Apparently the DVD version of Bill Hicks's comedy special Relentless- filmed from the Montreal comedy special where he finally broke out as a stand-up star- is not quite complete. It runs an hour, and is missing some footage. Luckily, there's enough that remains, and in mostly good enough condition, to suffice calling it an exceptional effort. With maybe one or two little moments where he lags, this is some of Hicks' most flawless work, as usual ranging from cigarette/non-cigarette fatalities, supporting the war but not the troops, playing music backwards ("You're Satan!"), BJ's, and of course drugs. Every bit is stinging with some kind of savagery, witty and with the right targets but never too mean (well, unless you're New Kids on the Block), and even giving a jab at Canadians as it is, of course, Montreal. But the delivery, too, comes sometimes out of left field, a little calm and subtle but with a kind of right sucker-punch that manages to really work the crowd well; just wait till he gets to the stuff about Alabama and you'll start rolling on the floor. It's brilliant stuff. 9.5/10
