It's Bad For Ya (Eardrum, 2008) by George Carlin

Carlin's last album was a good one.  He had the cynic with a bleeding heart type of approach to humor- which is my favorite coming from him.  With him being 70, he tackles things like aging and death.  However, the strongest material comes at the end of the album when he discusses religion and patriotism.  It's funny and smart; George Carlin's forte.

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.

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."

You Are All Diseased (Eardrum, 1999) by George Carlin

Carlin's most famous routine is obviously "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television," but I think another one that he will be remembered for is "There is No God."  In this particular routine, he logically explains many faults in organized religion.  But Carlin, of course, puts his own cynical twist on it and makes his criticisms smart and funny.  Other shorter bits that are very strong are "Angels" and "TV Tonight."  His complaints about kids and airport security are also noteworthy.  Overall, it's not Carlin's best album.  However, it is definitely in the upper echelon of them.

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.