Happy Together with Mark Volman.
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August 5th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
OK, I know there are probably a thousand reasons why I should not know this guy. I don’t dispute that he is a legend. I want to make it clear that I am not into what this guy does, but I respect who he is in the world that he is involved in. With that said, who the F@#! is Benji Gregory?!
Oh look, Mark Volman’s on NNF this week.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
cash for clunkers
August 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
@los: Isn’t it great! Matt and Andrew can finally cash in on their bad jokes. I saw the sign in front of a car dealer in my hometown and I was going to take a picture of it until I heard that it was a national thing. But that was the first thing I thought of and I started laughing haha.
Not listening or following ANY of these bands, I still found this an extremely interesting episode. I really love hearing back stories on famous people and stuff from people who knew them.
Still, I would have love more Jimmy/Matt/Anthony exchanges and lines but I understand it’s a different kind of guest and that guest would not stop talking.
And now back to NNF: Behind the Music…
August 5th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I spent the first half of the show wondering if Paul Gilmartin was doing an old man impersonation.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
“Turtles are on the floor?! … Wendell got its own seat?!”
Gooooorgeous. GUN GUN GUN GUN. (I know I don’t know Mr. Pardo to call him by on of his nicknames but c’mon, that line was an assassination.)
Really cool episode. Different certainly, but just goes to show Pardo can be hilarious in any setting. And Volman’s stories were great. Tape it up!
August 6th, 2009 at 12:10 am
The episode had me at “Deepak Chopco”. This was easily my favorite interview-style Never Not Funny yet!
August 6th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Really? Thumbs down.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:00 am
I’m glad that there isn’t a flood of negative comments about this episode just because it isn’t just like every other NNF show. Naturally, when Jimmy picked Volman to guest, he knew that the flow of the episode wouldn’t be the chit-chatty give-and-take riff that it is with Pat, etc. But Volman told great stories, was funny and candid, appreciated Jimmy, took the teasing well, and was lots of fun. Don’t get me wrong - I want Pat as third chair and am always happy to hear from a Paul F. Tompkins, but I appreciate Jimmy giving me something new every so often. Loved it.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:17 am
I agree with you Irving, with the addition that, if the guys are going to throw an episode at us that is interview oriented, it would be nice if they did it along with a bonus episode (still waiting for a video bonus… *wink wink*). I do enjoy NNF because of the humor because it is a great escape for me. However, I also appreciate the guys as people and I like getting a glimpse at one of their other loves. It does mean that I don’t get my comedy fix for the week though, which is why a bonus would be great.
August 6th, 2009 at 4:32 am
Wow, the first episode that I have ever fallen asleep to. Volman seems like a good guy,
but there were hardly any laughs. If I want to see any interview like this, I can see a
documentary on VH1. Bring on the heat for the next episode!
August 6th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Very cool episode. Awesome stories, and Jimmy showed his chops as a host; the funny parts hit hard. Wendel got his own seat…I about died. You three seriously need your own radio show like Gervais had on Xfm.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:23 am
It is hard to know how to react to some of these comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But really does every episode have to be a falling down laughing peeing your pants type. Can’t there be one that in the very least keeps a smile on your face and makes you giggle now and then, like Jimmy’s Wendall comment. I would enjoy a bonus to but I’m not going to say so like Carlos because if I were Jimmy or Matt that would be a big F-U and spoil it for everyone else. We get them when they are good and ready to give us one and not before. What are you Oliver Twist? (Man, I got the cranky pants on this morning better go change.) Loved this episode. Can’t wait to hear more behind the scenes.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I really loved this episode, I think because of the change of pace it brought. Mark Volman was a great guest: good stories, ran with whatever joke Jimmy or someone else made, and generally just a great sport. I don’t want to impose what I think Jimmy and Matt should do on their own show. If they want a different kind of guest? Great! I’m happy to listen.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Point granted, but the title of the program is ‘Never Not Funny’. I have to admit the Wendell joke perked me up.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Definitely different, and I have now gone through the episode 3 times. Once on the video as soon as it was up, and twice on my iPod. Loved it! Here’s what’s weird: even though it is not laugh-a-minute, it somehow seems to just fly by. I guess Volman’s stories are so interesting that I just wanted to hear more.
Also, Volman looks and sounds so much like he is in his own hippie-world, that it takes you by surprise when he comes back with something hilarious and in-context. Especially near the end, when he says he’d like to come back again, and Jimmy jokingly protests, and Mark replies that they should wait until some more people die first.
(Plug-time: some new stuff is up at http://www.obvioustrivia.com)
August 6th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I’m glad to see that there isn’t a flood of negative comments. I enjoyed this episode pretty well, but I agree with Carlos: I think this should have been a bonus episode. Or, better yet, Jimmy and Pat should start a monthly NNF spin off called Never Not Music. With their vast knowledge of music (both crap and non-crap) I think it would be very interesting. Plus, at the end of every episode Pat could get a new autograph for his collection.
All the same, I think Jimmy did great and Flo was interesting (although verbose, but whaturyagonnado?)
August 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Fantastic episode… obviously a divergence from the usual format, but that’s not a bad thing. Jimmy is an amazing interviewer, and these episodes are what will get him the talk show he so sorely deserves. And then we get more Jimmy in our lives! Everybody wins!
August 6th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Great episode. Different, interesting and still funny. Looking forward to a return of Volman.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I loved this episode. It think I could listen ti him talk for hours. I thought it had a lot of funny moments too. I can’t really figure out how he got on the show though. Is he a fan? I hope he comes back sometime.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Really interesting show. What an awesome life Mark has had. I loved it when he started swearing about Howard Stern. How awesome would it have been if he just acted like that the whole show? None the less, it was a really good show. You people who are complaining are too closed minded.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Like everyone else is saying, it was a very different vibe, but I enjoyed it a lot. Keep the curve balls coming - I get really excited for new guests.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
@Jenn: Mark’s wife Emily is a college friend of my wife’s, so I’ve known her and Mark for years. Emily was listening to NNF and suggested Mark as a guest.
August 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Loved this episode!
August 6th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
@Susan: Don’t misunderstand me Susan, I loved this episode. For me to get a chance to hear a bunch of stories about a musical generation I will never be a part of is very interesting. I have a very organic taste in music and I will listen to just about anything, but I don’t have a very deep musical knowledge, so that is also a bonus. Oh, and, kiss my ass.
@Weirdo: I don’t think this should be a bonus, rather I think this is right where it belongs. I was just saying that if they would have more episodes like this it would be awesome if they did it when they released a bonus. It would be like two times the enjoyment. We would get the fall down laughing episode and the episode that teaches you something all in one shot.
August 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
What a great episode - i agree with many of the comments above that it was nice to step out of the box - and to those who didn’t laugh - you weren’t listening.
I hope that something like this pops up again.
August 6th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Good episode. Mark’s stories were interesting and his voice kind of tripped me out at times.
Just a heads up for everyone: Jimmy hosted Comedy Death-Ray Radio again last week. And as a side note, we need to see Zach Galifiankis on the show. Aukerman has connections!
August 6th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Great episode. Nice change of pace. I have watched it twice and love Jimmy’s reaction when he starts to talk and Volman just charges on. “Turtles on the floor”, “Anthony”, so many great moments. Volman gets it.
=======================================================================
Oh, and to save someone the trouble…
Worst episode since Fitzsimmons. Who wants to listen to Katharine Hepburn talk about the 60s? Bring back Pat for his 50th appearance…and Pepsi Clear while you’re at it. Much more of this and it’s sayonara for season six.
Hugs,
Self-Involved Ass-Fuck
August 6th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I can now state that I have loved only 99 and 44/100 percent of NNF shows. this one is the impurity. In other words, not my cup o’ tea.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
GREG FITZSIMMONS WAS FUNNY! in my humble opinion. And I don’t expect anyone to kiss anything…
August 6th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I really like this episode. You guys are right, it is nice to have something different sometimes and when you come back, you’ll come back! I honestly would like an even shorter interview for new people. I think Mr. Volman showed that he gets it, especially when a break was attempted, plus It feels more like the people are stepping into a world that always has Matt and Jimmy there, ready to jump more people into their double dutch like coversational rhythm. A small nothing; i loved the show, I always do. The Turtle’s out the shell!
P.S. Jason Nash is awesome for singing about how great Jimmy Pardo is on Comedy Death Ray Radio. He wants to make Jon Hamm someone that Volman knows so Pardo can slide into the show. HAPPYFACE [I don't know how to put Emoticons ]
August 6th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I really enjoyed the change of pace. Volman didn’t fitz it all up.
One nitpick I do have is: please turn him up next time! I don’t know if its his voice, but his volume was very low, Pardo was spot on though!.
Great show guys, never disappoint!
August 6th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I am certainly appreciative of this latest episode of nnf, featuring mark volman (aka. gil gunderson from “the simpsons”). volman is certainly a musical legend and deserves all praised received, i can’t help but think of the lonely animated simpsons character, gil, every time he speaks! best podcast out there. thank you all for the ridiculous entertaining job you do!
August 7th, 2009 at 4:06 am
A wonderfully subtle episode. Waiting for Jimmy to pounce on Mark, was like a nature show - where you watch a lion following a gazelle. You know the lion will strike, but the suspense builds.
Mark had a great sense of humor with Jimmy. “He gets it!”
August 7th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Not the best episode ever, but certainly the worst. I appreciated hearing shakey voice’s stories, but I agree with Jen just not my cup of tea. That being said, I think Mr. Volman is just terrific and I wish him the best of luck.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Not a single mention of T. Rex? Oh well. Still love Flo.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:32 am
I’m not going to comment on the style of this episode since I haven’t listened to it in its entirety yet. That is because the guest is waaaayyy too quiet. I listen to podcasts almost exclusively at work (with safety headphone thingies) and even though I had the volume turned all the way up I couldn’t hear the guest (could hear Jimmy and Matt just fine).
August 7th, 2009 at 9:29 am
In reference to Adam, I propose that the NNF test the levels before podcasting, if they do not already, as to fix the quietness of the guest.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:29 am
NNF crew*
August 7th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Check the levels… that’s good advice. Matt, let’s look into that.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I didn’t like it or finish it, but looking back on the comments, I guess I might be wrong. Going to give it another chance. Maybe I will find the funny or at least some entertainment. Peter, Paul and Mary on 518? Are there Vaudeville acts still alive? JImmy’s boss from the record store? Did he ever tell you about how much tail he got there?
August 7th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Isn’t Jimmy’s former boss from the record store Daver? For some reason I seem to remember Jimmy saying something about Daver owning the record store or Daver giving him the job or something.
Regardless, Daver would be an awesome guest to have on the show.
August 7th, 2009 at 11:49 am
NNF TO-DO LIST:
* Look into this thing called “levels”
* Have Pat on again at some point, if at all possible
* Do a show that makes all [NUMBER REDACTED] listeners 100% happy every week
* Less Andrew
* More Andrew
* Have [NAME OF PERSON WHO IS CERTAINLY ON THE 'GET' LIST ALREADY] on as a guest
* Have [NAME OF RANDOM GUEST] on more
* Have [SAME GUEST AS ABOVE] on less
If you do all this, you might actually get a few listeners.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I agree with Darryl, those all sound like good points
August 7th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
This is the first time I ever felt the need to comment if only to validate the choice of guest. I had no idea who Mark Volman was but I liked the episode anyway. You know why? Jimmy knows what he’s doing, kids. Accept it.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I thought Emo Phillips was absolutely great on this episode.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I congratulate Jimmy though for really showing his skills as a host. In addition, I propose mandatory drug testing for every future guest.
Speaking of guests, here is my realistic list of people I want to see:
Walter Koenig (He must have some nice stories to tell, right?)
Daver (Since you opened the door for musicians, bring this guy in)
Anybody Jesse Thorn throws at you (he has got the connections - e.g. Hodgman)
Conan O’Brian (From what I understand, Jimmy is his boss now. Just invite him over, he seems to be kind of a suck up)
August 7th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Great change of pace and excellent guest. The difference between him and Fitzsimmons, the other change of pace episode, was that Volman “gets it” as several people have already stated. The show works in different styles as long as people know going in what it’s all about.
August 7th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I already wrote you guys directly, but just want to chime in on the record. Best. Show. Ever.
August 8th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I really enjoyed it, but I would have loved to hear how this episode came about. How did the Volman connection happen?
I would like to have Jimmy’s Leon Redbone impression on every episode.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:23 am
@Margaret - See comment #22.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I really liked this episode. The stories were certainly interesting, and Volman seems like a sweet guy, but Jimmy was ON FIRE! Every time he said something, I laughed out loud. Jimmy, Matt, and Andrew were gracious and funny as well. I agree with Margaret, how did this come about? What is the back story?
August 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
@ The Good Doctor - See comment #50.
August 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Darryl: see ep 516, comment #38.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
At first I wasn’t sure about the guest but ended up really enjoying the episode. I loved that Mark got Jimmy’s humor and was a really good sport. I found myself smiling through the whole show. I agree with Joshua that Jimmy is a great interviewer.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I think people go easy on something like this because they know Jimmy and Matt read the comments, and obviously it’s wrong to insult people, especially if we like them.
So I will say that I didn’t like this episode much, basically because Jimmy and Matt are so awesome. I don’t need to hear Mark Volman read his memoirs; everyone else on the show is so much better than that.
Take it as the compliment it is, guys, that the first sixteen shows were funnier, and the next nine shows will be funnier than this one. They’ll funnier because you guys are funny, and you won’t just have one guest hogging the floor for ninety minutes.
(Same thing when someone complains about Fitzsimmons or whatever. It just means you’re giving us all high standards.)
August 8th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Matt, see this comment-> LOL!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Great episode. One of my favorites of the last three years. Not the funniest but there were plenty of laughs. Not gobs and gobs but plenty. Hey Jimmy. You ought to get you one of them talk shows. I think you would do pretty good.
August 9th, 2009 at 10:33 am
The beauty of this episode was watching Jimmy lead a discussion for 75 mins. Cohen and Letterman are great for 8 min segments but what a challenge for a full episode. Love how Jimmy brings in Emily at the beginning even though she’s off camera/mic. What a gentleman.
I’ve been listening since the early days and subscribe to the video feed as a way to support Andrew; now I have a hard time not watching the video. Great work. If you don’t subscribe you should.
Jimmy - any chance The Tonight Show could film and record your crowd work and put it online?
August 9th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
20:00 in…..”I work on the Tonight Show with Conan…” …..”go ahead”
THAT WAS WORTH THE $ for the video. Thanks Andrew for the shot of Jimmy…may be my new favorite!
August 9th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Fantastic show. I love the long form interview format, it allows us to really get to know the guest (if previously unknown). As a convert from the Adam Carolla Podcast (who thrives on the long form interview) I have to say NNF has provided an excellent alternative. Whereas the Aceman will cut an interview short (sometimes only 20 minutes) if a guest goes AWOL, NNF has embraced and thrived. (Not to rag on the Aceman, but when he’s bored with an interview, he moves to bodily function “humor” ugh)
Anyways, bring on some more! This episode puts NNF into the rare category of hilarious and informative, and I salute you.
August 9th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Maybe it’s because I’m a little closer to Jimmy’s age (a lil older) than some of the folks who wrote some of the more critical comments, but I thought the show was great! Weather or not you know this guy or his music seems irrelevant to weather or not the show was funny and it clearly was. I’m not suggesting a change in format but I pay to be entertained and I consistently am. I’m not sure it’s for the listener to judge either way. I assume all of the team at NNF appreciate genuine feedback but some of this over the top.
In short Jimmy can talk to who ever he wants and we vote with our wallets. I’m in for another 20 bucks!
August 10th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Great episode, It was funny and candid. It was interesting and full of stories and Mr. Volman is a fantastic guest, hope he makes it back on the show. My GF, who is not a big fan of the show, actually listened to it and enjoyed it quiet a bit. It’s good Jimmy and Matt are trying to explore new avenues and expand a bit from strictly comedians/comedic actors.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I wanted to leave yet another positive comment to add to the collection here so Jimmy, Matt, and Anthony, if they read these, will focus lees on the couple of idiots who didn’t like this one. I’d never heard of a single band they talked about but it was a great show and it made me laugh and taught me too. I love Never Not Funny, especially this season!
August 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I also want to give a positive comment about the episode. As Jimmy said about going to the Garth Brooks concert last year, “Not my cup of a tea, but great show!” I’m not huge into music and band history, but damn if Volman wasn’t compelling. I don’t like watching stuff about World War II very much, but there are times that I stop on the History Channel and get wrapped up in some interesting angle about the technology or strategizing, whatever. Plus Mark fit in very well with the spirit of the show. Well done, guys!
August 11th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I enjoyed the episode myself, and it easily works in the context of the show if you know Jimmy and his love of music.
Also, there are two Adams on this board, and I’m the less bitchy one. Just want to clarify. Though I’ll admit that on the video, Mr. Volman was very quiet.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I’m the same age as Jimmy, too. I am a fan of Frank Zappa and some of the other acts that were mentioned, but that doesn’t mean that I enjoyed the interview. He was a host of a radio show in NYC at the same time Stern was on the network. He was okay. Just didn’t really want to hear a full on interview with him.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Loved episode! As someone above said, Jimmy does know exactly what he’s doing. Hey, lately EVERYONE is raving about Pardo — Jesse Thorn, the gang at Comedy and Everything Else, Scott Aukerman at Comedy Death Ray… and why not! He’s wonderful! Second suggestion about having Walter Koenig on — if he’d do it and he’d fit, the stories would be amazing. Also, one of guys from Rainbow Bridge might be a hoot, if for nothing else but to hear the other side of some of Jimmy’s stories.
When is Cathy Ladman coming back on? She’s a delight!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I agree with Elliza, Cathy Ladman’s episode was one of my favorites.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Loved this episode!
August 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
It’s been a couple weeks, but I’m still waiting for the reveal — I know that was Chris Hardwick doing a voice. If I didn’t have a job, a wife, and multiple cats, I would fire up Audacity and put together a side-by-side comparison, so everyone could A/B it.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Also: He was wearing body padding and old hippie makeup for the video.