A Place for My Stuff (Atlantic, 1981) by George Carlin

On this 1981 album, there's a lot of Carlin doing what Carlin does best: best smart, articulate, and (most important of all) funny observations about everyday life.  One of the things that makes this album different from his other ones though is that there are skits and studio recorded things here too; it's not all live.  The skits are good and parody things in American culture, most notably radio and commercials.

Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head (Grand Hustle, 2012) by T.I.

The 16-track album is good, but not quite as strong as Paper Trail.  Although it is a very well-rounded album.  It has a great intro song which samples Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man" and then has material which covers various avenues.  "Trap Back Jumpin'" is reminiscent of Trap Muzik material.  "Guns and Roses" is a great record with Pink that has crossover appeal (but doesn't sell out) and "Hallelujah" has T.I. giving his take on religion.  However, the highlight of the project is Andre 3000's album-stealing verse on "I'm Sorry."

An All-4-One Christmas (Atlantic, 1995) by All-4-One

These guys can actually sing quite well.  However, them singing Christmas standards is just another example of how the group sings other people's material.  "I Swear" and "I Could Love You Like That" were both country songs originally and then All-4-One redid them and took them to the pop and R&B charts where they saw success.

Complaints and Grievances (Atlantic, 2001) by George Carlin

This isn't George's strongest set.  But to be fair, the events of September 11, 2001, did considerably change the vibe of the show (which Carlin does acknowledge).  Where his career highs are cynical perspectives with a bleeding heart, the majority of this are complaints that just come across as insults.  One bit on here that's really great is the one where Carlin picks apart and revises The Ten Commandments.

What Am I Doing in New Jersey? (Atlantic, 1989) by George Carlin

This 5-track LP covers a lot of ground.  However, there are two routines that really stand out to me.  The first is the lengthy last cut that discusses various aspects of driving.  Topics include bumper stickers, people who don't use blinkers properly, cyclists on the road, and license plates.  It's long, but packs a lot of laughs so it's totally worth it.  The other cut, which really stands out, is about politics.  But George took it in another direction and instead of focusing on actual politicians, he discusses the strange culture that policies and procedures have created in American life.  My favorite George Carlin quote ever appears here when he says, "America was founded by slave owners who wanted to be free."

Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics (Atlantic, 1990) by George Carlin

The highlight of this album is Mr. Carlin's ability to dissect and analyze language.  "Offensive Language," Rape Can Be Funny," "They're Only Words" and "Euphemisms" are all just as thought-provoking as they are humorous.  The latter especially investigates changes in American words and jargon then correlates it to changing sensibilities in people and culture.  Although not as much abut social commentary or even jokes, Parental Advisory still proves that George Carlin is one of the smartest and most well-spoken motherfuckers ever.

Jammin' in New York (Atlantic, 1992) by George Carlin

George Carlin is my favorite stand up comedian of all-time.  His masterful understanding of language proved that profanity can be profound and his social commentary was always superior to its opposition.  He has quite a few classic albums, but this one, in my opinion is his best.  The strangeness of American culture that Mr. Carlin points out on "Golf Courses for the Homeless" is some of the best stuff that I have ever heard.  Period.  "Rockets and Penises in the Persian Gulf" humorously (and tragically) identifies our country's obsession with war and "The Planet is Fine" really puts human activity and existence into perspective.  The other two tracks, "Little Things We Share" and "Airline Announcements," are not as heavy, but still clever and smart.  Whether discussing looking at a clock and then still not knowing what time it is or humorous observations about airline travel, the simple stuff is still also all fantastic material.  Overall, George Carlin struck me as someone who was cynical and compassionate at the same time.  It made for interesting and insightful jokes, and sometimes those jokes are just what we need to keep our head on straight in a sometimes seemingly crazy world.

Rock N Roll Jesus (Atlantic, 2007) by Kid Rock

If Kid Rock took the approach of the "Picture" record and made an album out of it, it would be this album.  Rock N Roll Jesus definitely has that crossover to full-fledged southern rock that his previous material didn't.  I remember when this album dropped I was really into it because Mr. Ritchie referenced Northern Michigan and Nashville on the same album- two places which are very near and dear to my heart.  And in addition to that, the music was good too.  My favorite song on the album is "Roll On."  The sentimental tone of the record coupled with Rock's continued maturity made for one of my favorite songs and videos of that year.  It is not often that I prefer singles over deep cuts, but "Roll On" is one of the few exceptions.

Devil Without a Cause (Atlantic, 1998) by Kid Rock

Kid Rock is a very well-rounded artist.  He, in many people's opinion, isn't the best rapper, rocker, or country artist.  However, he masterfully combines a variety of styles.  I honestly don't even look at it that way.  I think the culmination of his wide range of influences makes for a sound all his own.  He is the only performer that I can think of who can rock with Hank Williams Jr., Twisted Brown Trucker, and Too $hort.  And best of all, he is sincere in all three of those genres.  Rock N Roll Jesus was great.  Born Free was outstanding.  But this was the one that did it for me.  "Only God Knows Why", "Fuck Off", "Wasting Time", and "Cowboy"-those are my personal favorites.  However, I can honestly play the whole album, Devil Without a Cause, from beginning to end without skipping a single track.