Funnier than you deserve
Mr. Hinty | Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica | 01/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Andy Andrist's typical activities: He runs marathons, volunteers his time to take mentally challenged individuals on special trips, debates NPR points of view with colleagues, helps friends with remodeling projects and takes his daughter to ice skating and horse riding lessons.
In between, he takes a few minutes here and there to be the funniest SOB you've probably never heard. The reason you haven't heard of Andy Andrist? Well, you may not be ready. Most of the world isn't.
His humor is a sword slashing through society's norms. When he talks about the mentally challenged, he pokes fun -- but it is quickly obvious that he's on their side, and he's really making fun of the "normals" who pigeonhole these individuals and keep them away from many of life's joys. What he doesn't say is that Andy has really had a couple of mentally challenged friends since childhood, and he's still a devoted friend today.
When he talks about fat people, he's really talking about a fat and lazy and gimme-gimme society. Andy asks if you "support the troops," and after the cheer, he asks you HOW you've been supporting them. Hmmmmm...
Andy Andrist jokes about death and desire and sloth and settling for less, and it's funny and it hits home. He is as quick with a great line or quip as any comic working in this mediocre world.
It is quite possible that Andy Andrist is too funny for the world. Why don't you see if he's too funny for you?
"
ANDY ANDRIST- THE NEW FUNNY STANDUP STEINBECK OF AMERICA
P.F.E. Aabelwert | Arkansas,OH. | 01/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Andy Andrist, burst on the comedy scene already a legend. Award winning writer for four hit shows, "Man Show", "Daily Show", among others to his credit. He turned his back on writing and development deals and went for the standup comedy life. Mind numbing tour dates, crowded bars, small venues, loneliness of the road. More than two years of travel, without seeing home has created a seminal piece of road comedy.
From his tracks on this CD, we hear what he heard on his long journey through the heartland of America. Quiet desperation, failed dreams, a society that can't (won't) care for it's young, it's injured, it's frighten. They are stories that many people won't want to hear- War on The Homeless-
Queer Rights-Dumb It Down- and yes, Wal-Mart Sucks. Topical to be sure; strongly worded, you bet. His stories of the weak and wounded are also there; the sarcastic "Special Olympics", the heart tinged ironic, "Too Many Erections", and many others. Join the rest of the leading authors of the new wave comedy noir (Doug Stanhope, who gives a great intro is the leading voice) and listen to true stories of the absurd. Are you listening, America?"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1