February 10, 2009

Flight of the Conchords.


Have you seen this show on HBO? This is what it is about:

Flight of the Conchords follows the trials and tribulations of a two man, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City. The band is made up of Bret McKenzie on guitar and vocals, and Jemaine Clement on guitar and vocals.
Bret and Jemaine have moved to New York in the hope of forging a successful music career. So far they’ve managed to find a manager (whose “other” job is at the New Zealand Consulate), one fan (a married obsessive) and one friend (who owns the local pawn shop) — but not much else.

Anyway, It’s hilarious. I love it. But then again, I totally get it. My husband Tim is from New Zealand and I lived there for 2 1/2 years. So I understand all of the little odd words, phrases and pronunciation that they use. Tim’s cousin Matt has the same voice as Jemaine. That Wellington accent is distinct, and it makes me laugh. This show is insanely popular here in American and I’m totally at a loss as to why, because I’m not sure all Americans even understand the little “kiwi” jokes thrown in here and there. Tickets to their live show in Berkeley in May is practically sold out and are selling for 3 x their normal price online. Bret & Jemaine are coming to Houston in May too….hopefully Tim will get tickets for my upcoming birthday (nothing like a little blog hinting)!


Ever since this episode aired a few weeks ago, everyone in my family has been obsessed with this song. We’ve been singing it and imitating the dance moves non-stop. Thank goodness for Tivo right? My sister Kate, Tim and I just played it again while we were having lunch for a good laugh! All three of us singing along and copying the moves, you can imagine how crazy!

On New Years Eve we were in New Orleans and a few people asked Tim, “Where are you from?” He would answer, “New Zealand”. As soon as he got that typical quizzical and confused look, he’d reply, “You know, like Flight of the Conchords?”. Nope. Sorry. No one knew that either. It was exactly like what happens in the show to Bret and Jemaine. Hilarious! We would crack up every time.

Now, yesterday I had quite the “Flight of the Conchords Experience”. I was in a modern furniture store inquiring about a job position there. The manager, who was sort of interviewing me on the spot, asked me where I had moved from, since I am new to town. I said, “New Zealand, we were living there because that’s where my husband is from.” He then replied said, “Oh, so do you speak the language, like New Zealandic or something?” I politely said, “Nope, sure don’t,” and left as soon as possible. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!


Readjusting to living in America has its pluses and minuses. Getting to watch Flight of the Conchords on HBO every Sunday night, huge plus. Having to answer ridiculous questions by people who have no clue, huge minus. Moral of the story, watch Flight of the Conchords and learn a little something about a little country called New Zealand, oh and it’s worth it because I promise you’ll laugh your head off!

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