VINYL REVIEW: Marc Maron – ‘Thinky Pain’

Artist: Marc Maron
Album: Thinky Pain
Genre: Comedy
Label: Comedy Central

Roughly a year after partnering with Netflix for his latest special’s video debut, Marc Maron and Comedy Central have collaborated to bring the critically-acclaimed Thinky Pain to vinyl with a limited edition 2-disc, 180gram release that is guaranteed to wow.

Beginning with the recording itself, which we have covered a handful of times over the last year, Thinky Pain continues to be one of the most interesting and enjoyable new hours of comedic material released in recent memory. Maron’s casual storytelling style lends itself well to repeat listens, due in part to his conscious effort to avoid bits and instead focus on creating a comedic atmosphere in which audiences are able to find humor. There may be punchlines here and there, but like fellow modern funny man Mike Birbiglia, the humor offered by Maron is as much about the setup as it is the last tag. Each track on Thinky Pain plays like a short story being shared by someone you feel unusually comfortable with even though you have never actually met, and as it carries on you’re overcome with a foolish hope it never ends.

For me, it’s the moments when Maron seems to stumble or, for lack of a better word, digress from his material that make him such an entertaining and engaging comic. The early moments of the album never really work for me, but a few minutes in Maron mentions his lack of planning and how doing so allows him to feel incredibly accomplished should the show go well. He tags it by commenting that when he bombs he does not fret, but instead tells himself that he probably should have planned better. It’s an off-the-cuff moment that makes Maron both incredibly human and entirely relatable to anyone who has ever tried to do something they were passionate about, but for whatever reason could never force themselves to sit down and work it because that’s not how their process works (such as myself). From that moment forward I am hooked, each and every time.


Packaging & Presentation:

A thick, high quality jacket highlights the gatefold release, with plain white inner sleeves housing each disc. Even writing this now I am struggling to find the words to describe just how high quality the physical product is, but everything from the text to images is bright and beautiful. The inside panels tell the story behind the recording, as well as the inspiration for the venue in which Maron chose to record. There is no mention of the original Netflix premiere anywhere on the release.

A digital download is included with the record, and for what it is worth it is printed on high quality card stock. No additional extras have been included.


Sound Quality:

Thinky Pain is pressed on two thick, 180g black LPs. The live recording has been perfectly transferred for the release, with even the most subtle of Maron’s mumbles cutting through against the near-constant laughter of fans. Maron is a seasoned pro, and he knows just how to maneuver the mic to properly emphasize his signature style of comedy.


Wrap-Up:

As far as modern comedy on vinyl is concerned, it would be almost impossible for anyone to find a better release than Marc Maron’s Thinky Pain. There may be no added bells or whistles, but the care and thought put into every element of the packaging, not to mention the pitch perfect audio transfer, make each spin thoroughly enjoyable. Put this on, dim the lights, pour yourself a hard drink, and let Maron’s many neurosis serve as your escape from the stresses of reality. Pick up a copy today!

Review written by: James Shotwell

James Shotwell
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