Britain has given us some great rock icons like John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, and of course, Aldous Snow. Arguably one of the greatest musicians and singers of the past decade, Aldous Snow is the epitome of what a rockstar should be. Although a fictional character consummately played by comedian Russell Brand in the movies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek, Brand breaths fresh air into fictional musicians and soundtracks everywhere.
Instead of a traditional soundtrack, Infant Sorrow: Get Him to The Greek is promoted as an Infant Sorrow Greatest Hits album. Over the past couple of years, there have been some amazing soundtracks filled with original songs by actors portraying “rockstars,” like John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox on the Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story soundtrack. Nowadays, soundtracks tend to be overlooked, especially if there is original music actually sung by actors. Don’t underestimate these thespians because you will be pleasantly surprised.
On the Forgetting Sarah Marshall soundtrack, Russell Brand performed two of Aldous Snow’s signature songs, “Inside of You” and “We’ve Got To Do Something,” the latter being an Infant Sorrow song. Snow appears to have been part of the Britpop movement, which occurred during the mid to late 90s music scene. Britpop is alternative rock music that was inspired by 60s and 70s British pop music.
One can argue that some of these songs won’t make any sense if you haven’t seen the movie, but they are quite enjoyable nonetheless. If you like bands like Flight of the Conchords, Tenacious D and/or the fictional band, Spinal Tap, then you’ll love Aldous Snow and Infant Sorrow.
As Spinal Tap did over 25 years ago, Aldous Snow makes fun of the current music scene and kicks of the album with “Just Say Yes.” Alternative music never seemed so blunt and funny about using drugs until now.
For those who haven’t seen the movie, “Furry Walls” will probably make no sense out of context, but rest assured it’s just as catchy and enjoyable as all the others. Even Hanson covered the song because they loved it so much.
“Going Up” is one of the most accessible songs on the entire album and could actually be released as a single. The song talks about overcoming obstacles and mocking those who didn’t support you. There is a great message in this catchy, comic song.
“The Clap” is arguably the best song on the album by Aldous Snow and has a Rolling Stones kind of feel. It has great beats, ludicrous lyrics, and a catchy chorus that will leave you in stitches as you sing along.
On the majority of the songs, Aldous Snow seems like Liam Gallagher of Oasis and other current British superstars, but on “I am Jesus” he sounds like Brandon Flowers from The Killers. His wide range of singing abilities is shocking, yet amusing with these parodies about current popular music.
“African Child” is a great parody of all the trendy musicians caring about foreign politics and issues. It’s a hilarious jab that will leave you shaking your head in disgust, but in a good way. All the songs are profound parodies and most could actually be released as real singles, especially Jackie Q’s songs.
Jackie Q, played brilliantly by Rose Byrne, sings two amazing songs “Supertight” and “Ring ‘Round” that emulate today’s pop music scene. They are two perfect pop songs that you will immediately fall in love with. You could actually believe they are “real” pop songs, not parodies, but once you actually listen to the lyrics…Oh Boy! It kind of makes you wonder if all pop songs are this dirty albeit not as blatantly and overtly obvious.
Overall, these 15 songs will keep you entertained and laughing long after you have stopped listening. Too bad Aldous Snow and Jackie Q. don’t really tour because I would definitely pay to see them perform live!
Get Him To The Greek came out on DVD and Blu-ray September 28, 2010. -- Mr Brownstone
Buy here: Get Him To The Greek [Explicit]
