Crank(y) Calls

by Jonathan Winters

Overview

Crank call comedy generally involves telephonic interaction between the comedian or comedians and an unsuspecting person, but Jonathan Winters' album Crank(y) Calls is one-sided. Each of the 28 tracks is structured as an answering machine exchange; first, a voice (the same one each time) is heard answering as "Smith" (or "Jim Smith," or "J. Smith," or "J.B. Smith") and encouraging the caller to leave a message. Then, on comes Winters, improvising a message. In his sketch comedy, Winters usually takes on a character, sometimes with a funny voice or accent, but for the most part, he eschews that approach on this album, although he does at one point say he is Ross Perot, and at another that he is Dr. Death. On most of the tracks, however, he seems to just free associate for a minute or two, with some recurring phrases and subjects. Aging seems to be much on his mind, and he refers repeatedly to turning 69 years old, also bringing up "The Prince of Darkness," perhaps having in mind more the Grim Reaper. Holidays including Easter and the Fourth of July come up (he sings parody versions of "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" and "Easter Parade"). More than once, he says, "Pull the chain and flush your mind." As is often the case with Winters' humor, the interest comes in his odd turns of phrase and curious imagination, not in specific jokes. ~ William Ruhlmann

Product Details

Release Date:	05/20/2000
Label:	Uproar Entertainment
UPC:	0706442379420

Tracks

1. We're Only Visitors
2. Dr. Death
3. Blue Fox to Red Beaver
4. The Bunny Song
5. Ross Perot Calling Every American
6. Do You Have Your PTL Card?
7. The Old Homestead
8. In Harm's Way
9. Together
10. A Violent Elderly Person
11. St. Vitus Dance
12. Flood Waters
13. Mitch
14. Flush Your Mind
15. Sprinkling System
16. Going to Branson
17. Where Are You?
18. Storm Center
19. Fourth of July
20. Too Smart for the Room
21. No Names or Numbers
22. This Is Very Sad
23. I'll Get Back to You
24. The Deficit
25. Magical Tour
26. Return the Call
27. I Don't Get It
28. See You on the Airways

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jonathan Winters   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Jessica Kaye   Producer
Jim B. Smith   Producer
Jim Rasfeld   Graphic Design