Bret McKenzie (Video Kid, The Black Seeds) and Jemaine Clement, better known as Flight Of The Conchords - New Zealand's very own comedy superstars in the making - finally have something else to satisfy their rabid and ever-growing fanbase. A follow up to their debut and perennial Smoke best-seller Folk the World, this triple CD set documents all 6 half-hour episodes of their hit BBC series.
While Folk The World captured the duo in full live 'flight', recorded during some of their sell-out shows in Wellington and Auckland, The Complete BBC Radio Series is a scripted studio production. Presented in a 'mockumentary' style the series follows the duo's move to London and all the trials and tribulations they encounter along the way; from being shot by an arrow and dealing with stalker fans to the threat of the band breaking up. Interspersed throughout, are songs which seem to fit each situation (funny that). This format suits the 'Conchords dry style perfectly and the lads show that as well as being great performers, they're both talented comedic actors and writers also.
Narrated by British actor Rob Brydon (who tells us he is a big music fan with a collection of "over a hundred CDs" and that the 'Conchords are his "fourth or maybe even third, favourite novelty music act.") with Rhys Darby, Greg Proops and even Neil Finn ("the Ronan Keeting of the North Island" according to Brydon) contributing to the hilarity and putting this series up there with other BBC classics like The Office, The League Of Gentleman or Little Britain as far as writing goes.
Bumbling manager Brian Nesbitt (played by Darby) provides many of the laughs, none more so than when he phones a confused and increasingly inpatient Neil Finn at least once an episode for managerial advice. And then of course there's the music; old favourites like 'Frodo, Don't Wear The Ring' and 'Bowie' are reprised, while newer songs like 'Think About It, Think Think About It' and 'Business Time' that will equally have you in stitches.
Since recording this series the guys have been offered an HBO special which has in turn lead to their very own series on the respected U.S. cable network - so it's only a matter of time before the whole world catches on to this hilarious Kiwi duo. Side-splittingly good and highly recommended.