A relatively unhinged mashup of standup comedy, absurdist poetry and Dadaist nonsense, Comedy Album delivers a blast of humor without the aural distraction (which would also be a great name for a band). Author Dan Hendrickson says, "Comedy is all about timing. And while some people might say now is the perfect time for such an offering, others would be quick to say, 'No, Dan, that's a really terrible idea.' Those two points of view and where I'm at form a nearly perfect triangle."
Nevertheless, despite today's inherent uncertainties, Hendrickson - in true showbiz fashion - says the show must go on, arguing that comedy is an essential ingredient when it comes to enjoying life. What's more, by buying this book you'll be saving money. You WON'T need to buy a record player to listen along. Just pick it up, flip it open and let the fuzz flow into your mind.
Often referred to as 'The Dramamine Pirate,' Dan Hendrickson is a comic, screenwriter and poet, who lives in Minneapolis. Comedy Album is the modestly-awaited follow-up effort to 2017's Dark Glasses. Prior to that, Hendrickson authored and self-published a handful of works comprised mostly of experimental poetry and slapdash philosophy, under the pseudonym Henry Rifle. He describes those off-the-cuff, under the radar efforts (Shooting Gallery, Bullet Train, A Bullet West and Ballistics Report) as 'poetry for people who can't stand poetry.' Whereas those early collections were largely comprised of casual bon mots and barbed bonbons, Dark Glasses was a balanced meal; a comedic examination of politics, absurdity, current events and personal identity.
As for this effort (Comedy Album), it's a blast of pure seltzer; an old-fashioned kick in the seat of the pants. "What I wanted to do was make a comedy album, like my heroes, Bob Newhart and Richard Pryor," Hendrickson says. "But what I didn't want to do was have to rent a microphone and a speaker. Technology depresses me - and I'm sure as hell not made out of money." Hendrickson's musings, video clips, long-winded digressions and whimsical asides can be found at dan-hendrickson.com.