Brent Weinbach's "The Night Shift" Out Now

[Jouster]

Out today from Talent Moat is Brent Weinbach's second album, The Night Shift. The long-awaited follow-up to 2004's Tales from the Brown Side, The Night Shift continues in the same tradition of unconventional comedy albums as his debut - studio pieces in the style of Joe Frank (a noted influence on Weinbach), live material recorded at San Francisco's legendary Purple Onion, unhinged answering machine messages and some (non-comedic) songs that call to mind Tin Pan Alley. While this might paint Weinbach as someone uninterested in the conventional comedy album, much of The Night Shift is irresistibly funny - silly, surprising and oddly relatable from someone renowned for being strange.

The Night Shift Tour started last week and continues through November; go here for the dates. Pick up The Night Shift now from the AST store.

[BillBrasky]

I got it this morning and listened to it on the way to work. Highly recommended.

He's a lot like Andy Kaufman in that you laugh and sometimes you have no idea why you're laughing. He just really strikes the brain at an odd angle. Truly a unique performer.

[Cupid Stunt]

Spoiler:  

you smoked all the penises?

[Bucky_Sinister]

At his release party in SF, he performed the entire album, including bringing his sister on stage with him, and playing the piano.

[sparkiepop]

Best comedy album cover in the world.

[RegularKarate]

I'm dying to have this right now... I am trapped at work... Can someone tell me if the physical album contains any inside pictures or liner notes or anything super special that the digital download wouldn't?

[megalope]

I'm dying to have this right now... I am trapped at work... Can someone tell me if the physical album contains any inside pictures or liner notes or anything super special that the digital download wouldn't?

The liner notes are mostly just thanks, but do include three more really lovely photos of Brent and the taxi (in the same vein as the cover art, obviously).

Nobody has anything to say about the CD release show last night? I thought it was absolutely great and am so proud (silly word, but true) of Brent to see and hear it all put together. The uppercase Russian alphabet is my favorite! A highlight of the show was getting to see Brent and Laura interacting with each other, explaining the origin of many of the bits on the recording.

Here are some photos (with recap help from Jouster!)



Laura Weinbach and her violinist Anton charmed the audience at the top of the show.



Todd Barry talked about how proud he was to open for Brent.



Neil Hamburger was his usual cheerful self.



Brent sang happy birthday to a lucky audience member (born in March).



And without giving away any more of his album (as trying to summarize would only diminish the nuance), here's Brent conducting the final number.

All photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/megalop...7622267944475/

[kevin]

this album is awesome. so goofy, fresh and visceral. if he comes to ny i'll be 7th in line.

edit: oh he is. i guess i'll be further back in the line.

[aenemaTron]

Best comedy album cover in the world.

Not that I don't like it, but why?

[gloshi]

It was an amazing show. I was looking forward to it ever since it was announced and it was just as awesome as I expected it to be. Brent is hilarious and an awesome performer, I'm glad I got to attend the special full CD performance. Laura is great too, her music and bits with Brent. Laura's band Foxtails Brigade is coming out with a CD sometime early next year so keep an eye out for that if you're into their music.

[DJ Sam]

Amazing release party last night. It was that much better seeing it all unfold in person. Plus I got to give him someone's boner.

I may be playing the album in it's entirety on my show tonight, not to promote it, but because I love it.

[AliasRomanian]

WOW. All I have to say that this is the best I've heard in a long time.

[Phil]

Purchased via iTunes. Cha-ching!

[mary]

The birthday girl's got a crush on Weinbach: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...377923294.html