Music Blog

"Ain't no party like my nana's tea party!" Flight of the Conchords albums are musically, comedically brilliant

2008-12-19T21:13:00Z

Flight of the Conchords is an award-winning New Zealand comedy band, self-described as "New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo". While a couple previous blog posts (1 2) talked about their recent TV series on HBO, this post will focus primarily on their music.

Bret McKenzie & Jemaine Clement formed Flight of the Conchords in 1998. They create original songs that parody real songs, both in style and lyrics. With an odd mix of guitar, bass, & synthesizers, along with hilarious lyrics, they cover all the genres: romantic/R&B, rap, pop, new wave, techno, and more!

In 2007, they released their six song EP, The Distant Future, in the US; this album contains three studio tracks and three live tracks. In 2008, they released their self-titled album Flight of the Conchords. The EVPL has both albums, and both are definitely worth checking out! Here are a few of my favorite songs:

"Inner City Pressure": (On Flight of the Conchords) A spot-on parody of the Pet Shop Boys 1985 hit "West End Girls". It received a 2008 Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics". Check out the video below to see for yourself! Here's a snippet of lyrics:

"Counting coins on the counter of the 7-11,
From a quarter past six 'til a quarter to seven.
The manager, Bevin, starts to abuse me
Hey man, I just want some Muesli.
Neon signs, hidden messages,
Questions, answers, fetishes.
You know you're not in high finance,
Considering getting second hand underpants."

"Hiphopopotamus Vs. Rhymenoceros (Featuring Rhymenoceros & The Hiphopopotamus)": (On Flight of the Conchords) A hilariously tame gangsta rap song, featuring too many rap clichés to count. Here's a sampling of the hardcore lyrics:

"They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin' off the top of this esophagus
Rockin' this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance?"

"Think About It": (On Flight of the Conchords) A parody in the vein of Marvin Gaye's/Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is the Love?" The lyrics talk about society's ills: violence, AIDS, sweatshop labor, etc.

"They're turning kids into slaves just to make cheaper sneakers.
But what's the real cost?
'Cause the sneakers don't seem that much cheaper.
Why are we still paying so much for sneakers
when you got them made by little slave kids?
What are your overheads?"

"The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room)": (Studio recording on Flight of the Conchords; live recording on The Distant Future) A rousing, romantic love song to the most beautiful girl (in the room).

"Looking 'round the room
I can tell that you
Are the most beautiful girl.....in the room.
(In the whole wide room.)
And when you're on the street
Depending on the street
I bet that you are definitely in the top three
Good-looking girls on the street.
(Depending on the street.)"

"Not Crying": (On The Distant Future) An emotional break-up ballad, trying to save face.

"I'm not crying. No, I'm not crying.
And if I am crying, it's not because of you.
It's because I'm thinking of a friend of mine who you don't know who is dying.
That's right, dying.
These aren't tears of sadness because you're leaving me.
I've just been cutting onions.
I'm making a lasagna...for one."

This is just a small taste of the Conchords. Check out their albums for the full deal, including some songs I can't mention here.

Finally, if you're a fan of their music, check out the Flight of the Conchords TV show on DVD! Bret & Jemaine play a fictional band that moves from New Zealand to New York to make it big. They're constantly breaking into song (the ones on their albums, along with some additional ones) to tell the story. Quite possibly the funniest show I've seen in a long time!

Here's a video of "Inner City Pressure" as it appeared in "Bret Gives Up the Dream", the 2nd episode of the TV show.

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More Information

EVPL Catalog: Search for the FotC music CDs and DVDs in our online catalog.
What the Folk!: Unofficial fan site about Flight of the Conchords.
Amazon.com: Purchase CDs, DVDs, & other FotC merchandise using this link, and the Public Library Friends will receive a portion of your purchase!

"Our Bright Future" by Tracy Chapman

2008-12-16T21:35:00Z

I have long been a fan of Tracy Chapman. She has a beautiful, soulful voice that lends itself to the simple but smart and touching songs that she writes.

"Our Bright Future" is her 8th album. She started out 23 years ago in little cafes near Harvard Square, strumming her acoustic guitar and singing her songs to whoever would listen.

Now of course, she can afford to hire expensive backup players and arrangers. But it is still the same Chapman we know and love.

You can listen to these songs for their social message or you can just relax into their warm beauty. Either way a new Chapman cd is always a treat!

And visit her website. It's way cool!

Keep Holiday Spirits Up with Christmas Novelty Songs

2008-12-11T06:34:00Z

We at Popular Materials Center were recently asked to find the song "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". We found it by Spike Jones and his City Slickers on The Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time by Dr. Demento. Christmas novelty songs have a special place in the grand scheme of things during the holidays. When everyone is stressed to the max a little humor can put the fun back into the Christmas Season. I was suddenly overwhelmed with nostalgic feelings to hear my own favorite novelty Christmas songs.

We can all do without The Singing Dogs singing (???) "Jingle Bells" but there are plenty of better ones like Allan Sherman's parody "Twelve Gifts of Christmas" and Gayla Peevey's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and of course "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jimmy Boyd. I'm sure you too have a Christmas favorite. Please share with the rest of us bloggers.

Oh and Merry Christmas.

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Come Together for John Lennon Night

2008-11-19T17:37:00Z

Sadly Dec. 8 is fast approaching. Of course that was the day the music died for the second time. John Lennon was taken from us. Since his assassin merely wanted fame for his horrible deed I always refer to him as a "poor excuse for a human being." I refuse to say his name as that clearly proclaims his notoriety.

7:00 - 11:00

Art Colony Gallery

56 Adams Ave. (next to the ALHAMBRA THEATRE)

But happily I can report that Dec. 8 in Evansville is John Lennon Night. Evansville's own Larry Miller a veteran and member of the Veterans for Peace organization every year sponsors this wonderful night. All people, young and old, who loved John and still believe that all mankind can live together in peace and harmony come together to sing and play Beatles songs. Yours truly will be performing on keyboard again. So brush up on your favorite John Lennon songs and sample the library's assortment of "the best music in the world." See you there.

Me First & the Gimme Gimmes punk-ify the classics

2008-11-17T15:58:00Z

Musical parody...such a fine art. Back in the day, I was a big "Weird Al" Yankovic fan ("It's all about the Pentiums, baby!"). There are also bands that take well-known music and reinterpret it: some of my favs include Hayseed Dixie (they play AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, etc. as bluegrass!), Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine (90s-00s rock as lounge music), and the String Quartet Tribute series (Dylan, Clapton, Evanescence, Eagles, Rolling Stones).

My favorite parody band is, hands down, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes. On their albums, they take a wide variety of popular tunes and turn em into blazing punk rock songs. That probably doesn't sound too appealing...but you'd be pleasantly surprised. They are masters of their craft, creating a catchy, brilliant mix of new and old...nothing beats hearing "Ghost Riders in the Sky" with blaring power chords, a constant bassline, and driving toms with double-kick on the drums!

Below I'll list the albums the EVPL has, the particular theme, as well as highlights from each album.

Are A Drag
1999
Showtunes!

This album features covers of beloved showtunes, including "Over the Rainbow", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "Favorite Things", and "Rainbow Connection". I'm not that big of a showtunes fan (surprising, right?), but I love their interpretations of the songs I do know!

Blow in the Wind
2001
60s songs

Covers of songs from the 60s, including "Blowin' in the Wind", "Sloop John B.", "Elenor", "Stand by Your Man", and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow".

Take a Break
2003
R&B songs

An amazing collection of classic R&B songs, punkified. Highlights include "Where Do Broken Hearts Go", "Hello", "Ain't No Sunshine", "I Believe I Can Fly", and "Nothing Compares 2 U". A couple songs mash-up other songs with brilliant results: their cover of "I'll Be There" incorporates parts of The Cars' "Just What I Needed".

Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah
2004

This album doesn't have a "theme", per se, as it's a compilation of awesome tracks they performed live at...you guessed it, Jonny's Bar Mitzvah. This album features covers of "Stairway to Heaven", "Come Sail Away", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "The Longest Time", "On My Mind", and "Take It on the Run". Between the tracks, there's also lots of hilarious banter.

Love Their Country
2006
Country

I am not a fan of country music (I was subjected to it by my dad & sis when I was young), so I find this particular album hilarious! Check out "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "Desperado", "Jolene", "On the Road Again", and "East Bound & Down" to hear these songs rock like you've never heard them before!

The Gimmes are brilliantly hilarious, as well as being excellent musicians, so I highly recommend checking them out!

More Information

EVPL Catalog: Check availability of albums by Me First & the Gimme Gimmes at EVPL libraries.
DailyMotion: Watch the Gimmes perform "Take it on the Run" live on Last Call with Carson Daly.
Amazon.com: Use this link to purchase their albums at Amazon, and the Public Library Friends will receive a portion of your purchase!

New Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders album

2008-11-13T20:04:00Z

Chrissie Hynde is back -- and she's spectacular -- in the Pretenders' first studio album in 6 years, "Break Up the Concrete." She hasn't lost her voice or her style!

The hard-rocking Hynde, who wrote all the songs, fronts an all-new band consisting of Jim Keltner, Eric Heywood, and James Walbourne.

Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1951, Hynde attended Kent State University and knew one of the students killed during the Kent State protests. She has spent most of her life living in London, but now also owns an apartment back in her Midwestern hometown.

Hynde is a longtime vegan and, according to Wikipedia, she "opened a vegan restaurant in Akron in 2007 called The VegiTerranean. The restaurant....serves fusion Italian-vegetarian food." She has been known to perform there.

On October 17, 2008 Hynde played with fellow Akron-area musicians Devo at a special benefit concert for candidate Barack Obama at the Akron Civic Theater.

Welcome home, Chrissie!

MTVMusic.com

2008-11-11T15:55:00Z

MTVMusic.com has just been launched by MTV. 22,000 videos are available on the site.

Finally, a direct route to all your favorite music videos!

Nelly profits from extra expense

2008-11-10T16:06:00Z

In the world of Hip-Hop one contrivance works like no other, cameos. In his newest creation, St. Louis's own Nelly has dropped one of the most densely packed creations of the year. Every track features a superstar or members of the St. Lunatics crew. Not a single track exclusively features the star. Hmmmm. Don't get me wrong, the tracks are much more enjoyable for including so many styles and mindsets, but it makes me wonder if Nelly can carry a whole CD on his own. His lines seem fresh enough, and the diversity of production lends the album a certain listenable quality. On the flip side, surely these appearances cost Nelly a small fortune. Even if he sold a million copies, chances are he isn't making as much as his next video lets on.

Don't forget about Soundtracks

2008-11-04T15:12:00Z

I was looking through Central Library's CD collection for something to listen to the other day and happened upon an old favorite of mine; the soundtrack to "Bye Bye Birdie". The original with Ann-Margaret and Bobby Rydell not the remake starring Chyna Phillips and I don't even know who the guy star was. I just remember the remake was pretty awful.

Now, back to Bye Bye Birdie. It's early 60's and pre-Beatles. Ann-Margaret portrays teenager Kim McAfee newly pinned by Hugo Peabody (Bobby Rydell) and also chosen to be the girl that will receive a farewell kiss("One Last Kiss") from teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie before he leaves to serve his country. Suffice it to say the movie itself is a treat and the soundtrack is just full of the catchy little tunes from the movie. From the beginning telephone montage as the classmates share the news via the grapevine to the classics "I Got a Lot of Living to do" and "Put on a Happy Face" this is the kind of movie soundtrack that just puts you in a good mood. So "Put on a Happy Face" with Dick VanDyke and enjoy listening to this wonderful soundtrack.

Please share your favorite soundtracks with the rest of us bloggers.

Lake Street Dive - Prize-winning Song-writing and a Unique Sound

2008-10-30T21:56:00Z

My daughter turned me on to this group, and the recording In This Episode..., and I was completely taken in by them. Everyone with whom I've shared this recording has been similarly impressed. Lake Stree Dive is comprised of vocalist Rachael Price, trumpeter and guitarist Mike Olson, Bridget Kearney on bass, and Mike Calabrese on drums, guitar, and keyboards. The band gained prominence when Kearney's song "Sometimes When I'm Drunk and You Are Wearing My Favorite Shirt" won a Grand Prize and Lennon Award in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The prize resulted in increased exposure for the band, a Midwestern tour and this, their first recording.

The group combines playful lyricism with creative arrangements, and Price's voice is unique enough - pure and rough-edged, earthy and sweet all at once - to be recognizable the next time you hear it. They've just recently released a second recording, entitled Promises, Promises, but you'll have to wait if you want to check it out from EVPL

Here's a link to the group's MySpace page.
Here's a link to Lake Street Dive recordings available at Amazon.com, where your purchase will benefit the Public Library Friends

And below is a YouTube video of the group's prize winning song, "Sometimes When I am Drunk and You are Wearing My Favorite Shirt." Sound quality isn't the greatest, but it'll give you an idea of this creative group's sound and creative dynamic.

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Tom Jones ROCKS!! (seriously!)

2008-10-28T21:34:00Z

So in my musical duties here at the library, I regularly peruse various music mags & blogs (the subject for another blog post on another day because I'm just so excited about this post I can't stop now!). Today...okay, literally 5 minutes ago....I ran across an article in Billboard about Tom Jones' new album (!) coming out Nov. 25!! BTW, it's a shame that the online article linked above doesn't use the same pic of him as in the print version...which looks much more like this:

The man must be serious about his tanning. At any rate, at 68 years old (how CAN that be??), he's still majorly rockin' out!

The album, entitled 24 Hours, is his first US release in 15 years and he credits Amy Winehouse as an influence in his desire for "doing a retro sound but new." Check out this live performance of a track that will be on the album. This man can SING:

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Never fear, this is on order for the library (I'll update this entry with a link once the record for it is available in the catalog so you can put a hold on it). Get ready for some awesome retro soul done by The Master. In the meantime, check out some classic TJ in our collection.

Download music with your head held high

2008-10-28T20:23:00Z

Now, I know that finding ways to download music for free that's not intended to be downloaded for free carries with it all the thrill of the forbidden (like ripping the tag off your mattress or running with scissors) but have you ever tried downloading for free without the risk of being subpoenaed later? When, in fact, it's encouraged?? Well let me tell you, there's a thrill involved that you simply can't get any other way...

If you've not yet experienced the multi-tasking exhilaration of downloading while holding your head high, prepare to be amazed. EVPL offers digital downloads of music, audiobooks, e-books and even some movies & TV shows from OverDrive. Available to you 24/7, all you need is your EVPL library card, a computer & an internet connection, and some easily downloadable software to begin your proud downloading journey. You can listen to your downloads from your computer or transfer to your MP3 player to take with you. Many are available to burn to CD as well.

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We recently added music downloads in OverDrive and are in the process of building the collection. Okay, so no, you won't find the latest Beyonce album, but how about Christmas music (Barenaked Ladies or something more traditional...we have them both)? Need to try out some wedding music at a time that's convenient for you and without paying a fortune? Or how about some music to keep your kids entertained? OverDrive offers all these and more.

[A BONUS Martha Stewart-like tip:] Play some Halloween music as you hand out candy this coming Friday and spook out your guests, and then be sure to tell them it was free and easy to get from EVPL!

"Little Wild One" by Joan Osborne

2008-10-27T22:17:00Z

"Righteous Love" is one of my all-time favorite albums, so when I read in "People"
magazine that Joan Osborne had a 7th album out -- "Little Wild One" -- I made sure the library ordered it.

Osborne's music has elements of rock, folk, country, and blues -- so it's hard to squeeze her into a box. She kind of transcends the usual genres.

Her ethereal voice is complemented by the songs themselves, co-written with her band members. Yes, not only is she a fabulous singer, but she also fronts her own band as well as being a guitarist and composer. She has toured with the Dixie Chicks and Grateful Dead, among others.

If you like to sing in the car -- or in the shower -- and need some new material, check out Joan Osborne.

Totally tubular compilations of 80s music!

2008-10-16T18:57:00Z

While searching for a particular 80s song over the weekend (cough...Mr. Mister...cough), I remembered two bodacious box sets in our collection.

Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box (Totally)

This set features 7 CDs (an incredible selection of 142 songs) along with a 90-page book chock-full of 80s goodness! Taken from Rhino's website...

"Reagan, junk bonds, shoulder pads -- there's a lot about the '80s that doesn't bear repeating. But thankfully the music does. From Devo's new wave weirdness to Twisted Sister's mental metal to Run D.M.C.'s rocked-out rap, Rhino's latest behemoth box brings you the songs that have outlived the hairstyles."

I award this collection bonus points for including "Centerfold" by J. Geils Band (played it in H.S. Pep Band!), "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, and "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley (foundation of the infamous rickroll). For the full tracklist, along with samples to listen to, check out Rhino's website.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack

The Grand Theft Auto videogames are known for, besides their controversial content, having awesome soundtracks. In each game, a handful of radio stations are available to listen to in vehicles you "acquire"; these radio stations feature genre-specific playlists, interspersed with banter from a DJ and commercials, just like in real-life.

2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, set during the 80s, features gnarly music exclusive to that era. The soundtrack is a 7 CD box set, with each disc dedicated to one of the game's 7 music radio stations. We circulate each disc separately, so pick and choose which to check out.

V-Rock with DJ Lazlow: Rock/metal, featuring Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Twisted Sister.
Wave 103 with DJ Adam First: New Wave/Synth, featuring Tears for Fears, A Flock of Seagulls, Corey Hart.
Emotion 98.3 with DJ Fernando: Love songs/power ballads, featuring Toto, Cutting Crew, Foreigner, Mr. Mister.
Flash FM with DJ Toni: Pop music, featuring Hall & Oates, Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, INXS.
Wildstyle Pirate Radio with DJ Mr. Magic: Hip-hop, featuring Herbie Hancock, Zapp and Roger, Run D.M.C.
Fever 105 with DJ Oliver "Ladykiller" Biscuit: Disco/soul/R&B, featuring the Pointer Sisters, Teena Marie, Rick James, Kool & the Gang.
Espantoso with DJ Pepe: Latin jazz/salsa, featuring Deodato, Tito Puente.

If you're a fan of 80s music (and if not, WHY NOT?!?), I'd recommend checking out both of these rad collections. Like, totally!!!

More Info

Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box (Totally)
- EVPL Catalog: View availability at EVPL libraries.
- Rhino.com: View the full tracklist and listen to samples.
- Amazon.com: Buy it at Amazon and support our Public Library Friends.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Soundtrack
- EVPL Catalog: View availability at EVPL libraries.
- ViceCityRadio.com: Official website. Find out more about the fictional DJs.
- Amazon.com: Buy it at Amazon and support our Public Library Friends.

Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"

2008-10-10T20:04:00Z

Portland, OR group, Blitzen Trapper, recently released their album, Furr (2008), on Sub-Pop after receiving nationwide acclaim for their last album, Wild Mountain Nation (2007). While their last album seemed to be a little disjointed at times, Furr on the hand, is melodic masterpiece that evokes wild mountain sounds and lo-fi psychedelic indie rock that will have you bobbing to the beats long after you turn the music off.

It's hard to describe Blitzen Trapper's sound. They list bands like Pavement and artists like Neil Young as influences on their sound (and you can definitely tell), but you can also hear shades of Beck, The Kinks, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Furr has more of an alt-country sound and quite a few slow numbers than its predecessor, but the sonic squalls and feedback are still there, just not as heavy. This drop in the mix has produced a very good album and one that I highly recommend. You may not have heard of Blitzen Trapper before, but remember the name, because you hear it a lot in the future.

Reserve your copy today!

Blitzen Trapper's Homepage

Blitzen Trapper's MySpace Page

Sorry, the group doesn't have any videos out for the new record, but here's the video for "Wild Mountain Nation" of their last album with the same title. Most of the rocking tracks off "Furr" sound a lot like this.

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