Among the many great comedians gracing stages around the United States, I seem to gravitate to the comedy of those people willing to not only point out the bizarre things in our everyday lives, but tell it like it is. Critical social commentary through comedy. People like Robin Williams, George Carlin, Jon Stewart, and Lewis Black are at the top of the heap. Not only can these individuals make us laugh, but they can through their talent and intelligence make us think at the same time.
Lewis Black's latest Comedy Central special - Stark Raving Black - features 80 minutes of intelligent insanity. Black's anger and volatile rants are legendary, but it's his fickle finger of death and sputtering delivery that defuse that anger while making numerous points about politics, popular entertainers, the economy, and even the iPhone. Every time he gets incensed about a topic, I learn something new or get to consider it from a different angle.
Though he comes across as a cantankerous 60+ year old man going from observation to observation with the wisdom that's come from not only watching the world but participating in it, there's an underlying current just below all the vitriol. That current, funny enough, is hope. After all he's seen, he still holds out hope that things will change for the better. He just figures that all his hopes and dreams will come true the day after he dies. That's dramatic irony at its finest.
As Black describes being part of a fundraiser where he has to perform after Vince Gill, the quintessential beloved country artist who you can't help but like, and his wife Amy Grant, a pure Christian woman with a beautiful voice so perfect she is "made entirely of cream"... How can he possibly follow this couple who don't say a single swear word on stage? Without swear words Black thinks he has maybe 5 minutes of material! Evidently he turned to his friend and fellow comic Kathleen Madigan (a very funny lady in her own right), who had found him the gig and told her to look at her watch - that "this is the precise moment we are no longer friends."
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Article comments
1 - Brittany
I definitely agree with everything Brian says! Love when someone tells it how it is and that is definitely what Lewis Black does! If you love his old material, definitely check out what he has to say in Stark Raving Black ...preview some of it here
2 - Geena
I don't care if he's old or 60, Lewis Black still makes me laugh my ass off. Stark Raving Black definitely lives up to his previous material.
3 - Fitz
@Brittany & @Geena - I'm glad I'm not alone in loving this crotchety old guy... He's hilarious!
4 - Jason
He is great! Lewis has never been afraid to speak his mind, but his rants are relevant as well. Love em!
5 - Lee
Lewis black does not disappoint in his 8th album. I just can picture the way he says something and his mannerisms when listening to the CD. I love seeing him live and hope to again.
6 - Hayley
Every time I watch one of Lewis Black's comedy specials, I'm always on the floor laughing. Right now, I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of his new DVD. I'm certain it will be amazing
7 - Kristy
Lewis Black is one of the funniest comedians of our time. Stark Raving Black is controversial just like he is, there's not mcuh more to say or get upset about. People need to feed less into what he says and realize most of what he does is for shock value! That's my FAV part about him!
8 - Brandon Daly
The reason I love Lewis Black and this new CD/DVD so much is because it appeals to everyone. Whether you are young, old, Republican, or Democrat, you will LOVE THESE JOKES!!! He's angrier than ever, and funnier than ever! This CD/DVD is currently #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts, and the #1 selling DVD on Amazon.com! THERE'S A REASON FOR THIS PEOPLE!!! I can rant and rave all day about how much I love it, but the truth is, you have to hear this masterpiece for yourself!! My favorite rant on the new CD is probably the cell phone/ new technology rant. "There are so many apps for phones these days, i don't even have to fart anymore. My phone farts for me!"
9 - Jason glickman
Lewis Black is better than ever in Stark Raving Black. His gruff, pissed off delivery is hard to find these days in some of the softer comedians, and you really get a fresh perspective on Lewis. Good Stuff!