Before the world knew Neil Hamburger or the internet had trolls there was Andy Kaufman. The American actor might be best known as Taxi's Latka Gravas, but there was much more to the man. He preferred to be called a performance artist, not a comedian, as his particular brand of entertainment involved elaborate hoaxes and pranks. One of his most defining characteristics was his unflinching commitment to character. Where most people would draw the line and break out of character, Kaufman would keep going, pulling stunts like taking his entire Carnegie Hall audience out for milk and cookies after one performance. Andy and His Grandmother marks Kaufman's debut on wax. Originally recorded on microcassette from 1977 to 1979, the album was created by several of Kaufman's friends as well as contemporary comedians. The album was compiled by editor Rodney Ascher and comedian Vernon Chatman with narration between tracks by comedian Bill Hader and liner notes by Kaufman confidante Bob Zmuda. The album includes Kaufman's potential plans for faking his own death ‰ÛÓ a long-rumored prank that he has allegedly pulled on the public for over 30 years. Andy and His Grandmother serves as a fitting tribute to one of comedy's most unique characters.

• music label: Drag City 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 07/2013