Search - Sam Kinison :: Leader of the Banned

I expected more...

Michael C. Barnes | Kernersville, NC USA | 10/05/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Sam Kinison was a comic genius who blazed a trail for modern day comics. This is a given. As he performs on stage, his roots as a evangelical preacher shine through, and he captivates his audience like so few comedians do. His previous two recordings showed his diversity and wit, and allowed the listener to become one with the audience but 'Leader of the Banned' falls short. First, the recording doesn't deliver the comedy you expected. At the time of this recording Sam was heavy into drugs, heavily in debt and was being leeched to death by outsiders. The quality of his comedy can be heard. Sam could do so much better, but he doesn't deliver your money's worth. Then we get into Sam's facsination with being a rock star. You will find 'LotB' contains four rock n' roll staples performed by the comedian, in a serious manner. None are as entertaining as his performance of 'Are you Lonesome Tonight' from the 'Tonight Show', or 'Wild Thing' from 'Have You Seen Me Lately' (his second comedy recording). Alas, Sam passed away before he could reach the height of his potential, and what we have to remember him by is limited. If you want to complete your Sam Kinison collection, go ahead and purchase this CD. Otherwise, save your money."

Excess is not always best...

Greekfreak | Pusan Korea (South) | 06/12/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Poor Sam began to read his own reviews around the time he made this album, and it shows. Four useless heavy metal covers at the end (and a lot funnier than most of the comedy bits), and a smattering of classic lines. Worth a listen, but not much more than that. You'd be well-advised to buy any of his other albums instead."

This Bill Hicks Fan Loves Kinison!

P. B. Reynolds | North Carolina | 04/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While I agree with the previous reviewer's assertion that Bill Hicks is unmatched as a social commentator and political comic, Sam Kinison really shouldn't be dismissed as a mere explosive, reactionary xenophobe, especially since Sam Kinison helped launch Bill Hicks' career. Both of them are wonderfully unique and equally brilliant comics in their own ways.



The thing about Sam Kinison is that he says what most Americans are too scared or too brainwashed to say, and he does it with unmatched stage presence and charisma. I feel excited just listening to this guy. He has a way with making massive crowds become just as amped up as they would be at a rock concert. Maybe the title of "Rock & Roll Comic" really does belong to Kinison, and that's definitely not an understatement.



In regard to this particular recording, I'd urge anybody with a sense of humor to check it out. I'm a Bill Hicks fan and I loved it. Give it a try. If you really have the kind of repressed angst that Kinison helps cleanse his listeners of, you'll appreciate every moment of it."