Bruce, Lenny

Lenny Bruce's Interviews of our Times

Los Angeles, CA: Fantasy Records, 1966. Third Edition. "This album is the first in Fantasy's proposed Social Study Series in which it is hoped to present in-person documented interviews and all-too-revealing vignettes with a series of representative in-group figures to give a cross-section sampling of the intricate and complicated cultural patterns of our times. In order to arrange the proper conditions under which this album could be made with maximum fidelity of result and minimal disclosure of the plan to the subject being recorded, it was necessary to engage the services of the most adroit wire-tapper on the West Coast. Naturally, in order to avoid possible actionable statements, it is necessary to keep his name confidential, but for the purposes of these notes we will refer to him as Wally W. Heider and tell you that he has figured prominently in the testimony of numerous underworld and/or governmental trials." --from back cover. Leonard Alfred Schneider (1925-1966), a/k/a Lenny Bruce, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist. He was renowned for his open, free-wheeling, and critical style of comedy that combined satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. His 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon in 2003. Bruce forged new paths in comedy and counterculture. His trial for obscenity was a landmark of freedom of speech in the United States. In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Bruce third, behind Richard Pryor (1940-2005) and George Carlin (1937-2008), on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time. Offered today is the 1966 reissue of the classic comedy album, Interviews of Our Time. Originally released in 1958 by Fantasy Records, Interviews of Our Time is Bruce's first major comedy album which established his satirical, pseudo-journalistic interview format to mock cultural figures. Rather than a standard stand-up comedy record, Interviews of Our Time is a satirical, hybrid project featuring mock journalistic interviews, character sketches, and early nightclub recordings. It introduced audiences to Bruce's sharp social commentary and strong ties to the 1950s hipster and jazz countercultures. A timeless comedic masterclass, and an exceedingly rare Bruce record! Vinyl LP Record in Sleeve. Third pressing [or Third Edition, as we would say in the trade] as indicated by the blue tinted cover, and the matrix number "Δ9538-x" at the dead wax (the smooth runout groove area between the last track and the center label). LP in relatively very fine condition with very slight smudging. Sleeve in relatively near fine-fine condition with mild wear to fine edges, moderate discoloration due to age-toning, and mild-heavy tearing at top, bottom, and spine. Very Fine/Near Fine-Fine. [Item #9121]

Price: $100.00