Unclean Beaver Review

01/17/2005 8:01 PM, AMG


Before Howard Stern became well known in New York (and later on, a national celebrity), one of his earliest radio gigs was hosting his own show in Washington, D.C. It was during this phase of his radio career that he honed his act, and welcomed onboard eventual longtime cast members Fred Norris and Robin Quivers. Perhaps to try and cash in on his fast rising popularity, Stern and Norris decided to make their own comedy album in 1982, '50 Ways to Rank Your Mother.' Over the years, Stern has been very vocal about his dislike of how the album turned out, and much to his pleasure, the album seemed to fade away from view only a few years after its release. But with Stern's popularity skyrocketing by the early ‘90s, the album was re-released on CD in 1994, with altered cover artwork and under a new title, ‘Unclean Beaver.' Be forewarned, this is not a ‘best of the Howard Stern show' from this period, but rather a collection of song parodies and bits created in a recording studio. And it's easy to see why Stern disapproves of the album, it pails in comparison to his radio show -- it often comes off like a racier (and unfunnier) 'Weird Al' Yankovic album, as evidenced by such selections as “Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, OJ Baby You Can Rent a Car" and “Happy Birthday To You." Stern has gone on to create much funnier and wittier bits than the ones included here, and if its creator has denounced this product countless times, maybe that should tell you something. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide