Mitch Hedberg

I have been aware of Mitch Hedberg for several years and I think my opinion on him has changed many times. When I first noticed him, a part of me thought that maybe he was trying to hard. He does have a very up-front character. The long hair, sunglasses and distinctive voice can come on a bit strong if not pulled off with style. Or maybe I wasn't appreciative of his extremely literal and fresh approach. But, as time went on, I really learned to enjoy his stand-up. I think it is because of the outside-the-box perspective he gives on topics or the inventive wordplay which only a growing student can appreciate. 

I think that his stage persona is something that people are either turned on or turned off by. He certainly tailors his look to approach a certain audience. I am not saying that only stoners or drug-users can enjoy him, but he undoubtedly has that look and view on life. The chuckle, hair and wardrobe look like a leftover hippie from years ago. Also, his commentary on life sounds like something you might hear from a stoned teenager who is glued to the couch. Obviously that is unfair to restrict him and his audience to such a simple category, but the look and feel are undeniable. However, where the ramblings of a stoner might end up sounding inane, Herberg is able to pull off such observations with charm and intellect. He is like a sillier version of Jerry Seinfeld. He makes observational humor but usually takes it in a more bizarre direction. For example, talking about Pringles' original business plan was to make tennis balls or feeling embarrassed in one's responses at a heavy metal rock concert. 

Overall, I learned to appreciate the ingenuity and originality of Hedberg's joke setup. I takes real talent to be able to approach observational humor with such inventiveness and freshness. He doesn't really hit on topics which other comedians speak about. A lot of what he says are just odd perspectives on life which the majority of the audience had never really considered before. There isn't much imitation and originality is his M.O. It is truly a tragedy that such a comic died so early.