Published on Sep 8, 2001
Following the release of his album
No Cure For Cancer in 1993, Denis Leary’s career took off
faster than Rodney King running from the LAPD. I can’t even begin
to count the movies he’s appeared in – and I’m too lazy to look it
up on the Internet Movie Database. But like many comedians who
suddenly find some level of fame, Leary’s genius as an on-stage
comic fell to the wayside.
Lock ‘N Load, Leary’s 1997 follow-up to
No Cure For Cancer, features Leary in true form, ranting
about the world we all live in, even if his style has calmed down
just a notch. But the constant reliance on goofy songs and skits
that break up the flow of the monologue end up hurting this
album.
Granted,
No Cure For Cancer featured a total of four musical numbers
– three of which were studio efforts. And I have to admit that
“Life’s Gonna Suck” is hilarious – especially Leary’s declaration
at the end, “Well I think I smell a lawsuit in that one.” But Leary
is a
comedian, first and foremost, and the numerous songs and
skits just don’t carry the same punch as his on-stage banter
does.
“Save This” tries to make fun of all the organizations dedicated
to protecting animals, but it doesn’t have the anger that a song
like “Asshole” did. As for “Insane Cowboy (In Africa)” and “Love
Barge,” the latter a half-assed cover of the theme from “The Love
Boat” – Dennis, c’mon, what the
hell were you thinking? Oh, and as for “A Reading From The
Book Of Apple,” isn’t it bad enough that people lived through Fiona
Apple’s rambling speech on MTV? Why do we have to hear it again and
again? (Hey, look – “Deaf Mute Cocktail Party” is actually
something of Leary’s that could be played on the radio!)
The live bits on
Lock ‘N Load, however, do make up the slack. Leary is in his
natural element pointing out how stupid some aspects of society
have become to the flock in the audience. Whether it’s Michael
Flatley, Starbucks, Samuel Adams or even the Catholic Church in his
sights, Leary’s rapid-fire delivery of ridicule and anger is right
on target, proving that Leary is only getting better as a comedian
as time passes.
Leary even saves some ammo for his own life on “My Kids,” as he
dares to open up his own life to the crowd – and his own scorn. Any
parent will appreciate some of the subjects Leary talks about, from
noise-making toys to surprises found in one’s VCR. Too much of this
rings true, especially as the parent of a five-year-old – though I
commend Leary for not copying Bill Cosby in terms of questioning a
child why they did something. (I think Leary will back me up here,
when I say the three favorite words of a child are “I don’t
know.”)
The final bit, “Lock ‘N Load,” is a continuation of the theme
from “Fuck The Pope,” though Leary’s rant sounds like it was
recorded in the studio rather than in front of an audience.
Nevertheless, it’s one of the more creative bits on the disc, and
allows Leary to show his talents in a new format.
Lock ‘N Load is similar to
No Cure For Cancer, yet is fundamentally different than the
first album. Leary is still hands-down one of the best comedians
I’ve ever heard, right up there with Robin Williams. But if Leary
ever graces us with a third album (and I’m hoping he will soon),
please –
please – drop the songs and the sketches!