The names people attach to objects are skewed in a manner that’s either completely idiotic or brilliant, depending on one’s point of view, with Hedberg commenting that a “fly is very close to being called a land.” Hedberg takes common phrases and their well-known meanings and intentionally misunderstands them, asking whether a hippopotamus is just a really cool “opotamus,” joking that he had a piece of Carefree gum but was still worried, stating that he’s tired of soup of the day and that it’s time for “soup from now on, and joking that people in Venice have “canal smarts,” not street smarts.
Some of the jokes seem ridiculously obvious or silly, yet they remain damn funny even after hearing them several times. Hedberg’s drink of choice in this performance is Nyquil on the rocks, since he’s “feeling sick but sociable.” He comments that “where are they now?” shows should be about people who are easy to find (“Where’s Jay Leno? Still in Burbank”), describes a burrito as a “sleeping bag for ground beef,” explains that “when you wear glasses and talk to someone you always think they’re outside of a window,” and says that a sheet lying on the floor of his hotel was simply a ghost that had passed out.
Despite the many laughs, this release still carries a definite sense of loss with it. Though no one will likely ever really know what prompted the drug use that eventually led to Hedberg’s death – speculating is pure BS armchair psychology – what’s clear is that his death cut short the career of one of the most creative, inventive, and original comedians in many years.
For both long-time Hedberg fans as well as those unfamiliar with his routine, Gosh is essential listening and an excellent document of the comedian at his best.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
Man, he is really missed. As you so accurately point out, comedy is in a pretty sad state since Mitch's very unfortunate demise. Just reading some of the jokes you mention got me laughing - Mitch had a very unique perspective. Like you say, the jokes seem obvious, but no one else thought of them.
I'm glad to see something useful was able to be pulled from his final tour. I saw him at a disastrously bad show here in Phoenix, which I posted a review of here. The comments from those who saw him at other shows tell an interesting up/down story about the man from an outsiders perspective, sadly.
Consider this one ordered. Will listen and laugh, but will be doing so a bit sadly, too.
2 - Kale
RIP Mitch Hedberg...the greatest, most original comedian to ever grace a stage. Definite buy from me. His style of comedy was just absolutely superb. He will be missed...