Comments on: Funny is always better than good

By: Dubber’s Box of Cool | Ben Walker

Dubber’s Box of Cool | Ben Walker — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:56:09 +0000

[...] agree that cool is better than popular. I’m also convinced that funny is better than good. It’s interesting to figure out how that all fits together. A cool object is better than a [...]

By: Martin Austwick

Martin Austwick — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:07:10 +0000

Maybe a duet with teenybop-era Alanis Morrissette?

I should mention, in the interests of full disclosure, that I played in the The Monroe Transfer until last year (at which point I'd got too old to do the synchronized dance moves anymore), and my tongue was firmly in my cheek with that comment. In fact they are a prime example of how you can be engaging without being fluffy.

By: Ben Walker

Ben Walker — Sat, 30 May 2009 09:22:12 +0000

I have indeed heard and, more importantly, seen the Transfer. You’re right. They aren’t funny. But I would definitely say their show is entertaining – it held my attention and gave me enjoyment. I think the dinner host analogy works quite well here. Imagine The Monroe Transfer hosting a dinner party. You would probably be entertained by hour-long discussions that explored deeper and deeper recesses of a series of loosely-threaded serious topics. The talk would be thoughtful and measured, with occasional moments of passionate argument. You wouldn’t walk away thinking “Well, that was fun!”, but you would undoubtedly find it entertaining, even if you were meeting Mr Transfer for the first time.

As for Leonard, he either makes up for his gloominess by having a rather chirpier band behind him, or entertains people in the style of a wise old poet. And frankly, I don’t think today’s audiences would give him half the chance he had in the beginning. Unless he had a gimmick. Like a monkey on his shoulder. Then I’m sure Canada’s Got Talent, Eh? would sort him out. ;)

By: Martin Austwick

Martin Austwick — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:35:06 +0000

Did Nick really say that? Have you heard the Monroe Transfer?* :)

How do you entertain people if you're Leonard Cohen? Or how do you do something fun without coming off as a circus ringleader?

*They're not funny at all, but they are very good

By: Academic Hopeful

Academic Hopeful — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:15:54 +0000

Perfect post JB! I just love your expressions when you interact with the audience during Dressing Up. Heart-warming.

By: nick

nick — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:20:06 +0000

This is all splendid. Nice to see my words of wisdom being passed along. Thought I’d be long dead before that happened…