I Told You I Was Freaky

Too popular to be considered a cult concern anymore, New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords have seen their rib-tickling, genre-spanning songs land them a successful show for Radio 2, two HBO television series and win a clutch of awards, including a Grammy for their Distant Future EP of 2007. I Told You I Was Freaky is the second album from the pair of Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement, the follow-up to 2008’s generally well received eponymous debut, which featured songs from the first HBO series. Following suit, this collection compiles ditties from season two. With the songs in question more integrated into the narratives of said episodes, appreciating them without first seeing the shows might prove a struggle. Existing fans are sure to appreciate the humorous asides, developed wordplay and excellent timing of McKenzie and Clement, whose sarcastic put-downs to each other can easily have the listener laughing aloud, above the sound of their headphones. But those who’ve avoided the Conchords to date (who are you, exactly?) will, largely, wonder what the fuss is about. You Don’t Have to Be a Prostitute, Sugalumps and Fashion is Danger seem shallow pastiches of Police-like pop-reggae, Timbaland-echoing squelch-hop and Pet Shop Boys electro respectively when taken out of context.