I Told You I Was Freaky

iTunes Review

Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie manage to deliver humorous songs that don’t lose their appeal once the joke has been told. As wondrous stylistic chameleons, they easily jump from one style to the next, mastering the essentials and playing with the clichés. They like funky beats that sound immediately at odds with their own awkward, New Zealander outcast pose. “Hurt Feelings” typifies a new “Low Self Esteem”-styled rap, where the duo’s over-sensitivity proves they’re not suited to a thug’s life. (“The day after my birthday is not my birthday, mum.” Ouch.) The R. Kelly-styled “We’re Both In Love With a Sexy Lady” tries to firmly determine if they are indeed in love with the same woman. (They are). “Sugalumps” and “Too Many Dicks (On the Dancefloor)” jam with a solid groove underneath their silly heart. The David Bowie rip, “Fashion Is Danger,” holds up as a genuine original all its own. “You Don’t Have To Be a Prostitute” updates the Police’s “Roxanne” with great self-awareness. Goofy fun and catchy tunes all around.