December272005

Chronicling “Chronicles”

Meeting of the Minds: Ricky Gervais and Larry David Though I know it’s not true, I still wonder if Lorne Michaels didn’t know the popularity of the Chronicles of Narnia rap until he read about it in the New York Times story today. The Times story covers the video’s viral success, along with mentioning how the Lonely Island dudes have used the Internet from the beginning to build their careers. (Particularly in building other rap parodies - see Just2Guyz, My Pants, Kablamo and The Bing Bong Brothers on their site.) The account of its production also makes it sound a bit like it was outside the usual gut-wrenching process SNL goes through - did it even have to be table read? Is that what it takes?

I take a different tack than the New York Times story, which makes it sound like the short was written to be aggressively nerdy. Like rappers who’ve write about the dangerous experiences they’ve had, I get the feeling that the Lonely Island guys spend their Sundays refueling for SNL by going to a movie and indulging their sweet tooth. They keep true to who to they are, which makes the bit all the funnier, rather than any exaggerated dorkiness. They just contrast their lives against a hardcore music style. (Similar thoughts play out in this Village Voice article, which talks about the merits of Chronicles as rap.)

I think a lot of the passion and excitement for the video comes from the goodwill people still have for SNL. They want it to be good. When they get something that inarguably funny, it brings all the feelings of the first time they discovered the show. I doubt SNL will ever be cancelled, with its history, it’s only a few sketches away from turning from an institution into a “beloved” institution. Chronicles is one. Now, what else you got?

Posted by Todd Jackson at 02:19 AM | Send to Friend
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Comments

1 Posted by Jesse Thorn on 12/27 at 02:46 PM

Couldn’t agree more, Todd.

I think this could be a significant event for television in realizing that shortform comedy content is *very* valuable on the internet. Look at the success of rocketboom or even (groan) heavy.com or even ebaumsworld or something.

And kudos to NBC for getting on the bandwagon (perhaps a little late) by offering it as a free download in iTunes. Internet media isn’t just the web anymore.

2 Posted by Jacob Neiss on 12/28 at 09:08 PM

It’s pure genius simply.

I’ve been a fan of the Dudes for a while now, and it was thanks to their site. I originally found it through Comedy Central after seeing Andy Samberg on Premium Blend.

I haven’t watched SNL in years because it’s been horrible, but with the Dudes as writers and Andy on the show itself, I feel like I may return to watching it weekly.

3 Posted by Rob on 12/29 at 11:34 AM

One of the reasons “Chronicle” is so great is not just because it’s funny, but because it also works as MUSIC—it’s a smart and clever rap song.

However, Robert Smiegel’s very funny Christmas time for the Jews video was also in that episode and has been overshadowed by “Lazy Sunday.” All in all, the best SNL in ages…

This begs the question: How would the original SNL have fared in the digital age? If Monday morning if we could have downloaded the “Blues Brothers” or the “Coneheads” would they have the same power they once did? One of the things that strike me about rewatching some of those original SNLs is how they live so much better in memory than when you re-watch them.