THE JOKE-OFF

The “old Jews” who tell the rapid-fire jokes that make up this program are retired New Jersey professionals, though not at comedy. But the amateurish delivery is part of the point. It sounds like any bunch of guys telling jokes, and thus, includes the listener. Still, the program sounds like it was recorded in a basement, and some words and lines are inaudible. The jokes are off-color, often old, and decidedly politically incorrect—though there’s nothing vicious, either in content or language. It’s mostly “R-rated,” a cruder (in all senses) version of “A Prairie Home Companion’s” joke sessions. The jokes—about blondes, rabbis, traveling salesmen, and more—can be pretty funny. It’s silly, old-fashioned, naughty, and—and if you like that sort of thing—enjoyable. W.M. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]