CD review: I Told You I Was Freaky - Flight of the Conchords

BY TOM CARDY

There are likely to be plenty of arguments over whether Flight of the Conchords' I Told You I Was Freaky is better than their top-selling 2008 debut.

It could even be as heated as the debate over whether the second season, from which most of the songs on I  Told You I Was Freaky originate,  is as good as the first.

Many of the  songs on their self-titled debut, as well as those on the EP The Distant Future, had been percolating for years in Flight of the Conchords' live shows, long before they were feted in the United States and Britain. 

So this really is business time for Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. Thankfully, not only do they pull it off, but in many ways I Told You I Was  Freaky is even better.

From the  album cover, a parody of Seals and Croft's Summer Breeze, to deadpan lyrics, which had me laughing out  loud.

"Were you ever called a homo 'cause in school you took drama? Have you ever been  told that  you look  like a  llama?" 

And almost effortless-sounding interpretations of many genres - folk (Rambling  Through the Avenues of Time), hip-hop (the hilarious Hurt Feelings, Sugalumps), 80s synth pop (Fashion  is Danger), rhythm and blues (We're  Both in Love with a Sexy Lady), 70s rock (Demon Woman), Eastern European (Petrov, Yelyena and Me)  and bubblegum pop (Friends).

Again, this album exhibits Flight of the Conchords' distinct strengths, not just as the fourth most popular Kiwi folk parody duo, but as Wellington's biggest international success story since Peter Jackson.

Some musicians use humour in their work, but are largely better musicians than comedians. Some comedians use music, but should really stick to comedy.

Clement and McKenzie, a member of The Black Seeds and solo act Video Kid, excel at both. They are able to marry hilarious, razor-sharp lyrics with strong songwriting and musicality.

The lovely Angels could easily sit on any "serious" album. Throw in the fact that they have again roped in producer Mickey Petralia and this is another high flier.

* What do you think of I Told You I Was Freaky? Post your comments below.

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