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Aug 03, 2011 #37 – St. Vincent By David Brusie

Sarah Silverman provides an introduction on Tig Notaro’s debut comedy record, and it’s a fitting choice. Like Silverman, Notaro caters in moments of surprise, and neither comic shies away from discomfort, letting jokes unfold to satisfying payoffs.

Though most of Good One consists of setups and punch lines, the record’s highlights are longer pieces, such as an epic tale about Taylor Dayne and a story about a guy who mistakes her for a man. These segments show off Notaro’s mastery of momentum, timing, and mock gravitas (“This has nothing to do with you. This is between me and Taylor Dayne”), and their sheer ambition make it clear that she is not only a funny comedian but also an impressive writer.

Notaro is a frequent guest on the burgeoning comedy podcast circuit, as well as co-host of her own Professor Blastoff podcast, and it’s easy to see why: her work here is bone-dry but often warm and inviting, especially when interacting with the audience (“I love that you’re actually slapping your knee”). In fact, Notaro’s tone works surprisingly well with audience involvement, especially when she ribs a man who went to self-defense class for nine years.

The few moments that fall flat, such as bits about Winnie-the-Pooh fans and Chastity Bono’s sex change, are merely forgettable, and some jokes involve visuals that don’t translate to record. However, Good One never finds Notaro unfunny, just trying too hard. In a world full of lackluster stand-up comedy, there are far worse things. (www.tignation.com)

Author rating: 7/10