Everyone’s a Comedian, Part 1.

Well, I’ve had nothing to really say for the past few days.  I don’t like posting links all day.  I’d much rather bring you, the people, some original content.  Today, I’m diggin’ into something kinda fun: metal of the comedic persuasion.  When does it work?  When does it fall flat?  Here is my personal overview of today’s most notably brutal & funny…

1. Dethklok

Let’s start with an easy one.  I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a metalhead who didn’t like Metalocalypse, the show, but music turns into a whole different body of work when it’s made to compliment a cartoon of kooky characters.  We associate any song to the people who make/write the music, but when those people are animated, and are voiced by only one of two people who also write the music, it is an odd connection.  So what about that music?  I think it delivers.  Sure, the lyrics are ridiculous, but the music composition is pretty tight.  I had the pleasure of seeing Brendon Small live a few months ago, and despite the fact that only Nathan Explosion’s voice was present, it was still a great show.  Murmaider?  Check.  Thunderhorse?  Check.  Go into the Water?  Check, and still one of the prettiest riffs ever, for reals.  VERDICT: AWESOME.

2. Steel Panther

Here’s one that no one’s going to agree with me on.  I don’t get this band.  I mean, I get it…I just don’t think it’s all that funny.  First of all, isn’t hair metal funny enough already on its own without having to create a mock one to make fun of it?  From the stretchy pants, the big hair, the high kicks, and of course, incidents like this one, the comedic value is pretty apparent.  I don’t really need anyone to spew it back at me x10.  Second, there are way too many people in on the joke.  There’s a fake VH1 Behind the Music that features a number of notable musicians, and according to their Wikipedia, lots of people have taken the stage with them, including some people this world could certainly do without.  The joke just loses its luster.  Third, have you heard their song “Death to All By Metal?”  Just how many outdated references can you make in under three minutes?  Is that the joke?  Maybe I really don’t get it.  VERDICT: ..NEXT! (See also: Satanicide.  I actually much prefer them.)

3. An Albatross

I have seen this grindcore/noise rock band a couple of times in the past few years, and while I’m not exactly sure if they mean to be funny, they most certainly are.  The song titles alone (ex. “I Am the Lazer Viking” & “Hairobics”) are enough to make you at least slightly curious.  Within each song that is about a minute or less long, there is just an explosion of psychadelic kook.  The music might not be for everybody, but if you’re like me, and you like being incredibly confused when you listen to music, this is right up your alley.  Seeing them live is a delight to anyone with half a brain.  The singer often wears the same cut-up Mickey Mouse t-shirt and spends more time than not screaming into the mic very much bug-eyed with his hand on his hip like a prissy girl.  Add a little Elvis pelvis work, and I am sold.  VERDICT: ::DANCES:: (See also: Child Abuse)

-Elise

To be continued….