Flight of the Conchords releases album

Maggie Mallon

Every girl dreams of the special day her Prince Charming will take her by the hand, look into her eyes, and sing “You’re so beautiful, you could be an air hostess in the ’60s.”

Or maybe not.

Whether or not this is your romantic ideal, one thing is certain: Flight of the Conchords, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed fourth most popular folk-comedy duo, has had a busy year, and their success stems from their witty music, containing lyrics just like that.

The two-man band, consisting of Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement, got its big break in the United States last summer with its critically acclaimed, self-titled series.

The “Flight of the Conchords” TV show on HBO followed the two as they made the transition from their native New Zealand to a new life in New York City, attempting to build a name for themselves and accumulate fans.

Interspersed among the events of each episode were musical numbers. The duo got its start as a live comedy act, but rather than do a stand-up routine, they used musical performances to assist their comedy.

The songs from their live act made the transition into the TV show but weren’t incorporated as mere performances in each episode but rather as mini-music videos.

They functioned as a window into Clement and McKenzie’s thoughts, portrayed as situations that the duo’s imaginations had schemed up.

A studio album of the songs recorded for the program was just released, and, with it, the kiwis of musical comedy have continued their successful streak.

While the album doesn’t consist of any new material, apart from the final track, the departing song “Au Revoir,” it’s a must for fans of the show or people looking for a catchy and comedic record.

One of the highlights of the record is “The Most Beautiful Girl (in the Room).”

On this soft acoustic ballad, Clement croons about his new love interest, who is not only beautiful enough to be the aforementioned air hostess, but could even be a part-time model.

Other songs on the album draw upon the sounds of other popular artists.

“Inner City Pressure” mimics the sounds of ’80s new wave synthpop, similar to music produced by the Pet Shop Boys.

The song highlights the fictionalized struggles the two faced on the show, trying to make ends meet in New York City.

“Think About It” is a soulful, Motown-influenced song that Clement and McKenzie penned to deal with issues that plague society.

It’s reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” but with a comedic spin. Problems addressed in the song include street violence, child labor and AIDS.

“There was a bit in that song where we were dealing with the issue of AIDS. The bit with the monkeys,” McKenzie said after performing the tune during an HBO special taped back in 2005.

“Yeah, because it was believed that AIDS was contracted from the monkeys,” Clement continued.

“Not the band but the animal. And we just wanted to deal with that issue.”

Other highlights on the album include “Foux du Fafa,” an airy song, sung entirely in French; “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros,” a rap battle between the duo under their rap pseudonyms; and “Bowie,” which, as its name suggests, parodies the musical styling of David Bowie himself.

This summer, the Conchords will return to their live performance roots and embark on a concert tour.

The tour begins here in Philadelphia, with the first date scheduled at the Tower Theatre on May 5.