Cracking Up

[Vermin Boy]

Just in case anyone's interested, Amazon.com seems to have released an exclusive VHS copy of "Cracking Up," a movie by the creators of Tunnelvision, with contributions by Phil Proctor and Peter Bergman (of the Firesign Theatre) and the Credibility Gap (Harry Shearer, Michael McKean). Anyone ever seen it? From what I've heard, the parts not written by the aforementioned groups aren't that great, but how can I pass up on a meeting of two of my favorite troupes (for $8, no less)?

[peter johnson]

darn tootin' I'm innerested, pardner --
PS:  You should be in receipt of my order for the Demons of Stupidity discs -- don't delay!  Send it today!!

[Apostic]

"by the creators of Tunnelvision"

That alone should frighten most people off.

Understand.  I really liked Firesign Theatre, and I think their album Waiting for the Electrician or Someone Like Him not only holds up well today, it's also significant, well crafted comedy.  Tunnelvision, and moreso Cracking Up, were NOT the  creative high points of their career.  

Cf how well The Groove Tube has held up.

regards,

Apostic

[peter johnson]

Yep, they did do some very odd/bad videos.  A good one on the festival curcuit -- though I have no idea of its availability -- is "God's Clowns".  Also, see "Nick Danger and the Case of the Missing Yolk" -- widely available -- for good Firesignery video stuff.  Also, Apostic, please don't speak of them in the past tense.  They have 2 very VERY good current CDs:  "Give Me Immortality or Give Me Death"(1999) and "Boom.Dot.Bust"(2000), both on Rhino.  Coming this fall from Rhino:  "Bride of Firesign", all brand-new material commemorating Phil Austin's 60th(!) birthday.
Also a new DVD out -- also on Rhino.  See www.firesigntheatre.com for details.

[Flangepart]

New Firesign! Ye, verily, praise Rhino, for they are good!

[drewdroid]

Gotta back up PJ (can I call you PJ?) on the firesign comments. I found "Gimmie Immortality or Give Me Death" one of the greatest comedy bits of all time (at least since "How Can You Be in Two Places at once When You're Not Anywhere at All"). Oh, by the way, I'm one of the 3 in the Demons of Stupidity..and I can blame Vermin Boy for my exposure to firesign (hehe).

[peter johnson]

Someday Firesign will get the wider recognition they deserve --
In the meantime, it's fun to be part of the club of "them what are in the know".
I really only know of a few comedy recordings that one can listen to over and over again & find new detail with each listening:  Some of Jonathan Winters, some of Shelly Berman, some of Beyond the Fringe/Dudley Moore & Peter Cooke -- but damn near ALL of Firesign Theatre!!
***
Really looking forward to hearing my Demons CDs --