Jake Thackray and Others

I always try to discover comedians and musicians for myself that I had never heard of before. One recent curiosity at a local record shop is a CD by a British gentleman named Jake Thackray, who was a singer/songwriter of witty songs during the 60s and 70s and died in 2002. I have not yet purchased this disc, but have done some research on the man. He has been compared to Tom Lehrer (whom I love), but also on one web site (Amazon UK I believe), there was someone who just didn't "get it".

Not surprising. I know I have strange tastes sometimes and am hesitant at times to try to listen to someone new if it turns out to be disappointing to me. I also don't necessarily like something just because you're supposed to. Discoveries by me that have been good (i.e. Flanders and Swann, The Frantics) are always coupled with discoveries that have not been so good (i.e. Lenny Bruce, Jacques Tati). Yet still others I haven't formed a concrete opinion yet due to not having enough evidence (i.e. George Formby, Lord Buckley).

Incidentally, for those wanting to chide me for not liking Lenny Bruce or Jacques Tati, I have heard virtually all of Bruce's albums and have seen all of Tati's Hulot films before I came to the conclusion that I don't care for them. I'll admit that Bruce was an innovator and without him there wouldn't be a George Carlin or many of the other great comedians, but Bruce was more of a public speaker than a true stand-up comedian for me. As I've said many times before "Being first doesn't automatically make you the best". And Tati could be compared to Ed Wood (and not in a good way) in my opinion as far as his movies go.

Anyway, back to Thackray. I will try to give him a chance and report here the results...

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
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