George Carlin - Complaints Greievances (22 tracks) +Album Reviews

Good, but not what it could have been

Sean Whitmore | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As an avid Carlin freak, I jumped at the chance to see my favorite comedian when he was performing in Vegas in August of 2001. George was doing the standup circuit, testing out his new material for the HBO Special to be taped in November. At the time, the name of his tour (which also would have been the name of the special) was "I Kinda Like It When A Whole Lotta People Die". The act was pretty much the same as "Complaints and Grievances", except for a long and hilarious routine that dealt with his love of accidents, people dying, and stuff exploding on the news. Then, of course, Sept. 11 came along. Boom, all that great stuff was cut out, and the title of the concert gets changed. What appeared in the concert (and, subsequently, this album) was good stuff, but not great stuff. The jokes George nixed was great stuff. If he chose not to use this material out of respect, then I'm fine with that, although it doesn't sound like something he'd do and I'm left with the sickening feeling that someone along the way forced these changes upon him. Hopefully, it'll return for his next album, however long a wait that might be."

(...)not his best

WorknMan | Austin, TX United States | 12/15/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was expecting a lot more from this album than I actually got, mainly because I thought Carlin would talk at length about the WTC terrorist attacks. But, this subject is just kind of glossed over. About the only thing he talks about is his 'chemical warfare' solution, which was kinda funny.
Then he goes on to traffic accidents which is ok, and then on to peeling various things (such as scabs) off of his body, which was completely unfunny. This is definitely the low point of the album. At this point during the 'scab' routine, obviously sensing that the audience was getting sick of it, he says something like "maybe I went a little too far" and then goes on to something else.
However, the album starts to pick up after this point as he goes into people that should be killed (great!) and the ten commandments (pretty good).
It seems that Carlin can't make up his mind whether he wants to do disgusting 'bathroom humor' material or witty & disturbing social commentary. Though I am a fan of both when it comes to comedy, Carlin just doesn't seem very capable of mixing the two the very well.
If you are a Carlin fan, this may make for a decent listen if your expectations aren't too high. If you're not a Carlin fan, this will do little to change your mind."

Don't get me wrong, but I love George Carlin.

J. J. McIntosh | IN | 02/23/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Every CD up until this one, I would give 5 out of 5. I love his humor, but something in this was just lacking. It seemed like a bunch of corny jokes put together rather than thought provoking stand-up. Given he does tell a lot of "jokes", they usually follow a theme with a start and a finish. In this CD, it is all thrown together with simple humor. I hope the man isn't loosing his touch."

What is this, 1850?

Ryan M. Bentley | Harbor Springs, MI United States | 08/31/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In an age when one can secure the presidency essentially through camera-friendliness, George Carlin comically reassures some of us that we are correct in questioning 1) the superficiality of it all and 2) the widespread willingness to submit to the behest of the marketing-department juggernaut.

That said, the savagely-funny attack George waged against certain elements of the power elite through the 1990s to some extent became another victim of the 9-11 tragedy. The release schedule for Carlin's 2001 HBO special and related CD came at a time when the carnage from the terrorist strikes was so recent a memory that many would find his more-explicit pronouncements excessive.I've heard that last September's events forced Carlin to rework the content of this album considerably (the "Complaints and Grievances" title itself is toned down from the moniker George originally proposed, for example). But the latter tracks of the CD have many priceless moments.George levels a welcome assault on trite holiday-season practices, like the annual updates on a family's activities that accompany all too many Christmas cards. Carlin also targets those whose supplies of time and money are so excessive that they turn to round-the-world balloon flights to stave off boredom."Complaints and Grievances" lacks the anti-establishment ferocity of Carlin's "You are All Diseased" or the hilariously-delivered social insight of "Jammin' in New York." But given the political climate in which he found himself delivering this latest effort, George performed rather adequately."

Guys Named Todd!

Quentin Tarantino Fan | nowhere | 11/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Carlin had quite a career before he was dead from heart failure (not passed away, that's soft language as he says), and while Complaints and Grievances isn't his greatest work (although I can't figure out one anyway, though Back IN Town is great), it's still hilarious.

People might complain about the lack of thinking, but this one is actually a great one, mostly because he makes fun of everyday things. No politics, no environment issues, no abortion, just ranting and raving the whole way. Oh yes, that's the way it's great, and while thinking is good, there's nothing wrong with this. And besides, it's too hilarious anyway. George Carlin rants about people who out to be killed (with hilarious scenarios on HOW to be killed, my favorite is being strapped to a chair and beaten with hammers), car crashes, and even defrags the Ten Commandments starting with saying it's inflated to ten because ten is a satisfying number. Great topics, classic Carlin.

His delivery is on top always, as he sounds really angry, but this one is not to be missed. One must wonder why this guy is named one of the best comedians ever, and listening to all of his work over the years is a treat. He has changed definitely, but he's always funny. This one is a great starter.

RIP George 1937-2008"

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