David Cross – It’s Not Funny
(Sub Pop)

In 2002 I named David Cross’ debut comedy CD “Shut Up You Fucking Baby” my album of the year. And I still think it probably deserved it. It was the best of its kind to come out in a while, said what no one else on TV was saying at the time. I mean really, there was so much going on and even Jon Stewart could only get away with so much on the Daily Show. David Cross ripped everyone and everything a new one, and over its two discs could have a relaxed tone and, like Henry Rollins tends to do when given the time, go on short bits and mix it up with very long drawn out stories that only they can tell.

I was worried right away when I saw that this was a single disc. David simply needs more time. It shows on “It’s Not Funny”, which, save for around 10 of its minutes (the first ten minutes, by the way), proves to be the most accurate album title so far this year. David starts out on the right foot, making fun of what people turn into when they have children, and an impromptu shot at Evanescence, it quickly moves into what has become an Achilles heel for a lot of comedians lately: Politics.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m 1st Lt. Bush Hater these past few years, and anyone who wants to take him down a notch is cool with me, but theres just so many people doing this right now that you better really know your stuff or have something new to say to make this your material. Make it worth 20 bucks plus tax. Jon Stewart gives me this stuff for free every weeknight… it’s always funny, lots of guests and field pieces. The Onion usually gives me a winner headline at least every week. Bill Hicks’ material, though about the first Bush, still has the same impact today. Al Franken, Randi Rhodes and Jeneane Garafolo have 3 hour blocks of this stuff on Air America Radio every day. And Lewis Black does this same stuff on his comedy albums too.

So what makes David’s now worth 20 bucks compared to stuff I already have or is on TV or radio? Nothing. Sorry David, and sorry too Mr. Rollins. For people who don’t know anything about politics you may be doing a service. It may be important right now to rally the troops. I understand. But you’re not working to your respective strengths, you’re repeating yourselves and sometimes, you’re just bringing us down rather than making us laugh or feel better.

It is for this reason I very sadly can’t recommend what was my most anticipated album of the year. Maybe if they had given it two discs it would be okay and it would just be one segment and some other material would save it, however I guess David felt it was important to cram all the politics stuff in there instead.

It’s a shame.

And it gives me yet another reason to hope Bush loses in November, so I don’t have to hear people complain about the same group of people anymore. — Goon

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