Comedy vinyl classics

I used to regularly play comedy LPs by Monty Python, Bill Cosby, National Lampoon, Steve Martin, Cheech & Chong, Richard Pryor and George Carlin.

The comedy record has been supplanted by you tube clips, even though most stand up acts don't have a strong visual component. The exception on the list above is Monty Python, which was sketch comedy that just happened to translate superbly into audio recordings.

 

An excellent compilation of late-period Lenny Bruce "bits" (or, more accurately, political and social observations) produced by Phil Spector. Nicely edited. I've listened to a lot of Bruce's work from the period (e.g., The Berkeley Concert and the Lenny Bruce Performance Film) and this qualifies as a very satisfying "greatest hits" compilation (though I don't think it was intended to be and Bruce himself likely would have bristled at the notion).

 

"What's the worst job you ever had?"

 

I just subjected my daughter to Buckner and Garcia's Pac Man Fever album, though it's more of a novelty item than comedy. She did enjoy Lily Tomlin's "And That's the Truth."

Afraid I just could never get Firesign Theater, and have them all on consignment. Also dumped all my Bill Cosby records for reasons we all know.

Still love my Steve Martin and George Carlin albums, though.

 

Forgot about those Lehrer albums. Poisoning Pigeons in the Park. Great stuff.

 

And its starts with "It's the Woman's Fault."

 

That's been a favorite of mine forever.

For classical stations: Bolero with LYRICS! "Why don't we check into a fine hotel...one with naaaked paaaintiiings!"

 

I've heard about that Ustinov album... now my list overfloweth!

I still have an 'Old Silver Throat Sings' Cosby LP on Warners (with rivet in corner), I'd keep it with any Rolf Harris at this point.

I just had a 'Hail Marx & Lennon' Firesign album spinning recently, it goes well with a vintage Fugs...



Here's another certifiable HOF LP...

 

I've got one or two of those Adam Stag Party records, but mine came with full topless models on the cover. You can still see the tape residue where the sticker was applied so they could ship it through the mail!

 

I missed playing Spike Jones' Nutcracker with lyrics this Christmas. The family made me turn it off before it came up. "Our Hour" with the howling dogs was the last straw.

 

A lot of favorites have been mentioned. I was fairly obsessed with the previously mentioned 25 Years of Recorded Comedy (especially the Nichols/May telephone bit--holy cow were they good), along with the Monty Python 3-sided album, several George Carlin records, a Steve Martin album, both Albert Brooks albums (Comedy Minus One being the other) and the Woody Allen standup album.

Pride of place, however, probably goes to several Firesign Theater albums that I spent hours upon hours deconstructing, with Everything You Know Is Wrong, which was only briefly available on CD, providing all the mystery and wonder of great rock and roll. I still marvel at it today.

 

I inherited my old man's Allan Sherman records - they still crack me up.

 

What about women comediennes? There must be more than one Tracy Ullman 45, but I do have this (just not on vinyl)... the antidote to Andrew Dice Clay with an accordian!



I like Sam Kinison, but Goldy Whoopberg not usually my cuppa (except as Cheshire Cat).

 

The first professional entertainer I ever saw perform was Victor Borge, so I'll always treasure his records. I also saw Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain at the Clemmons Center, so that's a keeper, even if I don't play it regularly.

 

This now tops my list to find!

 

I've always referred to it as the Sgt. pepper of Comedy Albums...It's a brilliant album. Nominated for a Grammy too.

I was lucky enough to score a copy of it on 8 Track recently.

 

Folks of a certain age (mine) can quote these line for line....some of the material wouldn't fly today, however.




I only own 3 comedy LPs...the two above and this great Emo Philips LP:

 

I still adore the repartee between Elaine May and Mike Nichols even if the scenarios are dated.

 

I remember hearing the third side for the first time. I thought I was losing my mind. I had played side two several times before landing on side three. Wonderfully diabolical for it's time.

 

THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!

 

I have a complete set of Python LPs, including RWT, and every Derek and Clive LP, the CDs are better
due to additional material
Come Again is one of my most played LPs ever!!

 

National Lampoon: Lemmings.

 

The only comedy albums I have are Father Guido Sarducci and a couple Nichols and May albums, so they must be classics...right?

 

My brother and I played this one over and over. We probably didn't really get half the jokes but we still thought it was hilarious!