Rules of Enragement

Lewis Black | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Comedy Central
• ASIN: B0000C0FJF
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,168 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a Republican, and even I love this guy!!, December 27, 2003

By 

David F. Green (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rules of Enragement (Audio CD)

There's a definite Catch-22 with reviewing comedians who tend to slant towards the left. As soon as anyone says a leftist comedian isn't funny, they are labeled "right-wing fanatics" and "hatemongers"! I was recently attacked when I gave David Cross's CD a negative review, when my review had nothing to do with his George W. Bush bashing, but rather because he wasn't funny. If a comedian does political humor, I don't care if I agree with him or not, all I ask is for it to be funny! Fortunately for all the liberals out there, Lewis Black manages to express his leftist views in an extremely funny, yet thought-provoking way.

This isn't Lewis's best album (The End Of The Universe has that honor), but it could be Mr. Black's most topical album to date. Lewis gives his hilarious views on Enron ("if a company can't tell you in one sentence what it supposedly does, it's probably doing something illegal"), Martha Stewart ("when I see God, right before he asks me how I got into Heaven, I'm going to demand He tells me what Martha Stewart is famous for"), Dick Cheney ("I'm not mad that a company Dick Cheney owns signed a multi-million dollar contract for the restoration of Iraq, I'm mad that he didn't at least hide this information. I should have had to search for this information!") and, of course, the war in Iraq ("right after Bush screamed that we're going to war, his people pulled him aside and yelled 'Uh, George, globe... other countries here, you may want to see what they think first"). Lewis Black is easily one of the funniest politically-charged comedians out there.

My only complaint (and it's a small one) is that this album is a little too short. I wish they had given Lewis more time. Also, I should mention that Lewis loves to use profanity, so if you're offended by strong language, you have been warned. Other than that, this album is perfect. If you're looking for a funny look at today's politics (or just a hysterically funny album), you definitely want to check out this album (and Lewis's other two albums as well).

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nobody Knows Water like Pepsi and Coke!!!, February 4, 2004

By 

Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rules of Enragement (Audio CD)

Lewis Black is a man who isn't afraid to speak what's on his mind with rage and energy. Sarcastic and straight to the point, he's quickly become a new favorite of mine. "Rules of Enragement" is wildly humorous album that tackles the issues that other people may be afraid to talk about.

With this most recent album from Black, he talks about some of the most recent issues (since his material is always topical). He rants on winters and health, as well as greedy "big business" criminals and the war in Iraq. He condemns health clubs and everything they stand for. He comments on the state of "Homeland Security," and recalls the time when we were told that duct tape would keep us safe from chemical attacks. The man knows no limits and isn't afraid to give you his opinion.

It's really great to finally hear an "uncensored" performance from him, as the only performances I had seen were the ones on Comedy Central. He's given enough time to build up his act in a nice pace and then is able to come out swinging in full force when the time is right. It's a shame that you can't actually see him do the performance, but listening to the album gives you a pretty good idea of what kind of facial expressions he's making when he talks about things the baffle or disgust him. One of his best qualities is that he goes after EVERYONE when it comes to politics. He doesn't just go after one side or the other. He will put down ANYONE who deserves it, despite political parties.

Not since Bill Hicks or George Carlin have I heard somebody who can do some of the funniest topical material. It's great to hear the tough issues that are going on in the world today being discussed in a funny and enlightening way. Relationship and date jokes are nice every now and then, but they can get old very quickly. That's why I'm glad that there's a comic like Lewis Black. Be warned; the man likes to swear. If you like Black but do not care for strong language, then I'd recommend checking out his Comedy Central DVD, "Lewis Black Unleashed" instead.

Lewis Black is really somebody to check out if you're tired of the usual comedy routines. If you love comics who use topical material and can rage out of nowhere, then this is the man for you. "Rules of Enragement" is an outstanding and hilarious comedy album with an extremely high replay value. It has quickly become a new favorite of mine. -Michael Crane

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lewis strikes again!, October 13, 2003

By 

J. Muthersbaugh (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rules of Enragement (Audio CD)

If there's one thing for certain in this world of ours, it's that we're all stupid idiots with no common sense... at least that's what we'd think if we listened to what Mr. Black has to say. He's always quick to put everyone down and yet somehow, we laugh. And that's where Lewis Black's genius lies.

This being his 3rd CD, Lewis Black continues his rampage on the world with this excellent follow up to "The White Album" and "The End Of The Universe". As usual, he starts off with a rant on where he is performing (in this case, Minnesota) and how stupid the area is. He then continues with his trademark rants on the government like only he can. This is the same formula he used in his previous CDs and it's just as good as before, if not better.

Although it's usually better to actually see Lewis due to his hilarous body language, you still find this CD more than enjoyable. This is constantly in my CD player and even after a half dozen times listening to it whole way through, it's still as fresh and hilarious as ever.

Definately recommended.