Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album (or simply Contractual Obligation Album) is an album released by Monty Python in 1980, a mixture of songs, new sketches and some rerecorded pre-Python work. As the title suggests, the album was put together to complete a contract with Charisma Records. At least one of the skits on the album ("Bookshop," also called "Bookshop Sketch") predates the group itself, having been performed on the ITV series At Last the 1948 Show in 1967.
Two tracks on the album caused controversy when first released.
The lead track, "Sit on My Face" was sung to the tune of "Sing as We Go," a song made famous by Gracie Fields, and reportedly its inclusion led to legal threats against the Python team for copyright infringement over the melody. Nonetheless, the song was retained on the album and was later lip-synched by the troupe as the opening of Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl. It was also performed by Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Neil Innes at the Concert for George, the memorial concert for George Harrison, at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002. At the end of the song the 4 performers turned around and mooned the audience.
Track | Artist | Duration |
---|---|---|
Sit on My Face | 0:44 | |
Announcement | 0:21 | |
Henry Kissinger | 0:49 | |
String | 2:19 | |
Never Be Rude to an Arab | 1:00 | |
I Like Chinese | 3:10 | |
Bishop | 2:33 | |
Medical Love Song | 2:10 | |
Farewell To John Denver | 0:16 | |
Finland | 2:18 | |
I'm So Worried | 3:18 | |
I Bet You They Won't Play This Song On The Radio | 0:55 | |
Martyrdom Of St. Victor | 1:41 | |
Here Comes Another One | 1:58 | |
Bookshop | 4:22 | |
Do What John | 0:33 | |
Rock Notes | 2:11 | |
Muddy Knees | 2:11 | |
Crocodile | 2:34 | |
Decomposing Composers | 2:43 | |
Bells | 2:23 | |
Traffic Lights | 1:55 | |
All Things Dull and Ugly | 1:28 | |
A Scottish Farewell | 0:23 |