Editor's Notes
written by Ken Carlson
This is a strange time of year.
On the one hand, it’s supposed to be a season of giving, of family. Of course, there is also immeasurable stress, greed and resentment, mostly from family.
Several radio stations in my area have switched to the “All Xmas Music - All the time” format. Nothing but Christmas carols. I’ve got to think, if an unspeakable violent attack occurs in this country around the holidays, and you handed me a short list of suspects: Al Qaeda operative, disgruntled postal worker, disc jockey at All Christmas Music radio station, I’d have to lean towards the DJ spinning Burl Ives ditties, over and over again like there’s no tomorrow [Silver and Gold, my ass!]
I was watching Ron White’s latest Comedy Central special the other night, Behavioral Problems. I’m a big fan of Mr. White. But I thought this special was, by far, his least amusing. Part of it was his delivery, more conversational and less of an edge than his past specials, which might have lost something on TV. Part of it had to do with him doing political material.
The political bits weren’t anything revolutionary, mostly over government spending. But, after hearing his work, for years, focus on his family, relationships, drinking, and dog, it sounded out of place coming from him.
It also broke a golden rule of Blue Collar Comedy. Blue Collar Comedy guys NEVER talk politics. It’s not their strong suit. It can divide an audience. It calls out that they’re multi-millionaires in denim performing before a blue collar crowd like drinking buddies.
It was kind of like seeing DL Hughley on CNN. He does excellent
work talking about growing up, about family, etc. When he spoke about politics and serious affairs it came off as dull and preachy.
Dennis Miller on Monday Night Football. I love football. I watch pre-game talk shows instead of going to church on Sundays, so I’m putting my soul on the line to hear Chris Berman and Tom Jackson preview the Pats/Bills game in Buffalo. I also love comedy and think the world of Dennis Miller. But hearing him drone on and on during the game, in between plays, trying to wryly compare linebackers to litmus tests, was like when an annoying relative sits next to you and asks annoying questions while you’re trying to watch a movie.
Maybe it’s stretching, trying something new. Maybe it’s a job. Maybe that’s why Jeff Foxworthy and Drew Carey host game shows.
Maybe it’s a function of age, trading laughs for substance. Jim Carrey said in a 2004 Playboy interview, “I don’t believe in meanness... Sometimes I trip into it as a comic, but I have trouble reconciling that, too. Try to find a comic who isn’t angry when he’s 70. Why is George Carlin pissed off? He’s brilliant. But the man is so angry it’s getting unnerving. It’s like he practically doesn’t want to live on this planet anymore.”
Whatever it is, I do listen to those All Xmas stations now and again. It’s kind of comforting. Just as I heard an ad promoting Bob Newhart, performing stand-up in our area soon, just as he has for longer than I’ve been alive.
Then there was an ad for holiday catering services, featuring Champagne botox parties. Champagne & botox? What goes with injecting botulism into your face? Korbel or Moet?
Happy holidays!
Ken Carlson is the editor of The Comedians Magazine.
editor@thecomedians.org