Jim Norton thinks that comics like Carlin aren't relevant anymore because "times change." Really Jimmy?

12  2017-04-13 by Colin_Bowell

18 comments

In fairness, I think he still loves Carlin but was being super literal when he talked about this with dumb Sam, and how political/topical comedians won't stand up as well to the test of time as the goofy timeless ones. And sadly, he's right, the nuances of timely comedy don't and won't stand the test of time, so we still laugh at the three stooges but not the vaudeville operetta that satirized the Hearst corporation and early 20th Century media

I don't know.. I hear him saying that Carlin and Bill Hicks aren't as relevant because they talked about politics. Literally everything Carlin talked about is still an issue. I don't know if he can't see that government lies, the ruling class, and their endless wars that Carlin railed against are more present than ever.

He was saying bit more in the way who came first. Once you see someone influenced by a act first you don't think the originals are total and utter genius

Yes exactly! I don't know how you can listen to Carlin special and not think it's hacky. Just like young people today think about The Beatles as a bland band because they literally influenced every rock and pop band that came after them.

Yeah the impact and relevance of comics can fade in time. It's like the bands who were massive in their day not being relevant any more. Doesn't mean they were not talented.

It doesn't make sense because Carlin talked about socio-political issues in a broader sense, discussing the competing overarching principles at play. He could then break it down into whatever the specific topical political issue du jour was. The specific issue could become dated, but the overarching general principles he joked about will almost always be true. So when he discussed war or poverty or capitalism or political parties, his material should stay forever relevant.

The problem with many comedians today is how specific and literal they are in attacking a subject. Today's Trump jokes will be dated a month from now. But it is possible to create hours of material related to the Trump phenomenon that will never be dated. Carlin looked for more of what was always universally true and funny instead of what was just specifically true and a cheap fleeting laugh today.

But it is possible to create hours of material related to the Trump phenomenon that will never be dated.

Yeah but that would require knowing stuff and having thoughts. Standup's not about that icky old Dennis Miller shit anymore. The stage is for repeating familiar things from other media.

little orange fingerprints on my pussy amirite hashtag shouldaswipedleft getit woooooooo

yep, people are stupid.

He's right. When was the last time Carlin put out new material? He's been completely silent about Trump.

But Carlin died long before Trump became president

Carlin died??

Him and lazy Patrice doin nuffin

move over carlin, Jim Norton's in town.

Does that mean Ozzy Osbourne is shit now?

I liked Carlin when I was 12 to 14 because he talked about how people are all idiots and I was like fuck yeah man, good thing we see the truth.

When I tried rewatching him when I was older I snickered occasionally but he's never made me laugh out loud ever. Pryor was much funnier.

I'm with you, we get it Carlin, you hate stuff, how bout some jokes ey

I was the same way

Its about time Carlin and Hicks got super ripped and oiled up and put each other in fun little karate holds wearing bikinis.

Id watch that whether it was a real test of martial artistry or a scripted soap opera. Id also tune in every day to a radio show totaly devoted to discussing this stuff.

What a glorious time to be a 35 yr old jobless Kratom head.

Nah, it's because that corny fag Carlin was never relevant.

I think the more important thing is Andrew Schulz was wondering if that would happen to "us" as well. Meaning he thinks him and Jimmy are on the same level. Jimmy may be a failure in terms of his goals but that was really an insult.

I'm with you, we get it Carlin, you hate stuff, how bout some jokes ey

I was the same way