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Comedy Reviews - CD - Bill Cosby - Wonderfulness

Wonderfulness
CLICK PIC TO BUY

Bill Cosby
Wonderfulness
Warner Brothers 1634
1966

Wonderfulness by Bill Cosby, originally released in 1966 on the Warner Brothers label continues the tradition he established with earlier albums like "Why Is There Air?", "Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow: Right!" and "I Started Out As A Child" of sweet, funny stories about his childhood world in Philadelphia and the kids he grew up with.

You know an album has staying power when, like myself, you bought the vinyl record, the cassette, and now the CD, and that you will buy it in whatever format it comes out on in the future.

There are three absolutely classic tracks on Wonderfulness. "Chicken Heart" is about Bill listening to a Lights Out radio show while his parents are out for the evening, getting very scared by that scary show and ... well, I will not spoil it by revealing the end to those who have not heard it yet.

The second classic track on Wonderfulness is another classic Bill Cosby funny story titled "Go Karts" where he tells of the neighborhood kids' passion for building go karts and racing them down the street.

It is on this track that Cosby's early recipe for humor included wild exaggeration, sound effects he creates himself, and the ability to imitate different and easily distinguishable children voices. It is so brilliantly done, including various musical effects, that you are there wether you close your eyes or not.

"Tonsils" is the third classic track on Wonderfulness. Here, Bill Cosby tells the story of getting his tonsils taken out. Often mistakenly referred to as "Ice Cream", "Tonsils" is another brilliant moment complete with funny kid voices, funny adult voices, and that sweet though open-eyed perception Bill Cosby was famous for at the beginning of his illustrious career.

If a kid I knew ever had to get his or her tonsils out, I would make them listen to "Tonsils" instead of trying to calm them with the standard lies adults sometimes tell children.

The wonderful thing about Wonderfulness is that it is a funny comedy cd you can listen to with the kids in the car. There is only one track "Niagara Falls" that will go over their head but it contains nothing that will embarrass you. If you are looking for something fun to do on a long car or plane trip with the kids, get Wonderfulness and let them listen to it or listen to it with them.

We so rarely have the occasion to share with children the child we were and Bill Cosby's timeless humor and world is something we can share with them.

Richard Lanoie

Other Bill Cosby Reviews

Oh, Baby: another very good if different Cosby cd. 1991 on the Geffen label.

When I Was A Kid: When I Was A Kid, originally released on the Uni label in 1971 and now available on Geffen, is a collection of childhood stories from Bill Cosby' s stand-up days after he left the Warner Brothers label.

Bill Cosby Is A Funny Fellow, Right!: probably the Bill Cosby album or comedy cd everyone is most familiar contains his classic and memorable Noah bit comprised of Noah: Right! Noah: And The Neighbor, and Noah: Me And You, Lord.

The Very Best of Bill Cosby: definitely not the very best of Bill Cosby.

To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With: Title track worth the price of the CD

It's True! It's True!: A high school student could have done a better job with an old cassette copy, a tin can, and a piece of string

200 MPH: another classic though lesser-known Bill Cosby comedy CD

I Started Out As A Child: Contains Street Football and Lone Ranger, the rest of minor interest

Revenge: Features three back-to-back absolute classics: Cool Covers, 9th Street Bridge, Buck Buck

The Bill Cosby Collection: contains some of his most offbeat and hard to find stand-up comedy bits.

Why Is There Air?: Bill Cosby comedy CD contains $75 Car, Shop, and other good stuff

Himself: Bill Cosby DVD with The Dentist, Brain Damage, Naturan Child Birth, Chocolate Cake For Breakfast and other good stuff.

Ghost Dad: almost decent family fare

Leonard Part 6: 1987 Golden Raspberry Award winner for worst picture

Bill Cosby - Just For Laughs 2006: A giant show by the giant of comedy

Cosby And The Kids: The best Bill Cosby stand-up comedy CD compilation.

The Cosby Show - Season 3: A classic situation comedy that was excellent in its early years.

Bill Cosby - Montreal, July 25th 2009: This comedy giant is still a giant.