I think the most interesting thing about "Don Rickles Speaks!" aside from the fact it is in great demand by collectors, is the fact that it shows how savvy Don Rickles was about world events of the day. Today he still does... more » political humor in his act, without ever revealing his true political leanings, other than to appear highly dissatisfied with whomever is in charge or in the Oval Office. Most of the truly sensational comics of any decade, like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, or even Howard Stern of today were all known for being both groundbreaking and controversial. Rickles was always adept at managing to stay out of the controversial category by constantly poking fun at himself and his own inadequacies. He was no schlepper , but he was no big wheel either. Don Rickles beat Peter finch to the window in the movie "Network" screaming, "I'm mad as hell and I can't take it anymore!" On "Speaks", we hear Don Rickles addressing a prestigious panel of political and social climbers who want to know his thoughts and take on many serious and pop culture subjects. ("What do you think of the Electric Prunes?" "I think they should all go suck on a lemon and go to a fruit festival!" "What about the Nixon?s?" "Richard Nixon is a lot of fun if you like to go to Whitier and watch oranges go bad." "I think Pat Nixon could make some changes, oh say, a rubber mask."« less
I think the most interesting thing about "Don Rickles Speaks!" aside from the fact it is in great demand by collectors, is the fact that it shows how savvy Don Rickles was about world events of the day. Today he still does political humor in his act, without ever revealing his true political leanings, other than to appear highly dissatisfied with whomever is in charge or in the Oval Office. Most of the truly sensational comics of any decade, like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, or even Howard Stern of today were all known for being both groundbreaking and controversial. Rickles was always adept at managing to stay out of the controversial category by constantly poking fun at himself and his own inadequacies. He was no schlepper , but he was no big wheel either. Don Rickles beat Peter finch to the window in the movie "Network" screaming, "I'm mad as hell and I can't take it anymore!" On "Speaks", we hear Don Rickles addressing a prestigious panel of political and social climbers who want to know his thoughts and take on many serious and pop culture subjects. ("What do you think of the Electric Prunes?" "I think they should all go suck on a lemon and go to a fruit festival!" "What about the Nixon?s?" "Richard Nixon is a lot of fun if you like to go to Whitier and watch oranges go bad." "I think Pat Nixon could make some changes, oh say, a rubber mask."
Bella Miriam | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is great. Rickles' Book is getting a lot of attention... but this album demonstrates why the book is worth reading.
"
Dated, boring material, not his best
Whamo | San Clemente, California | 08/07/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has moments, but for the most part, it's not vintage Rickles. Rickles can really bring down the house at times, and you only get a hint of what he can do on this CD. Rickle's improteau comments on people in the crowd or roasts work much better than these phony interviews. I'd like to find the best Rickles material out there."
Don Rickles Rules
anti-tek | NJ | 10/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I prefer this over the live - after all these years like early Bob Newheart & Johnathan Winters this still KILLS"
Don Rickles still the King
P. Shapiro | Ft. Lauderdale Fl. | 01/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This tape was still great but the material was a little dated. Most of the people mentioned are from the late 60's and early 70's. If you are not from that era you may have a tough time relating to the people mentioned. Overall still very entertaining as no one does insult better than Rickles."