Arizona Bay [Live]

Bill Hicks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 25, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B0000009QH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,908 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #67 in Music > Indie Music > Miscellaneous > Comedy & Spoken Word

Editorial Reviews

From the Label

Having already recorded two albums live on stage, Hicks developed a more complex plan for ARIZONA BAY. He composed music for the program, painting a sonic portrait of life on the beach after the "big one" dropped California into the Pacific Ocean. He constructed the album with alternating bits of music and comedy, so that while the comedy bits could be taken on their own, the tension the music provided was subversively adding up to a much greater undercurrent of unease. Bill wrote the following note about ARIZONA BAY shortly after finishing its rough edit and mix in the spring of 1993:"By the way, as far as I know this [mixing-in of music] has never been done before with a comedy album. (I hope there's not a reason for that!) The important thing to remember is that this idea for ARIZONA BAY extends beyond just this album. It is a philosophy about not wanting or having to go through the mainstream to have your work mangled and made mediocre. I believe there is a great deal of anti-LA (and all that LA stands for) out there. I believe people would proudly wear "Arizona Bay" t-shirts and this whole idea could help bring into focus people's antipathy for mainstream America, while also being a concept for those people to rally around."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to swim, see you down at Arizona Bay (Tool, "AEnema"), May 4, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Milford, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arizona Bay (Audio CD)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rest In Peace Maestro, November 24, 2003

By 

Rebecca Lyle (Garland, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arizona Bay (Audio CD)

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is no greater messenger, November 20, 2002

By 

Justin N. Voorhees "lymphnode" (Austin, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arizona Bay (Audio CD)

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.