‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ has been voted the nation’s favourite comedy song‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ has been voted the nation’s favourite comedy song in a recent Reader’s Digest poll.
By: Colman Getty Consultancy The Monty Python tune, first sung by Eric Idle at the end of The Life of Brian, was the clear winner of the YouGov poll. Only the Scottish gave another song more votes - the patriotic choice of Billy Connolly’s “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.” Male and female voting was similar, but there were stark differences among the age groups. ‘Spider Pig’ from The Simpsons Movie was the top choice among the under 34s - even though it’s only 30 seconds long - while ‘Tribute’ by Jack Black’s faux rock group Tenacious D was most popular among the under- 24s. Strong showings for the likes of Flight of the Conchords, Bill Bailey and South Park also reveal a new, vibrant generation of musical comedy talent. The comedy pop song has had a rich and varied history – from Shakespeare to music-hall, Monty Python to Reeves and Mortimer – and has managed to remain a dominant tradition in British culture. In recent years, musical comedy has developed notable credibility, particularly amongst the younger generations with the arrival of surrealist Noel Fielding, the originator of the unique singing style ‘crimping’ “There’s a generation of comics who grew up wanting to be in bands who, nevertheless, see how ludicrous the music world and its neverending recycling has become,” says British comedian, Adam Buxton of Adam and Joe. He adds, “the answer for people like Bill Bailey, Flight of the Conchords and The Mighty Boosh’s Noel Fielding – who even looks like a pop star – is to have their cake and eat it, making music they love and making fun of it.” The Top 20 1 “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” 2 “Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)” 3 “The Lumberjack Song” 4 “The Combine Harvester” 5 “Jake the Peg” 6 “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.” 7 “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” 8 “Let’s Do It” 9 “The Chicken Song” 10 “The Ying Tong Song” 11 “Star Trekkin’ ” 12 “Rabbit” 13 “Every Sperm is Sacred” 14 “Goodness Gracious Me” 15 “Funky Gibbon” 16 “Spider Pig” 17 “Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” 18 “Chocolate Salty Balls” 19 “Living Doll” 20 = “My Brother” “Tribute” “I’m Walking Backwards for Christmas” The full article by music journalist, writer and broadcaster David Quantick is available in the August special comedy issue of Reader’s Digest magazine, on stands, 30 July. For more information about Reader’s Digest please contact Hannah Blake or Nazneen Nawaz at Colman Getty T 020 7631 2666 E hannah@colmangetty.co.uk Notes to editors • David Quantick may be available for interview. Please contact Hannah Blake or Nazneen Nawaz at Colman Getty • Features and interviews in Reader’s Digest may be available for syndication. Please contact Colman Getty • The cover image is available for use. Please contact Colman Getty • Catherine Haughney, acting editor of Reader’s Digest, is available for interview, written pieces and broadcast. Please contact Colman Getty • Electronic images are available from Colman Getty • Reader’s Digest costs £3.49 and is available via subscription and all good newsagents. For more information please visit www.rdmag.co.uk • The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of books, magazines, music collections and video with customers in more than 70 countries. Reader’s Digest is the world’s most widely read magazine and is published in 50 editions in 21 languages End
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