromix
April 21, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Backstory: New Zealanders Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie made a name for themselves on the comedy circuit in the early part of the decade, playing “guitar-based digi-bongo a-cappella-rap-funk-comedy folk.” A BBC radio series followed and then, in 2007, they shot into U.S. stardom with their own self-titled HBO show. Their TV show follows a hapless duo trying to find an audience for their music, but the real Conchords, with only an EP under their belts, are already Grammy winners with a huge cult following.
 
Why you should care: “Flight of the Conchords” collects some of the most inspired songs from their much-loved first season, including “Bowie,” “Business Time” and “Hiphopopotamus.” Much of the material has been around for awhile, but it’s gotten better and tighter with time.
 
Verdict: Unlike Tenacious D or Spinal Tap, the Conchords don’t focus their comedy on a single genre. The diversity of styles (from Pet Shop Boys to Shabba Ranks) helps to keep the album engaging even once the bits become familiar. Several songs fall flat when divorced from the often equally memorable visuals and narratives—but the duo’s melodic chops are no joke.
 
X-Factor: Conchord fans will have plenty of time to play out this album, as the duo won’t return to HBO until January 2009. The good news: they’ve almost cleaned out their back catalog, so they have to write some new songs.

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