Album Review: Flight Of The Conchords, “The Distant Future” (2007)

They’ve described themselves as “New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo”, but in my opinion, Flight of the Conchords could best be described as the funniest comedy duo around.

Coming off the success of their self-titled HBO show, the New Zealand comedy/folk band (Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement both write the songs, provide vocals and play guitar) has released their second EP, The Distant Future.

The album is highlighted by the band’s ability to pair hilarious tongue-in-cheek lyrics with catchy melodies. Business Time is a funky tune (complete with Bee Gees-esque vocals from both guys) about Jemaine’s favorite day of the week- Wednesday, when he and his lady get down to…well, business. The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room is described as a “slow jam” and is dedicated to a pretty girl the guys meet at a party. As Bret and Jemaine put it (or sing it), “You’re so beautiful/You could be a part-time model/But you’d probably still have to keep your normal job”.

My personal favorite is the “emotional” ballad, I’m Not Crying, which was featured on the show after the guys’ girlfriends dump them. Jemaine and Bret proclaim that the breakup hasn’t really affected them; they aren’t crying- their eyes are “just a little sweaty today”.

Flight of the Conchords

The EP isn’t very long; besides the aforementioned ones, there are only three other songs, one of which is a “Banter” session. If You’re Into It is another funny number, which contains lyrics that shouldn’t be overheard by younger children, while Robots is a look into the “distant future” when all humans will be dead and robots will inherit the earth.

The Distant Future is a great collection of songs from Flight of the Conchords. Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are hilariously funny, and pretty much anyone with a good sense of humor should appreciate their brand of comedy. If you’re still a bit weary about purchasing this CD, just keep in mind that it’s only $4.99 at Target, and you honestly can’t beat that.

Rating: 3_stars.svg

Track Listing
1. Business Time
2. If You’re Into It
3. I’m Not Crying
4. The Most Beautiful Girl In The Room- (Live)
5. Banter – (Live)
6. Robots – (Live)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpIRBdUYBE0]