I can't remember who it was, but some months back (I'm guessing in early February) some blogger came out against David Cross. As I recall (which isn't well) the straw that broke this particular forgettable camel's back was a piece in some magazine featuring Cross and John Mayer discussing popular music. I think it was Spin. Maybe not. Regardless, the jist of the argument was that Cross is much older than he lets on, and that he clings to his image as an indie rock comedian much harder than is warranted. And that his stand up isn't very good.

Suffice it to say, the comments stayed with me.

For months, I've considered... nay, wrestled... nay, grappled with mine own feelings on Mr. Cross. I enjoyed The Mr. Show. I still enjoy it. I enjoy it quite a bit: I own both DVD's, I attended the awful, inaudible Mr. Show Live Tour Performance Event at Chicago's Chicago Theater, and while there I paid $20 for an Indomitable Spirit t-shirt that's never fit me properly. I also own Shut Up Your Cursed Baby, or whatever that album is called. And I really enjoy Arrested Development.

Nonetheless, today I am prepared to agree with whoever that blogger was. I, too, do not like David Cross anymore. He plays a couple of characters well -- one is the variation on James Lipton he's currently putting to use on Arrested Development, the other is Ronnie Dobbs. And he has a beautiful singing voice. Unfortunately, none of these things amuse me very much anymore because I already realize that James Lipton is pretentious, that white trash people are stupid and should be made to be objects of ridicule, and that it's unexpected to hear a beautiful singing voice just when you least expect it.

Furthermore, whoever that person was is right -- Cross' standup isn't funny, or at least the album I own isn't. Have you ever been at a small party and some bombastic guest is standing there, just riffing on whatever, and you want to leave but you can't because the party's too small? Listening to David Cross' Damn Your Child's Eyes album is like that, except without the comedy.

I still feel very positive about Bob Odenkirk, however.

I know what you're thinking: I wish this blog entry weren't so long! Me, too, America. But allow me one further point: Tenacious D is also no longer funny. I feel as bad about this one as you do, but we should just let them all go.

In the stead of Mssrs. Cross, Black, and Gass, I offer you Tom Heinl. While I haven't heard any of his recorded output, I am comfortable vouching for his live performances. They are splendidly awkward, uneven, genuine, endearing, and funny. In short, Tom Heinl is to comedy music as Don Deluise is to buddy movies.

Analogcabin @ 8:00 AM
Permalink |