It's mildly disappointing to listen to Carlin (Brain Droppings), a comedian revered for his edgy content and shock value, and feel one's heard it all before. Here, listeners will recognize more than just Carlin's signature, rocks-in-his-throat style, as many of the pieces are recycled. That's not to say that classic bits like the distinction among drivers between idiots and maniacs aren't funny, but they lose some of their verve the second (or fifth) time around. This recording, however, will scarcely be a letdown for Carlin's legions of fans; short of watching him perform on stage, listening to his masterful, hilariously-inflected delivery is undoubtedly the best way to experience his work. There's just no substitute for hearing Carlin use an innocent, dopey tone as a setup for delivering his punch line like Boris Karloff at his grouchiest. The words and themes themselves are often just as sinister, and though this recording has entertaining moments, some of Carlin's magic has worn off in the wake of his own influence. Sometimes he sounds like just another comic salvaging otherwise middling material with liberal doses of profanity. Simultaneous release with Hyperion hardcover (Forecasts, Apr. 9). (May)
