Indie Street Watches #5 • 07/11/10
THE SOUND OF YOUNG AMERICA LIVE
NEW YORK CITY
Reviewing a DVD of the recording of one of our favorite podcasts is weird. It’s one of those situations where it’s bound to get a positive review no matter what. Bearing that in mind, here’s what’s what.
The Sound Of Young America is one of the programs (arguably the flagship) of the Maximum Fun family of shows. Hosted by Jesse Thorn, the show is usually interview based with the occasional dash of comedy and musical performance. If you’ve never heard TSOYA before and aren’t typically a podcast-type (why are you looking at Indie Street’s review of TSOYA?) this DVD would be a great intro for you. Introduced by another Maximum Fun staple, Jordan Morris, the show kicks off with comedy by Kumail Nanjiani, features interviews with Rik Cordero and Scott Adsit, and ties in musical performances by Andrew W.K. and Nellie McKay. As such, this is a veritable TSOYA sampler platter. Highlights here are definitely Scott Adsit (Moral Orel) and watching Jordan in the front row being generally disinterested in what’s happening on-stage. I could do without the Andrew W.K. stuff, but I’m still in the minority of people who doesn’t find his ‘thing’ particularly funny or compelling. In all, a well produced DVD that I’m sure will turn new listeners onto the podcast. Jesse is a master interviewer and will certainly ask questions of your favorite pseudo-celebs that transcend the obvious, making each show starkly unique and cogent.
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