Himself

Album Review

Bill Cosby "Himself," the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, features such classic Cosby routines as "The Dentist," "Natural Childbirth," and "Same Thing Happens Every Night." Without the visual distraction of Cosby's mugging — which is either charming or clichéd, depending on your point of view — his total mastery of his art comes into sharper focus. "Himself" chronicles a professional comedian at the top of his game, toying with structure, timing, and tone, holding his audience with absolute confidence. Times have changed, though; it might be hard to get away with the many references to corporal punishment in the 21st century, and mentions of Cosby's son Ennis can't help but bring to mind his tragic death, bringing a bittersweet quality to some moments on "Himself."