Ok... so I've noticed a number of people taking a liking to rather untalented comedians (lack of talent is based on my opinion)... In fact, I recently spoke with someone who told me that they LOVED George Carlin and had tickets to see him in Atlantic City later this month. I thought I had met someone with a GOOD sense of humor. You can imagine my disappointment when they followed this statement with, "yea, I really hope he does the 'Here's your sign' thing... I think that's SO funny."
Wow... George Carlin... a comedic legend like no other being confused with the likes of Bill Engvall of Blue Collar Comedy Tour fame... It makes me a little sick.
The other day my dad, knowing of my absolute OBSESSION with stand-up, asked me if I knew who held the record for most comedy albums sold... Sadly... I knew the answer... and with a long face I said, "Jeff Foxworthy." --- Sometimes I wish I didn't know all those useless trivia facts. But for all of you who can somewhat relate to this utter lack of taste, or those who have that little bit of vomit jump up in their throat every time they here someone they 'used to respect' exclaim, "Git-R-Done!" --- Here are two "southern" comedians you'd best give a listen...
Bill Hicks --- Easily my favorite comedian of all time... a social satirist who some refer to as 'the dark poet' ... Bill is considered by many to be the comedians comedian and has been paid homage in a number of forms since his passing from pancreatic cancer in 1994. Bands like Tool, Radiohead, and Super Furry Animals have mentioned Hicks in their liner notes and songs. Bill's legacy has also found it's way into The Simpsons, and he appears in the Vertigo graphic novel series Preacher by Garth Ennis as an inspiration to the series protagonist. When watching the news, I often wonder what Bill would say.
David Cross --- I have only recently become familiar with Cross's stand-up work. I knew him as a supporting character on Fox's Arrested Development (recently canceled) and had seen him in some movies (not films) such as Scary Movie 2. Additionally, I had seen him compete in Celebrity Poker on BRAVO. Having known him from those appearances, I wasn't keen to taste his flavor of comedy, but having done so, I must admit that he has some Bill Hicks qualities about him. While certainly not a replacement, Cross is certainly worth a listen. As a skeptic, I have to admit that I was VERY impressed with his backhanded humor and laid back delivery.
... Those are just a few recommendations from me. I hope you'll give both of these guys a listen, and let me know if you enjoyed their material. I thought I would finish this post with a quote from Bill's final performance...
"This is the material, by the way, that has kept me virtually anonymous
in America for the past 15 years. Gee, I wonder why we're hated the
world over? Look at these fat Americans in the front row - 'Why doesn't
he just hit fruit with a hammer?' Folks, I could have done that, walked
around being a millionaire and franchising myself but no, I had to have
this weird thing about trying to illuminate the collective unconscious
and help humanity. Fucking moron."
Have you ever checked out Lenny Bruce? Bill Hicks whilst being a voice of social conscience who is truely missed, Lenny Bruce had an extra edge. Maybe it was just the time when Bruce was about but his shows I found were more sureal and all encompassing than Hicks' scripted approach.
Having said that I would have loved to hear what Bill Hicks had to say about Bush!
Posted by: Fin | Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 05:28 AM