DVD Review: The Sound of Young America Live

I've long thought of The Sound of Young America as the natural successor to NPR's Fresh Air. Not that I dislike Terry Gross and her particular brand of interviewing, it just seems like Jesse Thorn is more in touch with what 20-30 somethings are interested in. Unfortunately, TSoYA is only broadcast on a handful of radio stations around the country. Otherwise you have to have donated to Jesse's website, MaximumFun.org, to get the show, or listen to the individual interviews on said website. But The Sound of Young America Live DVD is a viable source for your interview fix.

The sign of a great interviewer is their ability to roll with the punches of any of their interview subjects. Jesse certainly has this skill, and it is shown throughout the DVD. From the shy, one-word answers of Nellie McKay, to the almost antagonistic joking of 30 Rock's Scott Adsit, to the bewildering responses from Andrew W.K., Jesse seamlessly moves on and squeezes some great answers out of them all.

The actual live show for which the DVD is billed flows pretty well. A brief introduction and a few jokes from the Gilligan to Jesse's Skipper, Jordan Morris, leads way to some stand-up from comedian Kumail Nanjiani, a brief interview and song from Nellie McKay, a pretty fascinating discussion with hip-hop video producer Rik Cordero (Even if you don't like that type of music), another song from the lovely Nellie McKay, the aforementioned borderline antagonistic Scott Adsit that Jesse turns completely around, and of course the... high on life (?) Andrew W.K.

It all makes for a pretty solid show that most anyone can enjoy, but I'm sure it'd help if you're a fan of one of the individual guests. I think Scott Adsit makes the show, and the rest is a delightful bonus that easily justifies the price. Plus, there's a slew of bonus interviews from Sundance and South By Southwest to help convince you.

If my descriptions sound at all like what you'd enjoy, I'd suggest picking it up. It's not an action flick or a crazy rock show, but if you know what you're getting it is more than worth it. So, if fascinating interviews are your bag, well head here and give it a shot.

Score: 5 out of 5
Confused about our scoring system? Read this explanation.