I was just re-reading Braindroppings, and there’s some stuff in there about how he likes it when planes blow up and lots of people die. I used to think that material was fine, but now I’m finding it offensive. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.
I love early Carlin, so I guess I’m old. He’s best when he points out the inanity of society. He is sometimes bitter, but his Simpsons appearance was great.
The joke about getting a knife and fork and all you can drink is a very old one, and not so funny anymore.
I remember reading in Braindroppings about how, after living through OJ, he hopes the trial of the 21st century happens early so we get it over with. He may get his wish with this whole 9/11 shit.
Carlin is absolutely brilliant.
Yes, his older material may have been funnier - fart jokes, characters, food jokes, etc. - but it was “goofy-funny.” He’s always been a political comedian, but back then, it was more subtle than it is now. Nowadays, he just let’s it rip!
These days, he may not be as “funny” as he was, but he’s A LOT more insightful - and that’s why I love him even more now than ever. When I listen to Carlin now, I’m not really looking to roll over laughing. I’m looking to get educated. I’m looking for points of view that you can’t get anywhere else (except for maybe Stern.)
But I don’t consider him some bitter, angry old man. I don’t see him changing because of his wife’s illness/death. I just see it all as part of the act. He’s not a bitter, angry old man in real life. It’s schtick. His material has changed, so now his delivery has changed along with it.
If anything, he’s now more of a social commentator than a comedian. Frankly, I think that he throws fart jokes into his act because he has to - not because he wants to. I think he’s just appeasing the members of the audience who want to hear the older, goofy stuff. I think what he really wants to do is expose hypocrisy in this country. That’s why I listen to him.
But each time he does a new HBO special, I am more than ready to hear his takes on things. He never ceases to impress me with his insight. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about what’s going on now.
Carlin for President!
I used to like Carlin a lot, but i guess now that i have become less and less a liberal, his take on a lot of things has become less funny and more whiney and bitchy.
I mean i used to find him very amusing ans such but I guess sometimes when things get too political they lose their lustre for me. if i want to talk politics i’ll watch CNN and CSPAN if i want humor i want humor not a morality lesson disguised as humor.
He rules. All I have to say is, this has been my sig since I signed on here.