Customer Reviews

Rules of Enragement

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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).

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

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.

There is a big difference between a funny comedian and a brilliant comedian. Lewis Black is pure comic genius. Original material, a unique but hilarious delivery, and a universally cynical twist all come together to form one of the best acts around. Many people know him for his weekly commentary on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

In his latest effort, Black touches on some of the biggest issues around in classic Lew form: Iraq, corporate fraud, Martha Stewart, and even everyday topics like health clubs and the weather. While some see his political humor as partisan, I don't see it that way at all. Lewis attacks everyone equally, republican, democrat, or other. All the man asks for is some common sense!

True comic genius is found when you can't find another comic to compare them to, and that is precisely what the comedy world has in Lewis Black.

Lewis Black is the king of the new age of irate comedians, in the same vein as George Carlin and Denis Leary. His humor often rips on the weather (namely the Weather Channel), Republicans and Democrats alike, and the inane nature of humanity. Just like his predecessors, he has a habit of finding the unifying link that brings his humor close to home and uses the same 'ticked off' route that has brought him vast amounts of fame and well deserved at that.

Instead of recycling old jokes, he uses the old themes in a new way. He spends a good deal of time on the weather again, as one might expect, but also incorporates the settling of Minnesota in the process! It's quite clever and well done.

My only complaint is that he seems to get a bit too philosophical later in the album, not nearly as funny with his witticisms. Instead, he uses it as a platform to try to help us see things a different way. It's well done and he makes very valid arguments, but it tends to take away from the point of the comedian, which primarily is to entertain. All in all, though, he's still quite hilarious.

The audio quality is superb; it really sounds like your in a club or improv and he's on stage in front of you. The producers and engineers did a great job on the sound and it shows when you give it a listen.

Overall, definitely worth the pickup, but don't forget to include "The White Album" and "The End of the Universe" while you're shopping!

After reading the last review I felt I should comment. Lewis Black does not repeat any material, he touches on stuff like weather on every album but he does not repeat any jokes. I think he is not as "ranting" as the last albums but Mr. Black makes many great points. If you don't follow politics I could see it going over some listeners heads but that's why I love him.... no cliché "I was just in L.A.," jokes. He could be the next Carlin.

As far as the sound: It's incredible. I can't see why renaissancewind would complain at all? Say what you will about the content but when it comes to sonic quality I don't think your comments are very fair at all (especially to the audio team at Comedy Central). I have been an audio engineer for over 32 years and a HUGE collector of comedy albums.

I feel 99% of comedy records I get are "muffled" or too dynamic to the point where I have to be adjusting the sound as I listen. This is NOT one of those records! It's very special sounding; crisp, clean and most importantly MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I WAS THERE, IN THE CROWD (which I rarely hear).

I would just hate to see somebody not purchase the records because of it.

Im a big fan or Lewis Black and I was happy to see a new CD in my local store and immediately picked it up. I like it that he can vary his material from show to show to keep it fresh, thats always important to say the least. Some of the material on this CD starts escalating into what some may consider stroke inducing rages quite often (This is what makes Lewis great of course). Overall this CD I believe equals his previous CD's in quality of jokes and keeping the attention of the listener. I was fortunate enough to see Lewis on the Comedy Central Live Tour, and I'd recommend that any Lewis Black fans check out the dates and go see him live. That is if you don't watch Comedy Central and haven't seen the commercials that that play constantly. Finally, This CD is at least equal to if not better than The White Album, and equal to The End of The Universe.

Some people may not like to listen to him because he criticizes Republicans so much. I'm Republican but I just think it's extremely funny. If you listen to his stand up before Bush and the Republicans took over the majority of House and Senate you'll see that he makes fun of Clinton just as much if not more. He doesn't care who's in charge of the country. He despises them all and makes great jokes out of it. He makes fun of all politicians and I enjoy it very much. According to him, the difference between a Democrat and Republican is...."Democrats SUCK!!, and Republicans BLOW!!"

I am sure you would enjoy any of his stand ups. It doesn't matter what side you're on in the political world. You'll love this for sure.

I don't know if anything has ever made me laugh so hard. He is a genius in the great tradition of Lenny Bruce. Weirdly, he's also in the tradition of George Carlin, who doesn't yell at all. Explain that one.
I buy this in bulk and give it to my friends.

Lewis is back and isn't holding anything back. This release really shows his social commentary skills and his ability to make a point.

Lewis is liberal, but doesn't just tackle the republicans. On the track entitled "Who's F***ing Who" he gets into Dick Cheney's envolvement with Halliburton, the second Iraq war, and severance pay. After this he also get into democrats as well. It might not be balanced, but it's not like he's blinded.

Living in North Dakota, I can really appreciate the first three tracks which speak of the Minnesota (North Dakota) weather. When you have to plug your car in during the winter to ensure that it starts, that really should be a hint to us to leave right away. Or call our senators to tell us to get us far far away. Possibly somewhere thats 20 degrees or more.

After this, he talks of the pain of traveling 19 hours on a plane and how no one knows who beautiful New Zealand is because after 19 hours on a plane, anything is beautiful. He also speaks of the wonder that is Ireland, and how they have no health clubs.

On the track titled "Greed" he goes in depth about why we should rise up against the CEO's that stole billions of dollars and slay them, much like Marie Antwinette. After this, he goes into topics like the second Iraq war and how Bush's team really needed to sell it better to the people instead of just telling us, acting like a bully at the UN, and then going in.

There are a few duplicated jokes, but not many. If you've listened to his first 2 albums, expect to know where he's going with some of the punchlines. I really enjoyed this album and will sit through whatever commercials they have until the next one comes out.