"Comedians come and go with no real impact or lasting effect on the audience. This is not the case with Bill Hicks. Hicks' style is such that what he says will stick with you, whether it disturbed you, made you laugh, or had some other effect, you will remember Bill Hicks once you've heard him.
What makes Arizona Bay so great is the manner in which it is carried out. The type of speech that Bill uses for different types of people is hilarious. Even though they are not necessarily accurate, it fits perfectly with how he is attemping to convey them. This is best portrayed in 'Hooligans.' That part in the show may very well be the highlight, even if it is at the beginning of the album.
The piece on the Rodney King trial is classic work as well. His views on the testimonies is some of the funniest commentary I've ever heard.
Anything and everything you'd want to know about Bill Hicks can be found on this record. Arizona Bay gives a great idea at his personal comedic style, as well as his personality. I highly recommend this to any fan of comedy."
Learn to swim, see you down at Arizona Bay (Tool, "AEnema")
KARN273@aol.com | Milford, CT | 05/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is probably the best Bill Hicks album to start with - it'sthe one I heard first, anyway. CLASSIC bits about the Rodney Kingtrial / LA riots, plus a lot more. There's also some good little musical interludes in between the blistering comedy bits featuring Bill Hicks on guitar. It may sound wierd, but the music works. 'Relentless' and 'Rant In E-Minor' are exceptional as well. Bill Hicks was a comedian for the thinking man. If you buy one of his CD's, you will NOT be sorry."
Rest In Peace Maestro
Rebecca Lyle | Garland, Texas United States | 11/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is currently my only Bill Hicks album. My brother in law gave it to me. I guess he figured since I'm a pretty young and angry lad, that I'd probably be interested in it. I gave it a listen one night while I was cleaning up the house, and boy was I in for a treat! I pretty much fell in love with it immediately. Now, I haven't heard any of his other albums yet, but because of this one, I do have full intention on picking them up as well. Bill Hicks knew how to put energy and heart into his performances. He has a stance with every issue and he stupendously holds his ground for the most part. I must forewarn you, however, that this is not for everyone. Some of this leans way past the vulgar side of things, but that's what comedy is all about. Now, I will also warn you that this is not just a spoken comedy album. They incorporated music inbetween the tracks, so you get about of minute or so of music after every spoken bit. The music is okay. It's mostly just laid back guitar and drums, and sometimes there's some humming. Most of the time I skip through it. It was just something he was experimenting with. It's not that much of a nuisance in my opinion, just hit the 'next track' button and you'll be on the spoken bit. To sum this all up, Bill Hicks was a genius. He was considered "over the top" by most, and went out of his way to shatter the rules. His philosophies were set forth as aid for the free thinkers of the world. He was a great, and energetic speaker, and any fan of intelligent comedy should definately be familiar with Hicks and his material. Highly Recommended!"
There is no greater messenger
Justin N. Voorhees | Austin, Texas United States | 11/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is not one day that goes by that I don't quote at least one idea or philosophy of this man. There is not one day that I don't reflect on the joy that he has brought into my life. Arizona Bay is but a small piece of the HUGE gift that he offered us during his short time on this planet. Buy this and ANYTHING else you can get your hands on that this man created. Yes, he is funny. But, more important that that . . . he is right. I realize that right and wrong are entirely subjective concepts. But, Bill Hicks is the exception to that rule. And he knew it. But thankfully for us, he took it upon himself to remind people of this fact through comedy. I had already subscribed to many of the ideas he expresses in his comedy prior to ever hearing him speak, but, it was never so clear and so . . . funny. This CD and all his others will make you ache from laughter and then suddenly realize that what he is saying is not funny at all, but sad and disappointing. We aren't going about things the right way. In fact, we are truly messing it all up. Learn something. Get this man into your life RIGHT NOW ! ! ! It is a favor to yourself that you will never forget."
Hicks Rules!
Chris Elizondo | Manteca, CA United States | 02/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bill Hicks is by far the greatest comedian of all time. Even though there are only 4 studio recordings available, each one is a masterpiece. And, Arizona Bay is by far the best work by Hicks. His poetry of hate is like a Shakespearian Sonnet. I recommend this CD over all other Hicks albums. It might distract some because of the mix of music over the comedy, but keep in mind both Hicks and his best friend Kevin Booth are the musicians. Later."