Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS Audio CD Review

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Title: Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS

Media: Audio CD

Genre: Sketch Comedy

Stars: Norm Macdonald, Artie Lange, Tim Meadows, Will Ferrell, Jon Lovitz, Molly Shannon, Lori Jo Hoekstra, Steve Higgins, Fred Stoller, Steve Lawrence, David Gruber Allen, and Jim Lampley

Writers: Norm Macdonald, Steve Higgins, and Thom Wilson

“Bensonhurst Marching Band Theme” Written And Performed By: Mike Garson

Produced By Brooks Arthur

Co-Produced By Lori Jo Hoekstra and Gabe Veltri

Executive Producer: Lorne Michaels

Executive In Charge Of Production For Broadway Video: Jack Sullivan

Executive In Charge Of Production For Comedy Central Records: Jack Vaughn

Languages: English PCM Stereo Sound

Packaging: CD Jewel Case

Tracks: 13

Sound: PCM Stereo Sound

Year of Audio CD Release: 2006

Distributor: Comedy Central Records and Broadway Video Entertainment

Reviewer: Mark A. Rivera

I don’t normally review audio CDs outside of select film or television soundtracks that match with the content GENRE ONLINE.NET covers or something tied to a genre film icon like last year’s humorous and epic length audio adaptation of Make Love The Bruce Campbell Way by the b-movie/character actor of the same name made famous for his role as “Ash” in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead Trilogy. Then of course there are always exceptions and opportunities that come along, which are simply too good to pass up. I am a fan of Norm Macdonald. I remember seeing clips of him doing standup on MTV’s Half Hour Comedy Hour when I was an undergraduate in college along with other comedians who have gone on to have prosperous careers. Norm Macdonald’s turn as the Anchor for Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” was simply priceless. His deadpan delivery was direct and gut busting hilarious. Since Saturday Night Live Norm Macdonald has lent his vocal talents to a number of feature films, including the remake of Doctor Dolittle starring Eddie Murphy as “Lucky” and he appeared with MAD TV alumni and Howard Stern Show cast member and comedian Artie Lange in the TV series Norm as well as the cult film Dirty Work.

My understanding is that this album has been long in production and among certain circles rumors of the material was said to be hysterical. I personally thought it was a stand up album, but to my surprise Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS is actually a collection of sketches featuring contributions from SNL alumni Tim Meadows, Will Ferrell, Jon Lovitz, and Molly Shannon as well as comedian Artie Lange and the album is essentially a collection of sketches that would probably be too raunchy for even some cable networks air and even if it were not, how could you act out “World’s First Two Gay Guys” (5:03) on TV? Please note though that while the album may have a parental warning sticker in stores, which means more people are going to buy it just to hear what’s on the CD, this album is very much a collection of sophomoric bits that ultimately pokes fun at everything equally and in a very light hearted way.

Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS also benefits greatly from having a delayed effect in that even if you don’t laugh out loud at the moment one first hears a sketch, the collection stays in your mind and becomes funnier in hindsight. So some portions like “The Fantastic Four” (5:44), “Tex Hooper” (19:33), and “Gambling Sportscaster” (4:54) bring a wider smile to my face now that I have had time to digest the album rather then when I first heard them. Some sketches continue at various points in the album with “Do You Want A Sandwich Or Anything?” (1:29) actually being funnier than the initial sketch that set it up. I’d love to know how Mr. Macdonald approached Molly Shannon with the script for “Girls, Girls, Girls” (8:06) without turning red though Shannon certainly sounds sexy in character. The CD features a bonus track with a clip from Norm Macdonald’s standup routine that is quite funny too. The insert within the CD jewel case contains nice behind the scenes photos and clear credits for each sketch too.

Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS will debut on audio CD on Tuesday at retailers on and offline courtesy of Comedy Central Records and Broadway Video Entertainment and can also be purchased directly from www.shop.comedycentral.com. I think it’s definitely worth giving a listen to.

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