The Top 20 George Carlin Moments

Posted in George Carlin, Louie CK, Youtube Favs on September 7th, 2011 by Willie

So I was surfing the internet today, and I came across a brilliant little monolog that Louie C.K. did as a tribute to George Carlin.  George Carlin died in 2008, and if you didn’t know, he’s probably the greatest and most influential standup comic next to Richard Pryor.  He had an absolutely relentless ability to speak the truth in a hilarious and brilliant way.  He was a genius who just took the art form of standup comedy its apex, which is basically standup philosophy.  The first video is Louie C.K.’s tribute video to George that’s gonna convince you that watching the next four videos below is well worth your time.  What are these videos?  They are four incredible videos which contain George’s greatest moments in standup comedy.  All I can say is that watching these clips is utterly thrilling and thought provoking, and will inspire you profoundly.  George tackles politics, religion, the English language, the poor, class warfare, sports, the homeless, brainwashed populaces and much more.  There is not much I can add to this, other than, watch.  If you are just some random internet visitor who has never watched George Carlin, or have never heard of him, please, watch, now.  It’s your duty as a human being.  Oh, and I have one more autocratic order, please vote for me as CBS’s best local NYC blogger.  The contest ends September 9th, so please click the link!  Thanks, folks.




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Marvin Gaye, The National Anthem

Posted in Marvin Gaye, Youtube Favs on June 8th, 2011 by Willie

Soul week grooves on with part 84 of my youtube countdown.  Today I have Marvin Gaye, the Prince of Soul, singing “The National Anthem” at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.  For my money, this is the greatest National Anthem ever, slightly better than Jimi Hendrix’s psychedelic Woodstock performance.  Marvin managed to turn the normally stuffy and militaristic anthem into a smooth soul jam complete with the most seductive beat and vocal delivery ever achieved for the song.  There is just too much to love about this video.  I love the way he sexualizes the song, driving every woman in the crowd absolutely crazy.  I love the way the NBA arena reflects off his large sunglasses.  Most of all, I love the way he squeezes all that emotion from his performance to the point where he looks like he is going to cry.  The most amazing feat of the song is that Marvin’s version somehow reflects the entire history of cultural cool that America has produced in its history, not just its military glory and political power.  It’s almost a personal anthem, reflecting Marvin’s sad yet sexy soul.  Whatever it is, its a pure wonder, and an essential listening experience.  Enjoy.  Oh, PS, expect more Marvin this week.

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