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Reviews
Stewart Lee: If You Prefer a Milder Comedian, Please Ask for One (2010)
It's only a review...like they have on that internet
The only truly appropriate and proficient means of reviewing any piece of art is to approach it from a position of unbiased indifference. That's not going to happen today. I am biased. I have a vested interest in the promotion of Mr Lee through this review for those interested in his work.
Stewart's comedy style has angered, confused and upset many. His repetitive nature and subsequent lack of 'jokes', has baffled comedy goers for decades now. If you are the type of person who believes comedy is a man or woman, standing on stage, telling you about things you already know about in a slightly different way, to potentially highlight the comical aspects of everyday life; this show is not for you.
Instead, this show is for those who prefer their comedy to be cutting, cured and crafted. Stewart probably agonises over every word he chooses in his act. And for what? The bustling of laughter that wouldn't wake a sleeping housefly. In my opinion, we don't deserve him. We don't do him justice. And I know that you, the reader (should this ever be read), will be saying to yourself, "that person is just flattering that man due to some potentially undiscovered homoerotic adoration".
Well you're wrong. I am flattering him because it is justified. Stewart manages to completely involve the audience in his act. No matter how apparently offensive the material, no matter how self aware or seemingly smug he is, he never forgets why he is where he is...to make people laugh. And he is rewarded by the live audience. Sometimes with what can only be described as a 'round of applaud'. (But who wants riotous applause just for mentioning the name of an Italian bread- based side dish?) But yet he seems to be shunned by a mainstream audience who don't appreciate, understand or see the relevance of his material. But here's my point, no art is inherently relevant. The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo and Dali's 'Canabalismo' are all, for lack of a better word, irrelevant. Except that they bring pleasure and joy to those who choose to accept their relevance. They provide their audience, if only for a split second, a sense of the achievement of the artist.
What I'm saying is that basically, right, Stewart is a really good comedian who appears marginalised, but is, in fact, reserved for those willing to attempt to begin to understand his relevance. Support Stew, buy the DVD. And if you want to see how the misinterpretation of art manifest's itself as rage, then hop along to the bad reviews section of Stewart Lee's website. Otherwise view any of his TV or live stand up DVD works, and allow yourself to find a new appreciation for the possibilities of comedy.
Tim Vine: Punslinger Live (2010)
Flawless, side - aching comedy
When I heard Tim Vine had a new DVD coming out, I was excited. So I watched "So I said to this bloke" to get me in the mood. Then I thought, 'how can he top that'. Then Punslinger came along. Let's get one thing straight. Tim Vine is not one of the best comedians on TV. He's one of the best ever. He has no need for purposeful insults, or hollow controversy for the sake of controversy. His idea is simple. Keep the jokes short, keep the laughs coming. If you didn't like that one, the next will bowl you over (though the chances of not liking them are slim) Tim is misunderstood, mostly by those who are new to his comedy, for being a throwback to the one liner, clean cut comedians of yesteryear. What they don't realise is the irony, and the self awareness that accompanies Tims' style. He often takes a minute to himself with that, 'what the hell am I doing' sort of look.
So, if you like Tim Vine, in anything, live at the apollo', on 'not going out' (also fantastic) or on stage, this is very much for you. If you have never seen him live, this is for you even more. I sincerely hope Tim Vine starts getting a lot, lot more recognition. I hope he does more TV work, but most of all I hope he, or his associates read this, and let it be known he is not undervalued, or over-hyped. He's just a damn funny bloke.
Tim Vine: So I Said to This Bloke... (2008)
Wonderful fast paced, and sometimes bizarre comedy.
So few modern comedians are this original. They usually stand on the stage making dry jokes about politics and the like with every other word being a naughty one. Not so with Tim Vine. He is a breath of fresh air, he delivers crafted and sometimes cheesy puns at machine gun speed, that barely allow you to grab a breath between laughs. His physical and musical comedy is also masterful, giving any more widely known name a hell of a run for their money. He owns the stage and encapsulates the audience, making them laugh at things you would never have thought could be funny.
All in all, watch this video if you want a good laugh...better yet but it so you can always have it to hand when you feel a bit down. Tim Vine deserves a much bigger reputation that he had at the time this DVD was released. Hopefully he is well on the way to becoming a household name.