A long time ago, there was a TV show called "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" The British version was a hit, so they made an American version. It starred Drew Carey and made Wayne Brady a star. Among the other miscreants was Greg Proops.

Greg Proops Free State of California (aspecialthing records)

Proops stock and trade is stereotype. He has the affect of a gay Californian--probably because he is. But he leans into it hard, and he trafficks in stereotypes the way Wal-Mart peddles trans fats. So when he lets off a truly sincere tribute to Jimmy Carter, the effect is startling. And funny.

Proops has the snide demeanor of a wine-sipping liberal, and then he punctures that. Unlike those who peddle Trumpism as comedy (I'm thinking of the unfortunate Dennis Miller), Proops is gleefully aware that we're all fools. And he makes sure to point that out to his audiences.

Still, my guess is that Proops plays best to those who have an open mind about the world. And I'm cool with that. Some of his references are inspired, and in the end he can't help being silly--no matter how serious the material. I haven't heard Proops in ages. I'm glad he's still funny as hell.

Jon Worley