Hari Kondabolu’s second album Mainstream American Comic is boldly political and satirical. This is Kondabolu’s wheelhouse. Look at the guy’s credentials. The comedian’s repertoire includes being a correspondent for Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. His first album, Waiting For 2042, was loaded with with commentary and observations about society. This follow up album, out this July 22 on Kill Rock Stars, carries that signature. It was recorded at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR. Portland demographically is white and educated, which begs for a choice relationship between the Indian comic and the audience. Kondabolu takes advantage of this from the first laugh comparing Portland to Denmark if the city “happens to have it’s own country.”
Kondabolu writes a very structured bit. Within each bit, almost every joke can stand alone as one liners. On the third track, the comedian riffs, “When did Halloween turn into racist Christmas?” This is the first line of the track; it gets a pretty good laugh. He follows with, “When did we decide it was ok to wear blackface and geisha costumes without getting slapped?” This observational humor gets another good round of laughs. He continues with another set up, “To be fair, it’s not just white people. It’s people of color who have chosen their side in the race war.” Notably, Kondabolu is maximizing the laughs per minute.
Another talent which gets utilized well is the deconstruction of commonly used phrases. On this album, he breaks down a couple including, “Devil’s Advocate,” and “Boys Will Be Boys.” In a frank way, he observes these as ways for others to justify saying or doing jerk actions. It imbibes satire. He also aims low with some blue humor in the track “Nocturnal Emissions.” He comments on his crude joke saying “I know it’s beneath me… you know what’s not beneath me? Healthcare.” The depth is not lost. In one joke, he is defining what makes money in this society and the difficulty of obtaining a basic provision such as healthcare. It’s mind awakening and humorous.
Speaking of healthcare and economy, it is an election year, and Kondabolu puts everyone on blast. He riffs on Bobby Jindall, an early conservative Indian candidate for the presidency. He roasts Donald Trump. He goes after Hilary, Barack, and Joe Biden. While Kondabolu identifies as someone on the left, he justifies his criticisms with, “I am a hypocrite, but it’s ok. I am self aware. That is how liberalism works.” Kondabolu’s self awareness more than once aids the skillfully crafted punchlines, and each time it works.
Mainstream American Comic is relevant. This is an album which is going to appeal to anyone who plans on voting this November, and anyone who sees flaws with voting this November. Hari Kondabolu has created an album is witty and critical. He’s not here to give answers. He’s a comedian. He’s here to make us laugh, and he is killing it.
You can order Hari Kondabolu: Mainstream American Comic right here and be sure to listen to his recent appearance on The Laugh Button Podcast right here.
