WAYNE AND SHUSTER The Best of the Best

Many people won't remember, or were never exposed to, this comedy duo, whose warped and witty radio comedy presaged that of other Canadian humorists--Mike Myers, John Candy, Martin Short, et al. Fast-paced, satirical, and, best of all, recorded live with a full orchestra before CBC studio audiences in 1959 and 1963, this CD is packed with sketches and songs just this side of normal. Selections include "Dr. Tex Rorschach, Frontier Psychiatrist" ("There's no such thing as outlaws, only problem cowboys."); "Rinse the Blood Off My Toga" ("One false move, and I'll fill you full of bronze."); and even "Shakespearean Baseball" ("To think he led the league in RBIs, and now he reads the record book, and cries,/ 'So fair a foul I have not seen!'"). This is solid and funny family fare. D.J.B.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]