Masters, Danish Pop, & Silliness

One of the primary ways that I discover new music is through television shows and movies. Largely instrumental tracks from scores that are sprinkled throughout the playlist.

On this point, I recently noticed how I had an unexpected number of tunes created by Dru Masters saved in the collection. A composer I was introduced to via one of my favorite panel shows: Taskmaster. I guess I ended up searching around for more of his themes.

Even in its twentieth series, Taskmaster is still somehow concocting hilarious battlefields for its competitors. If you are unfamiliar with the show, let me drag you out from underneath the rock: a good introduction is simply watching clips of individual tasks (conveniently found on an official playlist) to test your comfort within its comedic waters. Tasks like “Film something that will look impressive in reverse” (S1E2), “Camouflage yourself” (S4E3) or “Physically recreate a video game” (S7E10).

The official channel uploads full episodes as they air and has the full archive, along with a lot of other goodies (including some seasons of its international spin-offs) for consumption.

In general, the tasks have evolved to become more complex over time, but it is heartening to see that Alex Horne is still finding simpler vectors for engineering humor (like, say, walking blindfolded on a spot while following basic instructions; @41:37 of the episode).

Of course this is just the original, U.K. version. Many of its international offshoots are also worth engaging. Small cultural differences introduce a unique charm and brand to each show. All adaptations of the program that have enjoyed long-term success did not stray too far from the winning formula of putting a group of comedians through the wringer of the ridiculous within a blithe context (underscoring it all with contributions from Masters and The Horne Section). The international “Taskmaster” and “Assistant” stand-ins are a mixed bag, but then again, no one can quite match the energy, chemistry and genuine passion of Greg Davies and Alex.

There are official and unofficial options for keeping up with the global output. Of the non-U.K. bunch, I remain partial to Stormester (Denmark), Bäst i test (Sweden), Taskmaster New Zealand, Kongen befaler (Norway), and Taskmasters Australia. In no particular order, but all a tier above the lesser but still entertaining Suurmestari (Finland) and Le maître du jeu (Canada).

Stormester has an oddly emotional bend to it, often wandering into melodramatic territory. It still does its job though, of getting me acquainted with artists that wind their way into the library:

A few more Danish beats from the same singer for anyone interested:

A late weekend drop of Measures entries for your listening pleasure.

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A final comment:

An old colleague of mine used to say that we should always keep room for “the silly” in our lives. To inject levity into the ever-encroaching seriousness of our ongoing responsibilities to each other and ourselves and enter a healthier mental state. To lighten the gravity of deliberations on life, the universe and everything. That people who did not make time for trivial pursuits were less inviting personalities; at least, for those of us for whom ‘fun’ held great value or substance.

I wholeheartedly agree.