Flight of the Conchords: Flight of the Conchords (SubPop)

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Flight of the Conchords: Hiphopopotamus vs Rhymenoceros
Flight of the Conchords: Flight of the Conchords (SubPop)

Comedy albums are usually good for two plays. Tops.

But this collection of songs which parody artists (Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, the Stylistics among them) or genres (hip-hop, 70s soul) is astute, cleverly produced and so lyrically and musically layered that it has been commanding airplay around my place in the weeks since the advance copy arrived. And in the car too.

Most of these tracks are more rounded and developed versions of the songs which have appeared in their hilarious television show, and that ensures them -- like the Rutles and Spinal Tap -- longevity.

You'll never hear the Pet Shop Boys, Grandmaster Flash, Marvin Gaye and Shabba Ranks in quite the same way again.

The Conchords will not be able to make another album like this, but this one will stand for a very long time.

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Jake - Dec 17, 2008

I'm voting for these guys simply because of the enormous social capital I've made from them as a New Zealander teaching in an American University. And because it's a great album.

Lianne - Dec 19, 2008

I liked them before they became so popular! Their songs are just so catchy! It's almost disappointing that I have to share them now! But good on them - quirky is good when it comes to these guys! Although I wonder how the world views the average NZer now!

Ray Gilbert - Dec 19, 2008

I also have these guys in my mainly dark or angry music collection on my IPod when I ride my scooter to work. There's nothing that makes whisking down the pavement easy work like singing along to All The Ladies in the World.

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