Review: Andrew Norelli “Cut Above Stupid”

Andrew Norelli tells it like it is on his latest album, Cut Above Stupid. “You’re eating bacon. There’s a pig’s ass in your food,” he says. Thanks, Andrew. I want bacon now, I reply.

The outright comedian discusses things like Lady Gaga, being ugly in Las Vegas, and 35-year old sober skateboarders. He’s angry about other people having sex in parking garages, stressful massages, and his dumb friends. You will also learn how to make homemade Red Bull.

If you feel like he’s boring, don’t worry—he knows. He just wants some simplicity, breaking things down for people. For those who say they cannot sleep-in on mornings: “You know how you’re sleeping at night? When morning comes, [pause] keep going.” I agree, but I’m not a morning person. If you are, you’re probably what Andrew calls a “super healthy” person—getting up early to exercise and what not. He points out the juxtaposition between a healthy person who complains about feeling sick all the time as opposed to a man who lives off Kit-Kats + crack and feels wonderful.

A controlled yet aggravated voice, making announcements: “To all nerds: Please, take six months off. For half a year, would you stop updating things? I don’t want to download version 7.0; I don’t know how to work 5.1.”

Is he a cynical jerk? I don’t think so. Many comedians complain about their complications and frustrations. Norelli’s on stage to tell us that we all do stupid things from time to time. “Even Oprah’s not above doing stupid things.” He tells us about his admittedly intelligent friend who asked what Zombieland was about. I’m no “rocket surgeon,” but I could probably guess that the film is about zombies.

In return, there’s no denying that our stupid decisions give birth to our regrets, but how do we move on? How do we place them in the back of our mind? Norelli suggests YouTube videos as the best distraction. I agree. Have you, Laugh Button readers, ever seen “Chimpanzee Riding on a Segway?”

Bottom line, Andrew Norelli is a funny person, and Cut Above Stupid shows. With appearances on such programs as Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, while placing 2nd in the Boston Comedy Festival, the comedian obviously must make some people laugh. Check out his website for more information and pick up a copy of Cut Above Stupid on iTunes.