One of the very few downsides to avoiding mainstream media is that, although I avoid the 90% bullshit that is branded "news" (being that, if it scares or titillates you into reading/watching in order to sell ad space, well... it's "news") I also miss out on some important headlines or tidbits that actually would matter to me. Fortunately I have several friends who know me well e
nough that they'll forward news of interest my way. So when I got two emails today, both with the one word title "Carlin", I knew right away that he'd passed away. Without even opening the emails.
My childhood friend Matt and I, in 8th grade, used to listen to "WINO Radio" and bust out laughing. It was from Carlin's earlier days and without controversy. When we were in high school he was putting out the cutting edge material in "Occupation Foole" and "Class Clown". I was raised in a home where Lenny Bruce was accessible, and cutting edge humor and honesty was not as taboo as it might have been in other homes. I weened my appreciation for comedy on Carlin, and even to this very day, you'll find his material on my iPhone and iPod.
I wasn't a strong follower of his work in the last 10+ years, although I did enjoy some of his work including "Brain Droppings", and as a fan of word-play humor, Carlin was the master. I recall a very interesting "Biography" show on his life, and his decision to go against the grain with his 'younger, hipper' act took a great deal of honesty and determination. Additionally, in appearance on "The Actors Studio" and "Larry King Live", he spoke directly and unabashedly about his personal beliefs and faith [or lack of either], which was also honest and brave, and earned my sincere respect. He holds a place in my personal list of top-comics, in such company as Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks. Like those comics, much of his routine is based on speaking truths and pointing out things that challenge us to think for ourselves instead of being told what to think.
There's lots of his work up on YouTube. Take a moment to enjoy the truth-laced comic stylings of the late great G.C.
