VARIOUS ARTISTS
This American Life (Rhino)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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A lavish two-CD package collecting some choice stories with appropriate backing music (from the likes of Yo la Tengo and They Might Be Giants) from the public radio staple of the same name. A throw back to the golden days of talk radio when folks would pop into the studio and tell their tall tales, often to the giggling amusement of the host. Interviews and straight narratives make up this collection highlighted by a hilarious recollection of a very amateur Peter Pan production. A close second is the very deadpan reading of Dishwater Pete's bogus Dave Letterman adventure. Augmented smartly by the intricate words, comics and old timey designs of Chris Ware (each scenario comes complete with its own trading card!), This American Life is one treasure you really can't live without.

© 2000 - John Sekerka