Carlin at Carnegie

Taped before a sold-out house at New York City's Carnegie Hall, the performance represents a creative resurgence for Carlin, following a heart attack earlier that year. He ignites the stage with unique perceptions and his outrageous physical comedy, employing along the way his well-honed powers of mimicry.

The routines include: Rice Krispies, Newscast #3, Have a Nice Day, Ice-Box Man, Fussy Eater, Dogs & Cats #2 and Over 200 Filthy Words and Phrases. Carlin's genius is at best his use of language and breaking down words into their silliest interpretations. He has some observations, plenty of one-liners, but his strength is in words and language.

Even such a simple routine as "have a nice day" makes us realize that "nice" is an empty word. We use it all the time, but never think about it. And, of course, he has become famous for his intelligent approach to cuss words. Why are certain words forbidden when others are not, despite meaning the same thing?

Carlin remained funny up through the time of his death, but it seems like his comedy got more tuned towards one-liners later on. His post-1990 books, such as "Brain Droppings" and When "Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?" are best when making quick, ironic observations and puns. Earlier work was much more energetic.