Occupation: Foole

"Occupation Foole," one of Carlin's best album of the 70s (a tough call between this and "Class Clown"), reveals a very different comedian. His bits on jobs, drugs, and growing up in New York are filled with sharp observations and huge laughs. Carlin's precision and timing are excellent here (as they still are today), but it's Carlin's delight in his fellow human beings that may surprise some listeners. In "New York voices" and "Hallway Groups" Carlin's pitch-perfect imitations demonstrate his deep appreciation for the ethnic hodgepodge of his native New York. And while it's not as overtly political as Carlin's current material, Occupation Foole doesn't shy away from controversy: "Filthy Words," "Childhood Cliches," and other routines carefully dissect mainstream culture as well any of Carlin's work.

And Carlin makes all of this appear effortless, disguising his carefully constructed routines as pot-head riffs. For Carlin fans, Occupation Foole is a must-have. For any comedy fan, this is a classic from one of one of comedy's all-time greats.


A Kinder, Gentler George Carlin   January 13, 2003
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Today George Carlin is as insightful, provocative, and hilarious as he ever was, but he's become something of a crank: on stage he's a confrontational, disillusioned old man who's shtik is that he's lost all hope in humanity. It gives his comedy a very sharp edge, and Carlin's current material is killer stuff. But some of the joy is missing.

"Occupation Foole," one of Carlin's best album of the 70s (a tough call between this and "Class Clown"), reveals a very different comedian. His bits on jobs, drugs, and growing up in New York are filled with sharp observations and huge laughs. Carlin's precision and timing are excellent here (as they still are today), but it's Carlin's delight in his fellow human beings that may surprise some listeners. In "New York voices" and "Hallway Groups" Carlin's pitch-perfect imitations demonstrate his deep appreciation for the ethnic hodgepodge of his native New York. And while it's not as overtly political as Carlin's current material, Occupation Foole doesn't shy away from controversy: "Filthy Words," "Childhood Cliches," and other routines carefully dissect mainstream culture as well any of Carlin's work.

And Carlin makes all of this appear effortless, disguising his carefully constructed routines as pot-head riffs. For Carlin fans, Occupation Foole is a must-have. For any comedy fan, this is a classic from one of one of comedy's all-time greats.