8/21/2009

Another Apology...

This particular apology is not intended for you, the reader, but rather for Shecky Greene. In the last post, I intimated that Shecky was some sort of hack comic; one capable of telling bad Wang Computer jokes. The truth is I have never seen any of Shecky's material. I only knew he was an old-school comedian with a mildly humorous name. He may have been a hack and he may have been brilliant. I really don't know. It was unfair for me to imply that he was no good when I had no firsthand knowledge. So, Shecky, if you're reading this, I'm very sorry.

I'm curious. Who do you guys consider hack comedians? Who are some comedians that just don't make you laugh?

12 comments:

Cooper Green said...

Shecky Green used to show up on the Johnny Carson Show every so often. On cue, he would launch into his routine, and it used to take him about five minutes to get the entire audience gasping for air. He was one of those frenetic, nonstop guys like Robin Williams, knew his stuff by heart, and was relentless. I loved him. Of course, anybody named Green who's funny is okay with me.

will said...

Shecky Greene was the epitome of Vegas when it was nightclub cool. Yeah, he was the total pro comic ... fast, terrific ad libs and he rarely missed a beat. He was on Carson so much it seemed Carson and he were bros.

Too bad most of today's comics are mostly derivative - they could learn a lot from guys like Greene.

Dr Zibbs said...

When I did stand up and someone had a terrible set we'd say,"Nice set Shecky"

Gwen said...

Carrot Top
Gallagher
Dr. Zibbs

Anonymous said...

It's almost faster to name the ones who ARE funny, really...

I'm never going to see what's funny about Larry the Cable Guy. Just because you fake an intense hayseed accent and have no sleeves in your shirt doesn't make you hilarious. Someone should tell him.

westchesterdead said...

People have a bug up their ass over Dane Cook. I'm gonna go with that pick for not so funny comedian.

In terms of funny - it's incisive wit that draws my attention. Take Bill Hicks for instance when he talks about marketing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVZo1Jjfshw

Or, how about Dave Chappelle talking about racism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU28Pv26nNQ

I like it when comedians make people feel uncomfortable.

SkylersDad said...

Any comedian who relys solely on swearing and shock just to try and get a laugh.

Son of a Thomas said...

I don't get Dane Cook, I don't get Carlos Mencia, I don't get Will Ferrel and there is some really fat guy doing stand-up.

Saw him twice.

I don't get him either.

Cooper Green said...

Jonathan Winters was the funniest man who ever lived. I don't think he ever told an actual joke, he was just brilliant at finding the funny.

katrocket said...

Well, if he can't be funny, at least he's handsome.

Distributorcap said...

shecky greene was actually kind of funny - he used to be on carson all the time

i think he also did the borscht belt thing - my father seems to remember him at like the Nevele - the Jewish Riviera 50 miles north of Manhattan in the Catskills

not funny - Jackie Mason - i dont get him at all - went to see him and didnt laugh once

old time comic is was/is funny - and very old
Phyllis Diller. i saw her in Las Vegas many years ago and i remember literally peeing in the pants

and carrot top, gallagher AND adam sandler all suck

Cormac Brown said...

Carrot Top and looking at a giant poster of him in Vegas almost ruined my vacation. I can't remember if he was playing The Luxor or not, on purpose, but he should've been, because he definitely looks like a mummy.