What makes This Is a Recording by Lily Tomlin notable?

This album is notable for its innovative approach to comedy recordings, blending character sketches with observational humor that would influence future comedians. It received critical acclaim, showcasing Tomlin's ability to create memorable personas like Ernestine and Joan Crawford, which would become staples in her repertoire. Released in 1972, This Is a Recording marked Lily Tomlin's first foray into the world of recorded comedy after establishing herself as a prominent performer on television and stage. At this point in her career, she was gaining recognition for her distinct characters on shows like Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, setting the stage for her influential comedic voice.

How many songs are on This Is a Recording?

This Is a Recording has 17 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

This Is a Recording

Lily Tomlin · 1972

46 min · 17 tracks

A lively tapestry of character-driven vignettes interspersed with sharp social commentary and Tomlin's signature humor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ernestine — This track highlights Tomlin's iconic character, the telephone operator Ernestine, who embodies both humor and critique of corporate culture. Her exaggerated delivery and sharp wit make it a standout piece that captures her unique style.
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The Marriage Counselor — In this skit, Tomlin deftly navigates the absurdities of marital advice through an engaging dialogue that reveals both comedy and insight into relationships. The interplay between characters showcases her skill in character development.
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Joan Crawford — Tomlin impersonates the legendary actress in a humorous yet poignant monologue that critiques Hollywood’s treatment of women. This track exemplifies her ability to blend satire with social commentary.
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The Obscene Phone Call — This brief but impactful sketch plays on the absurdity of phone call interactions, demonstrating Tomlin's knack for creating tension and humor in unexpected scenarios. The comedic timing is impeccable.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Tomlin's blend of character-driven humor and social commentary creates a unique comedic experience.

What we noticed

The album features a series of character sketches, each with distinct voices and scenarios that showcase Tomlin's range.
Several tracks incorporate sound effects and musical interludes that enhance the comedic narratives.
The pacing varies significantly, with some sketches being rapid-fire while others allow for longer setups and punchlines.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Alexander Graham Bell 2:41
2 Mr. Veedle 3:29
3 The Marriage Counselor 2:38
4 Joan Crawford 3:26
5 The Obscene Phone Call 0:59
6 The Repairman 3:28
7 The Bordello 3:04
8 Strike 4:09
9 Peeved 0:38
10 Ernestine 1:42
11 The Pageant 2:34
12 The F.B.I. 3:07
13 The Mafia and the Pope 2:59
14 Mrs. Mitchell 4:39
15 Awards Dinner 3:55
16 Boswick 2:31
17 I.B.M. 0:50

What to play next

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And That's the Truth

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata