Retro Spins: Cheech And Chong - Get Out Of My Room

As a kid in the 80's, Cheech and Chong were a gold mine of comedy. Though the duo had shifted from primarily releasing comedy albums for full length films, the era eventually got two. I've already talked about 1980's Let's Make A New Dope Deal, so today I'm rolling around to their 1985, and also final in their career, Get Out Of My Room. Coincidentally, it would also be their last film until 2013's Animated Movie.

While the album features some great comedic moments, it's overall shortfalls come in the form of too many songs, none of which are funny.

The first side of the record features Cheech and Chong playing a pair of dorm radio jockey's, thus equating to the heavy use of songs. Unfortunately, this side suffers the most from lackluster comedic bits, leaning on a reoccurring gag of Cheech's character having a speech impediment that results in him spitting on the mic consistently.

Blind Melon Chitlin makes a return as the opening character on side two, but unfortunately what starts out as a potentially funny skit inevitably results in yet another song. This is followed by what used to be my favorite track as a kid, The Music Lesson. This skit features a poorly British accented Cheech trying to teach a kid how to play. Sadly, the track doesn't appear to have stood the test of time. I didn't even remotely chuckle.

The remainder of the album is hosted by Stupid (Cheech) and Early (Chong), for the Stupid Early Show. Once again the skits fall flat and ultimately come back around to the characters from The Muisc Lesson who join the show and finally wraps up with a final song.

Overall, much like the film, it's probably the worst of the bunch. While as a kid it was fantastic, from an adult's perspective, it's clear the duo were on their last legs at this point. As such, it's no surprise they went their separate ways afterwards.

If you're interested in Cheech and Chong, definitely do yourself a favor and start, and perhaps stay, with the 70's material.

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Retro Spins: Cheech and Chong - Let's Make A New Dope Deal

Cheech and Chong
Let's Make A New Dope Deal
1980

Hey! MERRY CHRISTMAS...or happy Tuesday. Whichever day you see it as.

1980 was an interesting year for music. New wave pop was trying to burst onto the scene while disco struggled to stay relevant. Many bands found a solid foot hold with a combination of both styles. Of course, then there was Cheech and Chong.

Yup, despite the 60's being long over and the 70's winding down, these two were determined to show the 80's that stoner comedy could still be funny...And boy was it. Let's Make A New Dope Deal was the duo's first entry into the 80's and consequently only one of two comedy albums they released in the decade. While it doesn't necessarily rank as their best, it still chalk full of solid skits which will leave most people with a twisted or childish sense of humor rolling on the floor in stitches.

The first half of the album has five tracks which transition into each other and follow the same group of characters; Margaret, Father and the band, The Bloaters. Meanwhile, the second half of the album consists of five mini skits, each separate from themselves. For fans of prior Cheech and Chong comedy albums, you're probably familiar with the character Bob who comes back for the title track, "Let's Make A New Dope Deal". 

For me, I have a lot of fond memories of sitting on the floor with my brother and giggling with each other as we listen to the various Cheech and Chong cassettes from back in the day - Low enough of course that mom and dad didn't hear them of course. It's great to see that their albums still hold up to this day and still leave me giggling at certain parts.

Cheech and Chong is definitely an acquired taste. It's pure stoner comedy, slightly racist and definitely not what people these days would call politically correct. If you're down with a session of giggling, check out a Cheech and Chong album of two (or more).

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Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke (NECA)

Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke
NECA
2003

Cheech and Chong took the act of being stoners, and turned it into an art form which took the 70's and 80's by storm. Though the duo had begun their act in the 60's, it wouldn't be until 1971 that they cut and released their first comedy LP, the self titled Cheech & Chong. From there they took off, releasing albums fairly consecutively each year, and branching into films by 1978 with the widely popular Up in Smoke.

In 2003, NECA produced a very limited series of action figures based on the aforementioned film title. Though there was certainly room to grow, only Cheech and Chong were released for the line. When sales took off, NECA developed a second series, but once again only focused on the duo - This time in their garb from the final act of the film.

Cheech*Chong

While the figures aren't difficult to find these days, doing so at a reasonable price can be a little frustrating for casual collectors who aren't necessarily interested in a steep investment. Though they have been known to sell for as little as $12.00 each, most second hand dealers ask between $40.00 and $100.00 for a set of two. In addition, series two is much easier to find than series one.

Cheech*Chong

Though we won't go into them here (because they're rather difficult to track down), NECA also branched the Cheech and Chong license out to 18 inch plush dolls as well as bobbleheads, which they called Head Knockers. They also produced several non toy related merchandise such as a van and head sculpted Stash Jars - AKA cookie jars.

Regardless of their continued popularity, Cheech Marin separated himself from the duo's act in 1985, choosing to instead focus on a solo career. Though the two continued to have a steady stream of fans, neither saw the same success as when they were working together.

The two have since reunited, and a sequel to Up in Smoke is rumored to be in the works. Whether the film sees the light of day or not is another story. Though they were arguably one of the funniest acts of their time, these days, especially at their age, it's questionable as to whether or not it would be funny to see the two pick up where they left off. Perhaps it's one of those things that are better off left alone. Then again, maybe the two will actually be able to pull it off. We suppose time will tell.

Join us next time when we take a look at Star Wars Bend Ems!

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