Some people say is that I am into novelty music (I think they really mean comedy music) as if that’s some terrible thing. The fact is that I’m into music that has a meaning.
It almost doesn’t matter to me what the meaning is, as long as a song tells a story I find it far more interesting than the contrary. I like listening to music on a range of subjects, including the obvious comedy music. Here’s some of my favourite artists that tell stories in their music:
Tim Minchin has long been my favourite artist since he devils in both comedy and philosophy/politics type music. He sings a lot about atheist, of which he is clearly a huge fan, but also on a range of other issues including environmental issues, social issues, and general good sense. For a good introduction, check out the following songs:
- The Good Book – debunking the scriptures
- Thank You God – my favourite of his on religion
- Some People Have it Worse than I – the inequalities of life
- The Fence – how nothing is ever black and white
- Prejudice – comedy genius, and probably his most famous song
Beans on Toast is a contemporary British festival singer who sings about politics and the environment. He’s not the most talented singer (think Bob Dylan) but his songs have great meaning. Try:
- Here at Homertom Hospital – multiculturalism in the UK
- Major Oak – about a tree in danger from a multinational company
- Bamboo Toothbrush – how we should be more resourceful
- Please Give Generously – give to the homeless
Grace Petrie is a proud gay Londoner who sings about gay/trans rights, politics and justice. Check out:
- Black Tie – about trans rights and how you’ll find your own way in the end
- Pride – self explanatory
- God Save the Hungry – as opposed to the queen.
- Make America Hate Again – Trump
David Brent (Ricky Gervais) sings about a bunch of stuff, mostly comedy:
- Slough – about his love for the London suburb
- Paris Nights – ode to Princess Diana
- Equality Street – a serious song, with a couple of jokes, about equality
Amateur Transplants formed when they were medical students and have been going ever since. Some great comedy songs, including many with a medial twinge.
- Careless Surgeon – when a surgeon doesn’t know quite what he’s doing
- The Drugs Song – paracetemoxifrusibendroneomaicin
- London Underground – their most famous song – excellent
Counting Crows get a mention here because they’re songs are like abstract art. Nobody knows whether their songs each have a particular meaning (if so it’s known only to them) but the lyrics are incredibly clever and though provoking.
- Palasaides park – maybe about being homeless
- Amy Hit the Atmosphere
- Colorblind
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