Drew Hastings – Irked & Miffed

Drew Hastings – Irked & Miffed / 2008 Image Entertainment / 14 Tracks / http://www.image-entertainment.com /

Drew Hastings has been on a number of major-level comedy outlets. This means that ey has been present on both Comedy Central and the Bob and Tom Show, even if “the man” thinks ey is not popular enough for a Wikipedia site. The skits that are present from “Irked & Miffed” are those that were largely present on Hastings’ Comedy Central special, and individuals that are into the more current, potty type of humor would do well to open their horizons by listening to “Irked & Miffed”.

The sharp style of humor of Hastings comes through during skits like “Chain Saws and Swine Production”, as well as “Paxil, Viagra and My Drug Use”. The whole discussion of an individual out of eir element – which plays a large role in the skits of “Irked & Miffed” – is something that individuals can identify with. The one thing that I would like to know, without having seen Hastings live before, is whether the sequel to “Irked & Miffed” will be equally as strong. Since “Irked & Miffed” is one of only two albums that Hastings has done (“I’m Just Like You” is the other one), one has to wonder if this album is stronger than future ones. This is due to the fact that Hastings has been honing eir skill for a number of years, and these early albums could be construed as some sort of “greatest hits” album. The skill that is shown during the dsc’s high point, especially during “Younger Girlfriend” and “Third Day of a One-Night Stand”, provide clues that future recordings will be at least at that level of quality that “Irked & Miffed” established.

The only suggestion that I would have for Image Entertainment (and this is really dependent on whether they could get the rights to the DVD), would be to have a dual-disc package that gives individuals the opportunity to either hear or view Hastings’ performance. When that is the only complaint that I can come up with about an album, one has to realize that it is solid. Few comedians are truly funny, as they are largely hurtful or racist/sexist/homophobia-based. Hastings is self deprecating, and when the humor is outward, any pointed remarks are located to people as individuals, instead of being linked to an immutable category. If you want smart comedy with a touch of lowbrow, make sure to pick up “Irked & Miffed.”

Top Tracks: The Exotic Animal Park Nightmare, Farming 101

Rating: 7.5/10