Flight of the Conchords Reviews

• For those already obsessed

  
  By A2MAMTF1GXLM5W on 2008-04-22
  Let's face it: The Flight of the Conchords are not a band, they're comedians. Unfortunately, these audio only songs do lose a little something when you don't see Bret and Jemaine taking themselves totally seriously with these ridiculous songs. Don't get me wrong, these songs are absolutely funny, but only if you're already a fan. There isn't really much difference between the songs from here to the versions heard on the HBO series. So my recommendation is this, if you love the guys and you love the songs and the HBO show, then go ahead and buy the album (or more accurately Season 1 soundtrack). If you haven't seen the show or the Conchords' shtick before, then see it and judge whether or not you like it. Also, there are a few notable omissions from the disc:
  
  I'm Not Crying (On the Distant Future EP)
  If You're Into It (Also on the Distant Future EP)
  Albi the Racist Dragon
  Bret You Got It Goin On (Available from iTunes as a pre-order only bonus track, too late)
  Frodo, Don't Wear the Ring
  Sello Tape (I love this one, I wish they put it on there)
  Cheer Up Murray
  Song for Sally
  Mermaids
  Jenny (hillarious)
  
  Also, they could have done without Leggy Blonde (not very funny). O well, it's still nice to have for posterity's sake so that you can sing along and laugh with all of your other Conchord's fan friends.
  
  

• Great group, but this album isn't the best representative

  
  By A1GF4BH6WPBZ4Y on 2008-04-27
  Many FOTC fans know that the best versions of many of their songs are not the ones from their TV show. There are much better versions of "The Most Beautiful Girl", "Hiphopopotamus", "Robots" and many other popular tracks from either previously-released material, or live performances that can be seen/heard online. That's not to say this isn't a good album, but not all of their songs were improved by the overproduction evident on these tracks, and in many cases the altered-for-tv lyrics different from earlier, more funny or more spontaneous performances.
  
  If you're a hardcore fan, you already have these tracks anyway, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy the album to let the corporations know that FOTC is worth investing in for several more new seasons.
  
  
  

• Disappointed with the album. Buy the The distant future EP instead.

  
  By A2N4UGS8M0CB9S on 2008-04-24
  I am a big fan of Flight of the conchords. Their live performances make me laugh so hard and I really enjoy their music comedy. But this album was a disappointment.
  The beauty of Flight of the Conchords is the raw simplicity and awkwardness of their comedy and music. The humor usually played off each other is not there, everything was rehearsed and it became unnatural. There were also a lot more sound effects going on in each track that, I felt, destroyed the songs.
  
  Don't get me wrong, Flight of the Conchords is a great "2-man novelty band" but this album does not do them justice... Buy The Distant Future EP instead. It has fewer tracks but I feel it's much more enjoyable...
  
  

• The really funny thing is...

  
  By A60VMEZ6IEAHB on 2008-07-04
  The really funny thing is, that the humor aside, this is just a really good album. (CD... project... whatever...)
  If you aren't listening to the lyrics and just have it on the background you'll find the rhythms and sounds a little retro and old school sometimes.. but just extremely well done.
  Unlike lots of comedy music acts, these guys are actually incredibly talented musicians with an incredible gift for song writing and musicality.
  It's true what a couple reviews have said, that much of it is funnier and fresher in sound and and feel in the much more pared down live acoustic versions.
  But it is kind of apples and oranges to me... and it all makes a nice salad.
  I've found myself humming one or another of these songs for the past two weeks and, again-and-again - it is what I reach for to put in while I'm just surfing the web or whatever.
  Often I'm not even listening intently to the lyrics and laughing any more... I'm just not thinking about it and grooving to the groove.
  
  Best CD I've bought in a long time really.
  
  - m
  
  

• The Flight of the Conchords DEFINE originality

  
  By A1T1NW6EKTWQNM on 2008-04-22
  During a time when so much of what on television, in the movies, and heard in music seems so derivitive, it's refreshing to see a band that is completely unlike anything else out there. If you like music and comedy, then this CD is the perfect item for you. There's not a single song on here that isn't entertaining, and you will more than likely find yourself laughing out loud.
  
  
• conchords=5 stars, album=3 stars
  By ADMK81KK1OE3B on 2008-04-27
  I hate to give this album 3 stars, because I don't want people to think that Flight of the Chonchords only worth 3 stars, because they are definitely worth more and are absolutely hilarious, as well as musically talented. However, as a couple of other reviewers have said already, a handful of the songs on this album lose their appeal because of being recorded in-studio. The Conchords are much more enjoyable when their performances are spontaneous. I would recommend looking for live recordings. If you can't find any of their live stuff or don't want to do so, this wouldn't necessarily be a bad album to settle for, just not optimum. Hopefully they will record a live album soon!
  
  
• FOTC got it goin' ON!....despite this album....
  By A2FX7PLXZ5OWQ on 2008-05-01
  Like many of the other reviewers on here, I absolutely love FOTC and was eagerly anticipating this album. Alas, there is no new material on it and these studio recordings sound a bit too polished and really don't seem as fun as the live versions or the ones from the actual show. There are also some glaring song omissions ("Sello Tape", "Bret you got it goin' on", and the truly great "If you're into it" are all missing). But on the plus side, it's still wonderfully funny and catchy stuff. Moreover, the artwork and cd packaging are simply delightful and it comes with a nifty poster to proudly display in your home or office! Huzzah!
  
  
• funny songs and well written music
  By A1JC0COP9J5KSA on 2008-04-23
  I love Flight of the Conchords, for their wit and cuteness. Their humor is a great blend of innocence and risque, and if you like offbeat humor, you'll probably like them. If you haven't seen their HBO show, I highly recommend it. They play two innocent New Zealander folk/rock singers trying to make a living singing in NY city. They have a band manager Murray who is also from New Zealand and who works at the consulate during the day. He is a very funny character too, along with their one female fan, who is an obsessive fan and borderline stalker.
  
  I love the CD, except I was disappointed that it didn't include some of my favorite songs from the show, including "If You're into It", Bret You Got it Goin On", "Frodo, Don't Wear the Ring", "Jenny", and "Sello Tape". I would have also liked "Albi the Racist Dragon" to be included.
  
  
• Bret and Jemaine rock the flippin' house!
  By AEK2F5IOIYPBX on 2008-04-25
  Love these guys. I will freely admit, it took me a few viewings before I "got" Flight of the Conchords on HBO. At first it just seemed weird and silly to me. Then, much like Monty Python, Bob Dylan, Woody Allen (geniuses I didn't quite "get" at first), something clicked. Their humor is sarcastic, dry, witty, and sometimes surreal (see "Bowie") but always inspired. Furthermore, after several listens you will appreciate how well-written and complex some of their songs are. Besides, this CD is worth the price for "Rhymeasouras versus Hiphoppopotomus" alone (sorry that I butchered the spellings there...forgive me...but the song cracks me up). These guys mimic all kinds of genres, but the one constant in all their songs is their goofy outlook on the world and their subtle, dry wit. Love it! Can't wait for season 2! This CD will hopefully tide me over...hey guys, how about a full-length live album sometime? That would be sweet!
  
  
• Flight of the Conchords are here to folk you up
  By A1BEKAQQGP8CMF on 2008-04-22
  Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement make up New Zealand's fourth most popular parody folk duo, Flight of the Conchords. Looking down upon them is a tribute band, Like of the Conchords, who outshine the original duo playing the same songs and are simply just more popular. However, Bret and Jemaine are still popular enough in New Zealand that most New Zealanders will deny ever hearing of the group just to be alternative. Jemaine's grandmother compares them to The Beatles: "they used to get really hairy too."
  
  Their live performance on an HBO special gave them further worldwide exposure, especially on the internet, and they later released a Grammy award-winning EP, The Distant Future. Their television series, Flight of the Conchords - The Complete First Season, truly elevated their fan base. The songs on this self-titled album (the group's first full-length) are scattered throughout the plot of the show, which features these Kiwis attempting to survive in New York and make a name for themselves. Surely enough they've done so with the airing of the series in the United States and the comedy/music integration with guitars and various other instruments in hand. It's also worth noting that the EP and full-length share just one song, "Business Time."
  
  One letdown regarding the self-titled album is that none of these songs were written just for the release of the album - they're all favorites from past appearances and such. On the up side, they've been professionally fine-tuned and somewhat differ (without straying too far from the original content) from the same songs of old. Much like wine, the flavor has improved in time. But wine has never been this funny. Back in New Zealand where Bret and Jemaine invented rap, they're also known as Rhymenocerous and the Hiphopopotamus and have a rap battle in the appropriately titled "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenocerous." Jemaine wants to brush teeth and recycle together in arguably their biggest hit, "Business Time." Bret is the sexist "Boom" king and will seduce you with his 1987 DG20 Casio electric guitar. Together they will call you "The Most Beautiful Girl," but depending on the street.
  
  Flight of the Conchords are here to folk you up. Tenacious who?
  
  
• Good Business
  By A1FGPSTDLHYBJY on 2008-04-22
  I LOVE FOTC--they are hillarious and loveable and I think this CD stands very well on its own specifically if you listen and love good lyrics. They are clever, funny, entertaining and I am super excited to have them for my tedious commute. Now I can sing along in my car too:) The sound is good and I love the poster included with the CD as well as the die cut out (I think this is what it's called?) of Bret and Jermaine.
  However if you are a first timer or do like this I highly recommend the DVD Flight of the Conchords - The Complete First Season to complement this purchase--it is hysterical and well worth the money spent. My boyfriend and I can almost quote the David Bowie episode by heart we have watched it so many times--kind of sad I know but still endlessly entertaining(!!)
  
  I have one quibble--I wish they had the song "Bret, you got it going on" which I love (only one place has it and you had to pre-order, and download and I prefer Amazon and having the CD in hand)
  
  
• Very funny stuff and the songs are catchy as well
  By A1ETFT7RJASMKR on 2008-04-25
  Ok - so who is this music for? Obviously for those who have already seen Flight of the Conchords. I don't think people will get into this without the context of the show.
  
  With that said, is this worth a purchase? Definitely. The show is great, Jemaine and Brett are a fantastic comedy duo. The music itself is very funny - there is a little lost without the visuals, but since most fans own the dvd for season 1 - no harm no foul. And the music here allows you to actually hear all of the lyrics - which makes it all the more funny. But in addition to being funny - it is catchy as well. Just ask my wife who kind of likes the show - but who cannot get 'Business Time' out of her head...
  
  This is not music that will impress your friends (unless they like FOTC as well) or make the top albums of 2008... but it is entertaining and really can you put a price on how funny this stuff is? In the wake of blue-collar comedy and so-so (at best) comedic outlets in the world today, dropping less than $10 for something that will make you laugh out loud is a great deal.
  
  And on a final note - the inclusion of 'Leggy blonde' has irked some. I love it. Murray is one of the best parts of the show... "Hey leggy blonde, you got going on..."
  
  Aside from one or two key missing tracks (hence the 4 stars), this is a great album. Get it and laugh - this is the reason it exists in the first place.
  
  And remember - Who's the boom king?
  
  
• Always a good bet
  By A398I4VD9XWGGZ on 2008-04-30
  Let me start off by saying, I do agree with most of the reviewers that this album feels a bit to polished to keep 100% of the charm of the Conchords, but I also do highly recommend it. I played some of the tracks for some friends that had never heard of FOTC and they still laughed and enjoyed the songs. I also would have liked to have seen a few more, well all, songs on this album, but I understand a bit about marketing and traditional CD length as well to realize that it is not too likely to have everything on one CD. I think there may be a second CD coming out in the future, or possibly they were left off to get you to buy the series.
  All in all, I really enjoy this album, I also have their Distant Future album which includes some of the same songs some of which are done live, some not. I recommend them both as a set to get the full experience, or if you are buying for a FOTC fan.
  
  
• One of the best of '08
  By A1PJMPKDCBVRC0 on 2008-05-20
  This summer was all about Flight of the Conchords. Forget about Rhianna and her umbrella, or shawty's gitten low, and all those other groups and performers. Give me the Rhymenacerous vs. the Hiphopotamus any day, they can spit rhymes like hot FIRE!!! Not only do they have a good beat, they're clever. My only criticism is what happenend to "Who Like's to Rock the Party?" The song that was continuously attempted to be sung on the show but was never finished. "Pencils in the Wind" is missing as well, but it's still one of the best records of 2008.
  
  
  
• About time but not the same as the show
  By AD2SEUMTT4ZKI on 2008-04-24
  First off let me state that I LOVE Flight of the Conchords. I bought the 1st season DVD as soon as it came out and have watched it through and through several times.
  
  I am glad they have finally put together a compilation of songs from the first season. Overall, they put some of the best stuff on there. A few songs I am not a huge fan of and would rather have something else on there. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the some of the humor is lost when you can't see them actually performing the song. With that said though, I still recommend this CD and at $10 it is a worthwhile value. Now instead of visiting YouTube to find FOTC songs I can actually listen to them, well most of them.
  
  
• Soundtrack of Summer 08
  By A3OB5HXN1BN5OU on 2008-05-02
  While Summer 07 was all about Rhianna (I still can't get 'ella 'ella out of my head...but I don't mind that), Summer 08 is all about The Conchords. For fans of the HBO series and YouTube clips, this collection is just what you (and I) need as a precusor to season 2. For those uninitiated, the songs are great satires of the R&B, disco, pop, and world music genres. However, the songs are more than just funny, silly songs. Listen to "Ladies of the Worlds," and you'll hear the soft, political stylings of a anti-war ballad. Listen to "Inner City Pressure" and "Think About It," and you'll see a glimpse into the futility of life in the city. And "Business Time" is the best pre-making love song since Sade graced the airwaves in the 80s.
  
  One quip: where is "Frodo, Don't Wear The Ring"?
  
  Will everyone like "Flight of the Conchords"? Well, the right people will understand and appreciate the music. And isn't that more important than mass-market, big box store acceptence? It's already a hit in the digital download world. Plus, their concert in Denver is already sold out for May 08.
  
  Brett and Jermaine are superb singer-songwriters, to boot.
  
  More Conchords, please.
  
  
• Always Good for a Chuckle
  By A3UPVY1BJR9U3L on 2008-07-20
  Flight of the Conchords
  
  If you're already familiar with Flight of the Conchords, then there's not a lot I need to tell you about this solid disc. If you're NOT familiar with Flight of the Conchords, well then, you may want to consider becoming such.
  
  Flight of the Conchords is a "folk parody duo" that plays whimsical songs about whatever they happen to feel like writing about. Most of the tracks on this particular disc all stem from the first season of the TV show they did on HBO. Many of my favorites are contained herein, such as "Boom" and "Hiphopapotamus vs Rhymnocerous", and, "Bowie". A couple tracks make a second appearance on this disc, having already been featured in the "The Distant Future" EP. ("Business Time" is the first one that comes to mind.)
  
  For anyone looking for a light-hearted, comical listen, this disc is definitely. If you're already into the Conchords, this disc will not disappoint. If you're new to them, for the price, this is a GREAT starting point.
  
  
• love it!
  By A1SOLXXOO83R91 on 2008-07-21
  Although Flight of the Conchords may not be a "real" band, this is a fantastic album. Of course the lyrics are hilarious, but even the melodies are good. Play it during your next party and see what kind of a reaction you get.
  
  
• Awesome and hilarious
  By ASRPZ530LGW8H on 2008-07-22
  Everytime I listen to any track on this CD it makes me laugh and think of the episodes those songs come from. If you like the series you'll like the CD a lot.
  
  
• You either love them or you love them
  By A3VS86T8N5C05 on 2008-04-24
  Very unique and very imaginative. It's nice to have light hearted comedy this day and age. We need more.
  
  
• Great CD - picking up many nuances i missed watching the show
  By A35C090N7BWTQ8 on 2008-04-30
  First up, after reading the other reviews, I have to say I LIKE "Leggy Blonde"! Esp. that part Jemaine breaks into before the end of the song!
  
  I am noticing alot of musical things about the songs that I missed when just watching the show episodes over and over, for instance, I never realized that "Inner City Pressure" is a pastiche of the Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls", even tho I knew there was something very familiar niggling away at my brain whenever I heard the song.
  
  Without the distraction of actually watching the guys, I can really appreciate how clever the lyrics are, and the instrumentation. I'm just in awe of these guys.
  
  I also miss "Frodo, Don't Wear the Ring", one of the funniest things I ever watched/listened to.
  
  I would recommend the EP THE DISTANT FUTURE as a necessary companion to this CD.
  
  But really, no major complaints, and I don't think many others are complaining too much either, judging by how very popular this disc is in all the various ways one can buy it.
  
  I'd rather complain about the lack of extras on the first season's DVD,and maybe hope for a follow-up to include some of the missing songs. And wouldn't it have been nice to have "Doggy Bounce" as a hidden track?
  
  
• I'd love to give this a 5, but...
  By A35D6FS7PRKL5F on 2008-05-13
  Sadly, it's a little like pinning a butterfly to a card - you can get some idea of the original beauty, but with the life force gone it's just mildly interesting. I suspect they need audience interaction in order to pull out all the stops; combine that with not being able to watch their superb physical timing, and it's just... a bit disappointing.
  
  
• bowie in space
  By A1KRJHEJWUMSXB on 2008-05-17
  it's pretty simple, if you like the hbo series, you'll love the cd.
  my personal favorites are foux du fafa, leggy blonde, and bowie.
  
  
• Flight of the Conchords soar with this CD
  By A1YEGKAX1S0K2 on 2008-05-19
  This great full length CD is a great addition to their earlier EP The Distant Future. It includes all the best songs from their HBO series reworked a little bit with a few more instruments. If you love the show, like me, then this CD is a must have. It also includes a great colorful two sided poster. They are a clever duo who write songs with very clever lyrics and you can listen to this over and over and still have a chuckle each time you hear it. Such fresh Kiwi goodness!!!
  
  
• An absolute delight!
  By A3SAD0A56ZJ2WO on 2008-05-20
  If you love the show, you'll love the album. It's goofy, clever and never outstays its welcome. This one's in heavy rotation on my iPod right now! Can't wait for the new season!
  
  
• FOC CD
  By A1HFQ6EWCJ2NNT on 2008-05-28
  This CD is hilarious. I bought it as a birthday present for my boyfriend and he said when he's listening to it, he can't stop laughing. Definitely a good buy!
  
  
• Joke gets old after awhile...
  By A3JFADM6YC4KI on 2008-06-23
  At first listen, this sounds original, fresh and funny. But by the 6th track I was like "okay, I get it, now what?" Unfortunately the tired act just continued throughout the album. Never saw the show or whatever so perhaps I'm missing something but I didn't really like it all too much. But I can appreciate their creativity.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A1OSTCI3UWXNM6 on 2008-06-25
  I first discovered FOC through a Paste Magazine sampler cd. Even then, the first time I heard Ladies of the World I thought "Eh..." and turned it before it even Got to the funny part, because I didn't realize it was meant to be a funny song - I thought it was just another typical r&b song. I only realized my error when my sister, who gets the same magazine, saw my little sticky note on the cover with a (-) next to the number that song went with, and said "I can't believe you don't like that song!" She started telling me about the song, and I realized I had no idea what she was talking about, and it sounded hilarious! I bought this cd 2 days later. I've had the cd about 2 weeks now, and I am still loving it! I do wish that Jenny was included, but I'm hopeful that another cd will be released, which I will happily buy. Also, anyone who hasn't seen the live stand up from hbo's One Night Stand, it's a must see..I love the whole freestyling bit that they do during Think About It..cracks me up every time. Too bad HBO hasn't realized what a gem they have in that performance, I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it were for sale.
  
  
• Nice Representation Of FOTC
  By A320IB635W5SFT on 2008-07-02
  What can you say - if you're a fan, you'll "get it."
  
  The show is great, so when my son saw this, we grabbed it. An absolute riot. It does lose a little something when you can't see them singing these songs with a serious, deadpan delivery. But, my imagination is pretty good. Everytime I hear "Bowie" the Bowie dream sequences pops into my head. I crack up.
  
  Watch the show - buy the album.
  
  
• This is the Best CD I have purchased in years!!!!!!!
  By A2EXCZWTOEWMZJ on 2008-07-04
  I have enjoyed hte Flight of the Conchords for a while now, but being able to hear all their great songs in your car is the best. Every song on this CD is FANTASTIC. I can't stop talking about it to friends. I have already purchased 4 of these CDs for gifts. If you are having a hard day, just pop this cd in your cd player and get ready to laugh your head off. The Amphibian
  
  

• Flight of the Conchords - The Complete First Season
• The Distant Future
• Viva La Vida
• Narrow Stairs
• Consolers Of The Lonely