Customer Reviews

Leader of the Banned

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sam Kinison was a comic genius who blazed a trail for modern day comics. This is a given. As he performs on stage, his roots as a evangelical preacher shine through, and he captivates his audience like so few comedians do. His previous two recordings showed his diversity and wit, and allowed the listener to become one with the audience but 'Leader of the Banned' falls short. First, the recording doesn't deliver the comedy you expected. At the time of this recording Sam was heavy into drugs, heavily in debt and was being leeched to death by outsiders. The quality of his comedy can be heard. Sam could do so much better, but he doesn't deliver your money's worth. Then we get into Sam's facsination with being a rock star. You will find 'LotB' contains four rock n' roll staples performed by the comedian, in a serious manner. None are as entertaining as his performance of 'Are you Lonesome Tonight' from the 'Tonight Show', or 'Wild Thing' from 'Have You Seen Me Lately' (his second comedy recording). Alas, Sam passed away before he could reach the height of his potential, and what we have to remember him by is limited. If you want to complete your Sam Kinison collection, go ahead and purchase this CD. Otherwise, save your money.

Poor Sam began to read his own reviews around the time he made this album, and it shows. Four useless heavy metal covers at the end (and a lot funnier than most of the comedy bits), and a smattering of classic lines. Worth a listen, but not much more than that. You'd be well-advised to buy any of his other albums instead.

While I agree with the previous reviewer's assertion that Bill Hicks is unmatched as a social commentator and political comic, Sam Kinison really shouldn't be dismissed as a mere explosive, reactionary xenophobe, especially since Sam Kinison helped launch Bill Hicks' career. Both of them are wonderfully unique and equally brilliant comics in their own ways.

The thing about Sam Kinison is that he says what most Americans are too scared or too brainwashed to say, and he does it with unmatched stage presence and charisma. I feel excited just listening to this guy. He has a way with making massive crowds become just as amped up as they would be at a rock concert. Maybe the title of "Rock & Roll Comic" really does belong to Kinison, and that's definitely not an understatement.

In regard to this particular recording, I'd urge anybody with a sense of humor to check it out. I'm a Bill Hicks fan and I loved it. Give it a try. If you really have the kind of repressed angst that Kinison helps cleanse his listeners of, you'll appreciate every moment of it.

Unless you don't mind playing good money for 33 minutes of comedy avoid buying this CD until you've heard some of his better material. There are some flashes of brilliance but overall a disappointment due to its length. The music tacked on the end seemed to be a poor way pad the length of the CD. Louder Than Hell & Live From Hell are better bets.

Sam what happened? I'll tell yah, he put this tid bit out to the public just to let everyone know he was still alive. This album has nothing to do with his powerful stand up performances. While this album was sub par he was still selling out venues and making people laugh their butts off. Sometimes artists get a little out there with their material and need to be reminded that they are only human.

I think the reason this album stands out even more is because it was his last one. In all fairness every artists recording career has ups and downs; its just that Sam's ended on a down note. After reading his biography and watching "why did we laugh", I realized Sam was going through some hard times when this came out. The great thing was that he was putting it all behind him; working out the demons up until he died. So really we didn't get a chance to see him at phase 2 of his career. Its kind of like he got robbed and we as an audience also got robbed.

Are there some funny moments on this album? You bet. Are the songs good? Yes. Is it short and lacking some truly great moments? Yes. Is it worth buying? Definetly. Remember this is still a Sam Kinison album and his humor, even on a weaker album is still better than most. I miss you Sam!!

I love Sam Kinison but this CD is really disappointing. His "Phone Call From Hell" is the only brilliant bit on the album, and he pads it out with songs that he plays straight. Any other Kinison CD is a 5 star CD, get one of those!

Having been a Kinison fan for years, I must say that this album is some of his best work. It's a little short on his comedy material, but the songs at the end are very well done. Sam was a very versatile performer, and it's a damn shame he is gone. If you love Sam, this album is a must, but if you're just getting into him, I would recommend "Live From Hell."

Classic Sam Kinison, with quick wit and a sharp toungue tempered by his trademark laugh Sam Kinison's over the top style is timeless, and still relevant in the new millenium.

Get "Live from Hell" or "Have you seen me lately?" if you want comedy. Get "Leader of the banned" if you want to waste your money. Where is the comedy?! There was one real joke on the album, and it was done much better on his other albums.

I don't know. This is my least favorite album of his. It starts off solid, but IMO it goes downhill. The songs are almost better than the comedy. I understand he was going through some issues, but come on, let's pull a Richard Pryor and make fun of your life. It's got its moments, but not his best.