The Button-Down Mind On TV

Album Review

A good number of TV fans know Bob Newhart from the sitcom Newhart, and some older fans may remember the earlier sitcom The Bob Newhart Show; less people are aware that he had another show in 1961, also known as The Bob Newhart Show, but in this case it was more of a variety/sketch comedy show. The material on this album was taken from the best bits previously used on that show, and as a cream-of-the-crop collection, it's a step up from his previous album. This one includes "Introducing Tobacco to Civilization," detailing the receiving end of a phone conversation with "Nutty" Walt Raleigh. There's also a look into how to tell your friend that his precious pet dog is a vicious monster (if at all), a speculation on what it would be like if chariot corporations in ancient Rome were run like modern car companies, and amateur bomb defusing. It's all done in Newhart's traditional one-sided style, and with strong material like this it's an enjoyable listen all the way through.