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It’s Just a Ride

By Gregon

There were few more inspirational speakers than the late Bill Hicks. So I really enjoyed seeing this video of ‘kinetic typography’, which works brilliantly when connected to such an amazing lyricist. Though makes me incredibly sad that he’s not around anymore.

I almost tear up when I listen to the end of this particular monologue…

Wonderful. (h/t @hey_dub)

Greg
Editor
Greg is the owner-editor of The Daily Grail, as well as the author of a number of books including Stop Worrying, There Probably is an Afterlife.
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24 Comments

  1. Edit comment
    For anyone wondering why I changed this story, I just thought it might be nice to keep the two videos separated, to allow for different conversations. I’ll be posting the other video during the week as a separate post.

    1. I agree, moving and poignant.
      Thank you for the h/t Greg, I’m a daily fan of the Daily Grail.

      I tip mine to Dennis McKenna who, on the FB Event page for “The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss”, posted a link to a treatment of some Terence riffs by that great animator, which led me to his version of that great Hicks piece.

      I believe the motion graphics artist is here:
      http://www.azzurevision.com/

      I’m sure all Daily Grailians are aware of the McKenna project, but just in case:

      http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1862402066/the-brotherhood-of-the-screaming-abyss
      http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159459187449056

      in peace,
      Andy

  2. The best
    Bill Hicks was one of a kind, a powerful voice that I’m very glad to have had the privilege of coming across.

    That being said, I dunno what this video has to add to his message. I think his theatrics add more than a stream of text (imo). I much prefer the live video from his Revelations performance.

    Check it, especially those who haven’t seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMUiwTubYu0

    1. The Word
      [quote=ashwattha]That being said, I dunno what this video has to add to his message. I think his theatrics add more than a stream of text (imo). I much prefer the live video from his Revelations performance. [/quote]

      I think, as I mentioned in the post, it’s nicely done in the way it brings attention to the actual words spoken. Hicks was an amazing comedian/orator, but also a wonderful lyricist as well. So I liked the way it emphasized the message.

      I’d imagine that it’s attraction would be different depending on whether people soak things up better verbally or through reading. Personally, I have found that I work better reading words, so that certainly would explain my enjoyment of it.

      That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy watching his live performances though as well.

      2. Well said
        Well said Greg, I can appreciate your point.

        I can say that I have a definite bias, being in an undergraduate program for the past four years where I am constantly bombarded with words, words and more words, I am not all that intrigued by reading words anymore 🙂

  4. Thank you for your support
    I just wanted to say thanks for featuring my video on your website! You have some very nice content in here, I’ll be checking the new posts. 🙂

    Bill Hicks and George Carlin are my favorite comedians because they always made me think while making me laugh.

    Anyway, thanks again for the kind comments 🙂

    Here’s 2 more typographic pieces based on Terence McKenna’s speech

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxfn5PFWYTk

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eu9GfHCpVo&NR=1

    Share the word and enjoy 🙂

    Olivier Ferland

    1. Welcome!
      Thanks to you for the content Olivier! I already am planning to use the top McKenna video as a standalone post later in the week. What software do you use to create these?

      Hope you enjoy the site.
      🙂

    2. Very enjoyable
      I came out too hard in the criticism of the Hicks’ clip. These two I liked more. They not only have very nice flow, but there’s more ‘playfulness” with the way the letters are used, as well as with the supportive semiotic language 🙂

  5. Not bad
    Not a bad clip. Not a great clip either —I would have preferred if the animation somehow inferred on the concepts Bill was explaining, instead of showing arbitrary typing —and what’s with the green, anyway?

    1. Different strokes
      [quote=red pill junkie]Not a great clip either[/quote]

      I disagree completely. Which makes it valid for at least one person in the world… 😉

      [quote]instead of showing arbitrary typing[/quote]

      But it’s not “arbitrary typing” at all. That’s the whole point of it.

      I don’t think the concepts need explaining in any sense. It works because of its simplicity, and the text hammers home that simple, plain, wonderful message.

      1. What you talkin’ about? 😛
        Maybe I was too pedantic with my criticism, but as a long-time fan of the animation craft, as well as a regular visitor of Cartoon Brew, I tend to be very demanding when it comes to what we like to call “the illusion of life” 😉

        1. Type Oh Negative
          I would consider this more the craft of typography than animation. And typography is one of those things people take for granted, until they try to do it themselves…then they realise what an art form it really is. Speaking as a publisher who regularly face-palms when I try out a new book layout…. :p

          1. Relevant typography: let me show you it
            This is a vague example of what I mean by “relevant” typography:

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vawsUk-9veQ

            What I meant (as an honest criticism, not just mindless trolling) is that if, for example you’re talking about armament or war, you go and use a type lettering that conveys the idea of war and belligerence. Likewise if you’re talking about peace, or food or anything.

            And remember that I’m also speaking as a designer, who has produced several publicity ads for magazines and billboards.

  6. If Hicks had lived to see the
    If Hicks had lived to see the 911 false flag and The Patriot Act it is probable that his public rantings and comedic musings on the subjects would have put him squarely in the crosshairs. He would never shut up about these travesties just as he could never shut up about the JFK execution.
    People of principle do not shut up.

  7. WWBHD
    I wonder what he would think about all of us copying and pasteing his work over and over again. I think he would say it’s just a reflection of the shit society we still live in, having to hear the same message over and over again with no outcome. Beating a non-existent dead horse…

    1. from the Learning-to-Live-With-Embarassment-Dept.
      I dunno.

      Maybe he’d appear at your dwelling-step one moment and, proffering some local juice, he’d walk in and riff, “Hey, heard you could use some effing. Want to? If you want, I’ve got this nifty transmorgrifier, so if ya don’t like men, I or you or both of us can be…other things…let’s DANCE, forgive?”

  8. from the Lost-in-the-Desert-Lush-Dept.
    Yuppers, THAT’S IT…

    I’ve had a lot of mileage with that guy…

    Now, when the words are said, now the actual mechanisms should be taught.

  9. Comedians are masters of “cut
    Comedians are masters of “cut and paste.” Hicks didn’t go around with placards at rallies. He “did aomething” by cutting and pasting” endlessly and indefatigably. He would groove on the cut and paste method I am sure

  10. Are there any comedians alive
    Are there any comedians alive today as incisively irreverent towards the evolving American fascist government? After Hicks and Carlin passed who has taken up the banner with great wit?

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