Published on Thursday, September 11, 2008

blogs

Comedy singers are not 'second-class'


By ORLANDO LARA
Last updated on 00/00/0000 at 12:00 a.m.

Music is good. Comedy is good, too. But something happens when the two are combined.

It seems that no matter how funny, original or entertaining a “comedy band” is, they’re usually seen as second-class entertainers. Not quite good enough to start a legitimate band and not quite funny enough to split people’s sides.

Tenacious D, Stephen Lynch, Flight of the Conchords, Weird Al and even sometimes musicians like Demetri Martin, Sarah Silverman and Zach Galifianakis rarely get acclaim for their musical talents. They’re normally classified as mediocre comedians and mediocre musicians.

The truth is they should be getting more praise for their work. Writing a song is hard. You know what else is hard? Making people laugh. Put the two together and the task seems insurmountable.

Is it that funny songs focus more on the lyrics than the music? Bob Dylan and Mos Def are pretty lyric heavy. Is it that the music is simple and catchy? Pick just about any popular pop group and they’re music is just as simplistic.

Why no love for composers of funny songs? I don’t know, I’m no scientician. There’s just something about them that gets no respect.

Comment On This Article

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.


  • Your name:
  • Enter text from image:
  • Your comment:
Question of the Day
Only who can prevent forest fires?
you
me

Sign up to receive Northern Star headlines in your inbox, delivered weekdays at 6 a.m.


Feedback? E-mail us.
Real-time updates of recently viewed articles on the site.

1  Commission recommends county-wide groundwater...

2  AP: Following cost-saving layoffs, Gov. hired...

3  Athletics names new athletic director

4  Two charged after Fotis Drive robbery

5  Switch to digital TV may not be as smooth as...