Alright, buckle up. We’re diving into The Entertainer by Sal Richards—a wild mishmash of genres and vibes that somehow dropped in 1983 like a time capsule nobody asked for but everyone kinda needed. This ain’t your typical album; it’s got Non-Music, Pop, Folk, World, Country, Comedy, Canzone Napoletana, Lounge… yeah, all that crammed into one record. It’s chaotic as hell, but hey, chaos can be fun.
First off, let’s talk about the tracks: “Live (Side 1)” and “Live (Side 2).” Yeah, super creative titles there, huh? But don’t let the lazy naming fool ya—these cuts slap in their own weird way. I mean, who else is gonna mix lounge lizard vibes with Italian ballads and throw in some stand-up comedy for good measure? Not many, trust me.
“Live (Side 1)” sticks out because it feels like you’ve walked into some smoky club in the '80s where everyone’s slightly buzzed and no one cares if they’re overacting. The arrangement by David Gross and Steve Michaels hits hard—it’s smooth yet punchy, like sipping whiskey while getting yelled at by your drunk uncle. There’s this moment near the middle where Sal Sicari’s conducting just takes over, and suddenly you realize this isn’t just background music anymore. It’s SHOWTIME. You can almost picture Sal Richards hamming it up on stage, sweating through his suit jacket, shouting lyrics that make zero sense but somehow feel profound in the moment.
Then there’s “Live (Side 2),” which flips the script entirely. If Side 1 was the opening act, this is the grand finale where everything goes off the rails. The comedy bits here are sharp enough to cut glass, but they’re sandwiched between these lush, dreamy lounge sections that feel like sinking into a velvet couch after a long day. Honestly, it’s disorienting—but in the best way possible. One second you’re laughing at some ridiculous joke, and the next you’re swaying to a melody that sounds straight outta Napoli. It’s like musical whiplash, but you love it.
Now, here’s the kicker: why does this mess even work? Maybe it’s because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Or maybe it’s because Aqua-Gem Records took a gamble on something so bizarre that it became unforgettable. Either way, The Entertainer isn’t an album you listen to—it’s an experience you survive. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
So yeah, props to Sal Richards and crew for making something this batshit crazy back in ’83. Most artists today wouldn’t dare try half the stuff they pulled off here. Reflection time: If life gave us more albums like this, maybe we’d all be a little less boring. Or maybe we’d lose our minds. Who knows?
