Two Puppets, A Guy and a Podcast: What Led to ‘Songs from Lynchland, Vol. 3’

Detaching oneself from what’s made you popular is pretty difficult.

Liam Lynch, who most people know as “That United States of Whatever Guy” is on his seventh solo release following the chart-topping success of the song taken from an episode of MTV’s cult classic puppet variety half hour, “The Sifl and Olly Show.” Since then, he’s recorded with ex-Beatle Ringo Starr. He directed Tenacious D in “The Pick of Destiny” and “Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic.” Approaching 40, Lynch has retained all the hilarity of his earlier, more underground efforts.

The creator and star of his own podcast with over 90,000 subscribers, Lynch is a multimedia rock star. One of the things Lynch does best is mimicking other artists, as highlighted in 2003’s “Fake Songs,” but it is Lynch’s original work that contains the greatest parodies of them all: reality.

Lynch has recorded serious albums in the past, like “How To Be A Satellite,” (2006) “We’re All-Nighters” and “Get Up On The Raft,” (both released in 2008) whose title track is also his latest release, “Songs from Lynchland, Vol. 3,” but this release is a well-crafted combination of hilarity and Lynch’s artsy, more introspective side.

“Get Up On The Raft” is philosophically endearing, stating that “love never lasts, but it always needs a raft.” “Love Thy Artist” captures the comedy of the detached tragedy that is being an artist in modern times. “I Came To Fall” is even more powerful of a message when watching the video, which features dozens of Lynch clones argue on a rooftop, all trying to make the leap first. “Rivers Slip” is a slower anthem of coping that is more serious than comedic.

The balance between satire and private thoughts is even, and Lynch’s seamless home-brewed guitar work carries the album.

Sometimes it’s the complete absence of reality that attracts people to Lynch. The eerie and cute “Deetian Love Song” combines the charm of alien gibberish with realistic concerns and is beyond catchy. “Copper Coffee Pot” lyrics are derived from an old tongue twister and also benefits from the podcast, which features English-accented Planet of the Apes-style monkey men while “Oracle of Darkness” is like going to a Dio concert after inhaling sweet air.

Packed with fun lyrics, crazy scenarios and a familiar sound, Lynch refuses to disappoint.

“Destiny” may confound you without seeing the visuals: a lovelorn chicken singing to a conflicted alligator. “Let’s do weird things to each other, things you might not want to tell your mother,” Lynch croons in “Love in the 3rd Dimension” which borders on lounge music. When coupled with the podcast video footage, it brings a vintage, kitschy element to it that adds to the amusement. “Get Up Get Down” is a playful rap that rhymes and name-drops, perhaps the joke in itself, referencing fictional horror author Garth Marenghi.

Eccentric and upbeat, “Songs from Lynchland, Vol. 3” is a must have for fans and worth checking out for newcomers to Lynchland. Proving once again he’s more than just a one hit wonder, Lynch delivers without ever stepping foot into a recording studio. Most of today’s musicians and entertainers certainly can’t say the same.

It goes without saying that to fully appreciate the Lynch experience, taking a peek at the guest-star packed podcast is vital.