:: The Bedroom Philosopher - Songs From The 86 Tram

The Bedroom Philosopher

Any listener of Triple J will certainly have heard of The Bedroom Philospher aka comedian Justin Heazlewood. His comedy has continued to grow since his debut on the station in 2002 and his new album ‘Songs From The 86 Tram’ sees him do to music what Chris Lilley did to TV. This concept album sees The Bedroom Philospher take on the persona of a number of ‘Tram 86 Patrons’ and while the songs are hit and miss, most of the comedy will have you giggling… although I should warn you that if you are not from Melbourne some of the references will go right over your head. The album kicks off with ‘Middle Aged Mum’ and while it will take you a while to get used to the vocals it will eventually have you laughing, although not as much as rap parody ‘We Are Tramily’ will. ‘Sudanese’ is one of the funniest tracks on the album, and it is here that you realise just how similar to Chris Lilley, The Bedroom Philosopher really is. ‘Trishine’ is written from the perspective of a Melbourne Bogan and again you won’t be able to help but laugh. The first single from this album is ‘Northcote (So Hungover)’ an excellent parody of those wankers you see fairly often on this tramline, however the album is let down by ‘Irish Girl’ which isn’t nearly as funny as it should’ve been. You get the feeling that The Bedroom Philosoper went soft on Tram Inspectors on the track ‘Tram Inspector’, but the album picks up again with some witty poetry in the form of ‘Man On A Tram’. Both ‘(Interiewd)’ and ‘Song To Nod Off To’ just seem like wasted space but then along comes ‘New Media’ – the track that contains the funniest joke on the album… a great little line about Memory Sticks. The album then ends with the thought provoking ‘Old Man At End’… a somewhat sad ending to a funny album. ‘Songs From The 86 Tram’ is let down by some ordinary comedy in parts but for the most part holds its own – a must for Melbourne Comedy fans.