Known for their entertaining yet often profound songs, folk/parody duo Flight of the Conchords released a new full-length album Oct. 20. Beginning with “Hurt Feelings” — a rap-inspired song called draped in synth-infused beats and sarcasm-tinged lyrics — the Conchords has something for everyone in their third CD, I Told You I Was Freaky.
As the title track of the Conchords’ new album, one would expect I Told You I Was Freaky to bring something new to the table, musically speaking. Granted, this track definitely showcases unique lyrics — “Let’s make two life-size/ Cardboard cutouts of our bodies/ And then pose them into sensual positions” and “Let’s steal my roommate’s pillow feathers/ And make some homemade wings/ Gonna fly so high/ On makeshift pillow wings” — intended to push the envelope. Instead, the melody gets left behind and the song itself becomes more of a monologue, with Bret attempting to carry the repetitive track and Jemaine singing half-hearted backing vocals.
In terms of tribute songs, it is easy enough to miss as it is to hit. When it comes to David Bowie, Bret and Jemaine either think of him as a source of continuing inspiration or of never-ending comedic relief. It is hard to tell which perspective they share, as the two singers have parodied his musical style repeatedly, beginning with “Bowie’s in Space,” a lighthearted tribute from the Conchords’ self-titled debut album that poked fun at the ’80s idol himself. Now, with “Fashion is Danger,” they are attempting to rebound off their first tribute song. The new track is entertaining enough with its dance beats, but it is hard to top the success of the original track.
With that said, the album does offer some remarkably innovative tracks. “Rambling Through the Avenues of Time” is evocative of both Peter Sarstedt’s “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)” and Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” with similar nostalgic lyrics and a beautiful tune. Furthermore, Jemaine’s cynical remarks during Bret’s romantic verses showcase comedy at its very best.
Additionally, the ensuing hilarity upon hearing the album’s third track — “We’re Both In Love With A Sexy Lady” — is almost unanimous. The way Bret and Jemaine sing about the titular woman squeezes giggles out of even the most straitlaced listener. During the ensuing back and forth of their banter, it slowly dawns on both singers that they are — as the title suggests — both infatuated with the same “sexy lady.”
Hands down, the track that puts the Conchords’ talents to the best use is “You Don’t Have To Be A Prostitute,” which addresses Jemaine’s potential fate as a male gigolo in New York. The track’s comical lyrics, “Check your r?sum?/ You must have some other skills/ Do you have any other skills/ Like typing?,” are starkly contrasted with the ethereal female backing vocals in the chorus. The use of steel drums toward the end further adds to the intriguing tone of the song, leaving the listeners wondering about the song’s backstory.
As much as Flight of the Conchords’ music differs from the norm, I Told You I Was Freaky lives up to its fans’ expectations. Some call it an acquired taste, but no matter how Flight of the Conchords is labeled, their music remains innovative and original.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.
