Bill Engvall – Aged and Confused

My family enjoys a wide variety of comedy acts, and watching or listening to stand up is one of the few things that will keep us all interested and entertained for any length of time. So when I was asked to review Bill Engvall’s new Aged and Confused CD, my “yes” was almost instantaneous. But, I didn’t place where I knew him from until hubby made the connection that this was the Blue Collar Comedy Tour Bill Engvall of “Here’s Your Sign” fame. I still had a hard time placing any of his specific sets, but of course that didn’t deter me; I’m always up for a new act. I should add that at 28, I am clearly not the intended audience of an “Aged and Confused” comedy show, but I think that’s what makes me the perfect person to review it.

The CD started up and Bill Engvall takes the stage during the 2009 Just for Laughs Chicago Festival. His tone is really relaxed and laid back, and immediately he seems familiar. What strikes me first is that he seems like a good guy, like someone you would meet at work who would keep all your coworkers entertained at the office Christmas party. You really would never imagine that Bill Engvall is one of the most famous men in comedy; his act doesn’t seem pretentious or elitist in any way and actually seems really down to earth.

The new CD is focused on Bill Engvall’s experiences as a 50 year old +, and focuses on how his age is starting to affect the way in which he views the world. In the first track, he claims that the world is going crazy and cites three examples to prove his point. To be honest, I wasn’t really with him on the first track or two, thinking that the three illustrations seemed to be a reach and I didn’t really “get” the old man jokes around each of the examples. But, it was easy to forget that I didn’t fully agree that the town that elected a 19 year old mayor was just looking for a kegger every Friday as I enjoyed listening to his tales.

And truly, it’s in his storytelling that he really shines. The second half of Aged and Confused focuses more on his daily life stories, telling audiences of family vacations, empty nests, and the reality that as you age it’s harder and harder to keep things exciting and new. In Birthday Suit he tells the story of how he attempted to keep the bedroom spark alive in a tale that had hubby and me rolling. Even with the suggestive topic and title, the tale still came across very much PG, as do the rest of his tracks.

Where many comics these days toe a very thin line between edgy and offensive, Bill Engvall’s comedy reminds me more of classic TV humor with the delivery being sometimes funnier than the actual punchline. And it’s his delivery that makes him such a likeable and relatable comedian, the kind that you wouldn’t mind playing if an acquaintance dropped by.

Maybe not the edgiest of comics, but his act is still a good time. I tend to like my comedy with a bit of unpredictability and zing, and sometimes a little bit blue, but I can still appreciate a comic who does what Bill Engvall does and speak to the masses. If you’re looking for a comedy CD for a parent, relative, or a coworker that you don’t know that well, or are looking for something for an “Over the Hill” birthday party, Bill Engvall’s Aged and Confused would be a perfect choice. Or, if you’re looking for a safe bet for group listening, Bill Engvall’s Aged and Confused would be a wise purchase and sure to get some good laughs from everyone – even the 28-year-olds.

http://www.billengvall.com/

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