Car Talk Classics: The Pinkwater Files

by National Public Radio, Ray Magliozzi (Narrator), Tom Magliozzi (Narrator)

The hands-down highlight of many a "Car Talk" episode, Daniel Pinkwater is responsible for some of the all-time greatest moments of the program's storied history on public radio. Whether discussing man's best friend (but worst passenger) or searching for the perfect vehicle for those who are "horizontally challenged," Pinkwater keeps Tom and Ray in stitches, along with the show's far-flung audience. The latest time-wasting "Car Talk" collection features the official designation of the Pinkwater seating standard, the strange case of the motorhead boyfriend, the presentation of the first Car Talk Peace Prize, Stump the Chumps, a puzzler from the Lying Used Car Salesman series, a stirring recitation from a BMW owner's manual, a discussion of puking pooches, and more. It's four perfectly good hours of laughter and conversation.

4 pages, Audio CD

First published July 20, 2011

Reviews

[Stephanne Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a book, but I love these guys.

[Steven Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of you who may not know, Car Talk is a call-in radio program where listeners can get tips and advice on a wide variety of automotive repairs, if they’re lucky. The hosts of the show are Tom and Ray Magliozzi who spend a good deal of their time wise-cracking about the callers and themselves. They really do know a lot about cars, however, and can often provide some helpful hints or suggestions. Car Talk originated on WBUR in Boston in 1977, and was picked up by NPR ten years later. NPR reports that it is now broadcast on more than 350 radio stations reaching more than 4 million listeners.

As I listen to these programs, I’m always amazed at the automotive knowledge of Tom and Ray. People call in from all over the country and no matter what kind of car or what kind of problem the caller has, Tom and Ray always seem to know exactly what to do. Now, I suppose it’s possible that the calls are pre-screened and Tom and Ray can bone up ahead of time, but they sure sound convincing to me. Anyway, that’s not really why I listen. Tom and Ray are just plain funny.

Hey listen, Car Talk is a genuinely funny show. And it’s not full of the vulgarity that so much of our modern comedy has sunk to. Car Talk airs on NPR so you know it’s suitable for the whole family. Check your local listings for air times, and in the meantime, pick up this collection, or one of the many others, from HighBridge Audio.

Steven Brandt @ Audiobook-Heaven

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and you just might learn something.

Narrated by Tom and Ray Maggliozzi
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Publisher: HighBridge Audio

Tom and Ray Maggliozzi's car repair show, Car Talk, has been a NPR staple for years now. The show features the two wise-cracking brothers as they field questions about cars and car repairs from all over the country.

This collection features four complete shows from the mid-1990s that featured phone calls from author and NPR commentator Daniel Pinkwater. Pinkwater's sense of humor is different than the Maggliozzi brothers, but they roll with him quite well and those four phone calls are the highlight of the collection. Pinkwater never really has a question for the brothers but instead offers his observations concerning his struggles with getting a car that fits his stocky build, how to know when your dog is going to throw up in your car and the Theory of Displaced Misery (this theory states that a person can only have so much misery in their life and if you buy a French car, the rest of your life will be quite happy).

The rest of the collection is enjoyable as well...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...