Lonely Island, The - Incredibad

[Blake Solomon]

The Lonely Island - Incredibad
Record Label: Universal Republic Records
Release Date: February 10, 2009

These days funny requires a YouTube channel, a guest blog on Cracked, and a Flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/georgijevic/2828426844/) for the handsome troupe leader. These are very important tools, although it seems being funny in 2009 is much easier than, say, in Richard Pryor’s day - you know, when you had to literally catch on fire for a laugh. The American Dream has become The Internet Dream. Do they even have comedy clubs anymore? The only "spot" in my town regularly holds “Viral Video Vote” nights. (Last week “Sneezing Panda” narrowly upset “Compilation of People Being Hit In The Nuts.”) With all these trends in comedy, it’s no surprise that 2 ugly dudes and one hot guy hit the big time; The Lonely Island obviously attended the “Comedy in the New Millenium” seminar (hosted by 90’s sitcom star Dave Coulier (http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/ic/blogs/channelsurfing/uploaded_images/coulier-766802.jpg)) and took copious notes. But all the gimmicks in the world won't hide a lack of talent (http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/uploaded_images/P000069315-709861.jpg).

Incredibad is comedy set to music, so it’s a double whammy of subjectivity. As if judging Jorma Taccone’s impressively realistic hip-hop beats weren’t enough, I must also take into account lyrics like, “What happened next was a total disgrace / Everybody started having sex / The music was way too powerful / A bunch of old people f**king like rabbits / It was disgusting to say the least.” Those choice words are from “Boombox,” which somehow features a hook by Julian Casablancas. Basically, if Flight of the Conchords are indie comedy and Tenacious D are metal comedy, then The Lonely Island are hip-hop comedy: “Like A Boss” is a bass-heavy Rick Ross parody. “I’m On A Boat,” while completely hilarious, is a by-the-numbers conglomerate of T-Pain collaborations. Taccone certainly did his homework, and if you disregard the lyrics - a normal occurrence for T-Pain songs - you’ll believe this is the Mad Hatter’s (http://www.rap-up.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rip08_tpain.jpg) next big hit. Plus, the song’s big moment features T-Pain singing, “I f**ked a mermaid!” There’s never been a lyric more indicative of the freedoms we enjoy in this country.

Jack Black’s groovy prog number showcases The Lonely Island’s ability to take one punchline and stretch it to unimaginable lengths. Each time the sax man sputters is truly funnier than the last. But perhaps the best cameo on Incredibad is E-40 as Carlos Santana (http://www.lossip.com/wp-content/uploads/santana110207a.jpg) (“I see you bitches is enjoying my sparkling wine / Well be careful cause this shit will get you f**ked up”). It was smart of The Lonely Island to include so many guests since each member’s rapping sounds strangely similar; it’s that screamy sound that is meant to sound “angry” or “gangsta”, but instead grates and annoys. Unfortunately the group’s greatest cameo song (“Iran So Far”, featuring the hottie singer from Maroon 5) was sadly left out due to some a**hole named Aphex Twin. (http://www.tgfa.org/other/images/Windowlicker.jpg)

While many of these songs were readily available previously (“Lazy Sunday”, “Natalie’s Rap”, “Dick in a Box”), it’s nice to have them in iPod form (http://images9.cafepress.com/nocache/product/186326079v2147483647_350x350_Front_ Color-BlackWhite.jpg). There’s a strange joy that washes over you as the trio yells, “Three Way Climax!” during closer “Incredibad” - a buddy rap about alien anal rape - especially when you’re sitting in a crowded auditorium (http://rebelbasewoodley.files.wordpress.co m/2008/09/glowing_apples_mic.jpg). You want to look around and see if anyone is onto you, but mostly it’s just nice to smirk before failing an Anthropology test. Despite Incredibad’s weak skits and hyperbolic rapping style, it’s a solid comedy album. But Taccone’s beats are so versed in modern hip-hop that it’s also a solid music album. These 19 tracks - one of which features Norah Jones singing about Chex Mix over drum machines - of music-as-comedy won’t do anything but broaden The Lonely Island’s fanbase, and, hopefully with time, fix the residual brain-numbing that occurs after watching Hot Rod. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGRreuZsr5E)


Recommended If You Like: Flight of the Conchords, Raekwon the Chef, Stephen Lynch, all of Murder INC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-KWEbRRM-o)., Zach Galifinakis, R.Kelly, R.Kelly, movies from the 90's
(http://jakerake.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/blank_check_film.jpg)

www.myspace.com/thelonelyisland

[red8ge]

Love this album. Good review too.

[Adrian Villagomez]

I didn't realize you were including so many links in your reviews now, Blake. I don't really see the appeal of owning this album, but Tenacious D is one huge pass for me as well, so I'm probably not the intended audience.

[Chris Fallon]

It's nice to have in a shuffle mix, but other than that, as a whole it's pretty much a throwaway.

[cereal4life]

Not for me!

Busting out the reviews there Blake.

[Charles777]

You said R. Kelly twice!

[Everiggs]

I liked the review, but Hot Rod was awesome.

[c_rob2700]

Hot Rod is the most underrated comedy ever

[Blake Solomon]

You said R. Kelly twice!
you're darn right I did!

[therookielot]

Natalie Portman just got 100 times hotter.

[Dunn.Nope]

some were funny, but I can't listen to this all at once

[therookielot]

AND YOU TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT HOT ROD RIGHT NOWw

[sidekicksuicide]

I need to go watch Hot Rod again. A+++ forever

[batmannj]

Nice review Blake, your's are always entertaining.

[Blake Solomon]

The review....so analytical-sounding. Kinda ironic given the album's theme...
post of the year

[youareallfreaks]

hot rod was hilarious you darshe

[i12punk]

Hot Rod is the most underrated comedy ever
I am sad for you.

[whyte39]

but Hot Rod was awesome.

Hot Rod is the most underrated comedy ever

I completely agree.

[Blake Solomon]

hot rod was hilarious you darshe
think it's spelled "douche" unless that's a hilarious quote from Hot Rod!!!

[infamous_alias]

Drinkin' Santana Champ' 'cause it's so crisp!

[Blaise&Panthia.]

Like A Boss is hilarious.

[Jhutch7]

Ya dude, you're all wrong about Hot Rod. So awesome. I'm a Boss, Sax Man and Santana DVX are my jams on this. Love these guys

[saving jonathan]

I think I'm On A Boat is hilarious.
Hot Rod was way good too.

[Charles777]

you're darn right I did!
Heck yeah!

[saving jonathan]

Awwwww SHIT GET YA TOWELS READY.
All hands hit the MUTHAFUCKIN' DECK.

[You Vandal]

Like Kevin Garnett....ANYTHING IS POSSSIBLEEEEEE!

[prefix-core]

Well-written review. And I do agree that while the rapping is solid, the beats are good...

But I don't find this to be even remotely funny. I didn't think the "Chronic Cupcake" or whatever song was funny when it was released, either. It's 2009 and the "nerdy white guy rapping to be ironic LOLZ" thing is pretty played out. Why not just admit they want to rap and try to write something of value? They have the skills, so why not? Or at least try and write comedic hip-hop songs that are a bit edgier instead of relying on the "it's funny because we're not supposed to be rapping" factor? See also: the Bloodhound Gang and the army of nerdcore rappers out there.

There's a fine line between clever and stupid.

That being said? Sandberg's a pretty funny dude. And Hot Rod ruled. He should stick to traditional comedy.

[bobby runs]

I agree with the T-Pain comment. It's so good because it makes fun of him yet he's in on the joke.

[TerrancePryor]

One of the best rap albums of the year.

[Xianmusicfan]

The Conchords are way better than the Lonely Island.

[batmannj]

The Conchords are way better than the Lonely Island.
I think the comparrison he was making was meant in terms of that they are both comedy/music sorta deal. I don't think he meant that they were as good as The Conchords.

[C480RG]

amazing shit.

[midtown4657]

They are definitely sending stores promotional condoms for this album. On the back of the package is the quote "I wear a rubber at all times, it's a necessity cuz I jizz in my pants".

[Nick Le]

It's nice to have in a shuffle mix, but other than that, as a whole it's pretty much a throwaway.

This.

Hot Rod is the most underrated comedy ever
This.

I liked the review, but Hot Rod was awesome.

and this.

I enjoy a few tracks off this, haven't listened to the whole thing yet, just not able to. Haha. But this was a great review/read.

[zachff]

Wow. I really enjoy(ed) this album. Other than the interludes (except for Normal Guy, bc I think that's funny) and the old songs (We Like Sportz and Bing Bong Brothers) I think the album is pretty hilarious. I'd definitely give it at least an 80%, how can you not like On a Boat, Incredibad, Natalie's Rap, etc etc?

[Punkdc]

I really dig this cd. It has a good lasting value if you think of it as a comedy album with music.

[Blake Solomon]

Wow. I really enjoy(ed) this album. Other than the interludes (except for Normal Guy, bc I think that's funny) and the old songs (We Like Sportz and Bing Bong Brothers) I think the album is pretty hilarious. I'd definitely give it at least an 80%, how can you not like On a Boat, Incredibad, Natalie's Rap, etc etc?

I played the crap outta bing bong brothers when it was first released haha. Now I usually skip it, but that's not because its a bad song.

[xsinkshipsx]

It's nice to have in a shuffle mix, but other than that, as a whole it's pretty much a throwaway.
I wouldn't say it's a throwaway...but you make a good point about the shuffle

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Good review for a fun album, but I wouldn't give the lasting value very high.

[actionpat]

im on a boat mother fucker dont you ever forget it...

[opentheharbors]

here's another vote for hod rod. had me lol'in bunches.

[Travis Parno]

lol love it, great review, blake

and i have to agree, Hot Rod is highly underrated

[Cody Nelson]

It's got its moments, that's for sure, but it could be loads better.

[Rest_Easy]

hot rod was ok. I love you man, though not starring adam sandberg, will be awesome.

I'm surprised no mention of jizz in your pants at all. That is such an awesome song.

And I think that rough gangsta grit vocals goes along with the album name too. There's irony in trying to sound so strong while the entire time they know it's not to be taken seriously. That's comedy.

As far as singing comedians go though, not in band form really, Stephen Lynch owns all. Incredible voice and hilarious songs

[whenyourearound]

natalies rap is the funniest one

[youareallfreaks]

think it's spelled "douche" unless that's a hilarious quote from Hot Rod!!!
you --> http://standarsh.ytmnd.com/

[Blake Solomon]

hot rod was ok. I love you man, though not starring adam sandberg, will be awesome.

I'm surprised no mention of jizz in your pants at all. That is such an awesome song.

And I think that rough gangsta grit vocals goes along with the album name too. There's irony in trying to sound so strong while the entire time they know it's not to be taken seriously. That's comedy.

As far as singing comedians go though, not in band form really, Stephen Lynch owns all. Incredible voice and hilarious songs
while the voice thing is completely meant to be ironic or whatever, it just doesn't sound good after so many songs. Sometimes the music must come first. You could be the funniest guy in the world, but if you sound like someone letting the air out of a balloon when you talk, i'm not going to want to listen for long.

[Blake Solomon]

you --> http://standarsh.ytmnd.com/
foiled!

[bears clap loud]

hot rod is the best

[thehymen77]

after reading this review, i jizz in my pants

[andrewshungry]

i'm on a boat is by far the best song. natalie's rap is amazing too, but just doesn't do it for me without the video

[drudo182]

Sax Man!

[Floggingnation]

I'm glad Aphex Twin withheld their right to put the song on. While the song itself is interesting, among the numerous face-fallers in this album it would not feel right.

[yutsmcgee]

AOTY, ftw. "I'm the boss."

[denissuxx]

I didn't realize you were including so many links in your reviews now, Blake. I don't really see the appeal of owning this album, but Tenacious D is one huge pass for me as well, so I'm probably not the intended audience.
Well said.

[Ryzenfall]

I don't think I'd ever listen to these without the visual. Case in point: Lazy Sunday.
Hilarious stuff though.

Nice to see the Hot Rod love.

[AdamChildress]

Hot Rod is the most underrated comedy ever
Very very true, I could not stop laughing at the movie.

One comedy I am very proud to own.

[AdamChildress]

I am most definitely going to check out this album...I am not much for comedy albums, but I definitely support anything Andy Samberg and Lonely Island do.

[acfrue]

I love this album, but I definitely agree with Blake's rating, its not a great album but its fucking fun to listen to.

[c_rob2700]

I think everyone agrees that Hot Rod is awsome

[Shooter McGavin]

It's all fun and games until Richard Pryor starts playing with matches.

[chrisstahl]

hit on debra

[GazzaAoA]

I'm On a Boat! has been played at every single party I've been to in the past three weeks... and everyone goes nuts when it comes on.

[Blake Solomon]

It's all fun and games until Richard Pryor starts playing with matches.

Hahahaha amazing

[Blake Solomon]

hit on debra

Swallow sadness

[jaywarden1]

a few funny tracks but not that great

personal favorite "punch you in the jeans"

[serotoninzero]

Hot Rod is awesome. This album is good but I can only take song by song or in the order I want to hear them. Usually just to show friends.

[Brandon Allin]

"Jizz in My Pants" and "I'm On a Boat" are both fucking hilarious.

[zachff]

I played the crap outta bing bong brothers when it was first released haha. Now I usually skip it, but that's not because its a bad song.
I can agree with that. I am trying to convince everyone at work (I work in the typical corporate type office) to listen to Like A Boss because it is hilariously fitting

[Broclee]

I pretty much agree with the review, it's got some fun moments, but I can't say I'd put this on as my background music for my daily routine.

[newfoundmichael]

I liked the review, but Hot Rod was awesome.
loved Hot Rod.

[hockeyguitar99]

Well-written review. And I do agree that while the rapping is solid, the beats are good...

But I don't find this to be even remotely funny. I didn't think the "Chronic Cupcake" or whatever song was funny when it was released, either. It's 2009 and the "nerdy white guy rapping to be ironic LOLZ" thing is pretty played out. Why not just admit they want to rap and try to write something of value? They have the skills, so why not? Or at least try and write comedic hip-hop songs that are a bit edgier instead of relying on the "it's funny because we're not supposed to be rapping" factor? See also: the Bloodhound Gang and the army of nerdcore rappers out there.

There's a fine line between clever and stupid.

That being said? Sandberg's a pretty funny dude. And Hot Rod ruled. He should stick to traditional comedy.
Would it be alright with you if I used lines from this in my review of the new MC Lars album?

[Drew Beringer]

TURNED INTO A JET, BOMBED THE RUSSIANS, CRASHED INTO THE SUN NOW I'M DEAD

like a boss

[ZEZEtheX]

Awwwwwwwwwww SHIT! I FEEL ALIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME

[jay_klinkhammer]

Hot Rod was one of the best movies ever made.

[xtheaudition]

hot rod is the best movie ever.

[xtheaudition]

Hot Rod was one of the best movies ever made.
agreed. KWISKY!

[PunkDrums182]

As awful as Hot Rod was, I really enjoyed it. Normally I hate movies like that, I don't know why but it made me laugh a lot.

[kittypants]

Some of it is hilarious and some is too crude to be funny.

[guinness]

Gonna fly this boat to the moon somehow.

[Blake Solomon]

TURNED INTO A JET, BOMBED THE RUSSIANS, CRASHED INTO THE SUN NOW I'M DEAD

like a boss
Meet a giant fish

Fuck his brains out

[rckstr29]

Natalie Portman just got 100 times hotter.
If she needed any help. She's already fricken' gorgeous. And her line about mutually wanting to have sex with me is pretty reassuring to say the least.

[rckstr29]

Meet a giant fish

Fuck his brains out
lol. that song makes me laugh so hard. "I think at one point there you said something about sucking your own dick?" "Nope." "Actually.... I'm pretty sure you did." "Naw, that aint me."

[KingJohn_654]

I love this CD. I think you reviewed it perfectly.

[johnh5304]

I think I'll pick it up. I just wish the video for "I'm On a Boat" was included on the dvd.

[KingJohn_654]

This.


This.



and this.

I enjoy a few tracks off this, haven't listened to the whole thing yet, just not able to. Haha. But this was a great review/read.
all of this.

[therookielot]

Shit on Brenda's desk

[Zachals]

never thought i'd be on a boat

[Blaise&Panthia.]

Eat a bagel.

[Super Norg]

Im On A Boat!

[Blake Solomon]

hot rod is the best
So I watched Hot Rod again since so many people smacked me for that comment: still not funny at all. In fact I think it got less funny. Isla Fisher got hotter, though.

[Blake Solomon]

that was supposed to be a multi-quote, haha, i don't know how i guess.

[TalkShowsOnMute]

Love this album, lately Norah Jones' whole "Chex Mix" part has been stuck in my head all the time.

[Mike Kraft]

"I'm on a boat, take a good hard look at the boat!"

I like the album. Great review, Blake.

[The Marc]

Review was fine until you talked about Aphex Twin. And if you have looked around, you'd have found the following quote:

""Iran So Far" wasn't included because the publishing company that covers "Avril 14th" was asking for WAY too much money. But that has nothing to do with Aphex Twin. He's been totally cool about it all, he and Jorm actually emailed a bit and he was fine with everything. So yeah, we were disappointed that it wasn't able to be included, but as they say in football, "You can't spend that much of your budget on clearing a sample for your comedy album."

[chrisstahl]

play it sax man

[kiwiprincess]

Isn't Jizz In My Pants on the album?
Love that song.

[I Shot Chicago]

Blank Check! Nice!

[Charles777]

Punch You In The Jeans is so great

[Noah Fawkes]

FUCK LAND I'M ON A BOAT MOTHERFUCKER
x

[ChristianFuller]

Great albumm