: Part One () : Chapter One () 1: Fevered Egos (4:05) 2: Easter (1:18) 3: Gideons (1:05) : Chapter Two () 4: People Suck (0:21) 5: Pro Life (4:13) 6: People Who Hate People (0:32) 7: Non-smokers (2:38) 8: Gifts Of Forgiveness (5:09) 9: Purple Vein Dick Joke (0:29) : Chapter Three () 10: Confession Time (Cops) (4:26) 11: Wax Dart (0:30) 12: I'm Talking To The Women Here (1:10) : Part Two () : Chapter Four () 13: You're Wrong Night (5:36) : Chapter Five () 14: A New Flag (Patriotism) (1:12) 15: Gays In The Military (2:24) 16: I.R.S. Bust (1:09) 17: Politics In America (0:39) 18: Quiet Loner (0:57) : Chapter Six () 19: Artistic Roll Call (4:33) 20: Orange Drink (1:08) 21: Save Willie (1:31) : Chapter Seven () 22: Deficit (Jesse Helms) (2:47) 23: Rush Limbaugh (2:21) : Part Three () : Chapter Eight () 24: Time To Evolve (3:16) : Chapter Nine () 25: Waco (Koresh) (5:35) 26: The Pope (1:02) 27: Christianity (0:27) 28: Seven Seals (0:28) : Chapter Ten () 29: One Of The Boys (Clinton) (1:03) 30: Car Bomb Derby (0:25) 31: The Elite (1:06) : Chapter Eleven () 32: Love List (No Future) (2:55) 33: Back To The Garden (1:19) 34: Your Children Aren't Special (3:13) 35: Wizards Have Landed (1:43) 36: Lift Me Lord (0:52)
Description:
Bill Hicks' "Rant In E-Minor" on CD is an intense, unfiltered document of one of the most fearless voices in stand-up comedy. Recorded during his final years, this album captures Hicks at his most uncompromising: darkly hilarious, politically charged, and philosophically sharp. Across its tracks he dissects religion, media manipulation, American politics, consumer culture and the absurdities of everyday life, fusing biting satire with a genuine longing for a more conscious, compassionate world. The performance is raw and confrontational, yet underpinned by a clear moral vision, making this CD a powerful listen for anyone who appreciates stand-up as art rather than mere entertainment. "Rant In E-Minor" is often regarded as one of Hicks' essential posthumous releases, a cornerstone for fans who want to experience the full range of his intellect, rage and wit in one place.
The production preserves the live-club atmosphere: you can hear the tension in the room, the nervous laughter, the moments of stunned silence followed by eruptions of approval. This gives the CD an almost archival character, a recorded snapshot of a performer pushing his audience to think beyond conventional boundaries. Themes and routines reappear and evolve across the set, showing Hicks' talent for building larger arguments out of sharp one-liners and surreal digressions. For listeners discovering him for the first time, this album serves as a deep dive into his worldview; for longtime admirers, it's a vital piece that rounds out the picture of his late career.
Bill Hicks was a US stand-up comedian whose influence on modern comedy far exceeds his short life. Known for his fearless social criticism, he became a cult figure, inspiring generations of comedians who followed. His work spread widely through recordings, bootlegs and word of mouth, and albums like "Dangerous," "Relentless" and posthumous releases such as "Rant In E-Minor" helped cement his reputation as one of stand-up's most important and provocative voices. Today he is frequently cited as a reference point for politically and philosophically engaged comedy.
The CD is released by Rykodisc, an independent label widely recognized for its high-quality catalogue and careful curation. Rykodisc built its name by focusing on distinctive, artist-driven projects and by helping to keep influential catalog titles available in thoughtful, well-produced editions. With a strong background in catalog and archival releases, the label is a fitting home for a recording like "Rant In E-Minor," presenting Bill Hicks' work with the respect and sonic clarity it deserves, and ensuring that new listeners can continue to discover his legacy.