Digging through a box of old videotapes, I was lucky enough to run across this gem that aired on HBO back in 1989. It was a little worn because it was one of those shows that once you see it, you want to show it to everyone you know. And, surprise, it is still as amusing as the first time I watched it.
Imagine a 30-something loser hanging out in his apartment and amusing himself for the evening. Doesn't sound too interesting? Well, imagine he's funny, makes up great songs chocked full of pop-culture references, and can play every instrument known to man. That's what you've got with Steven Banks: Home Entertainment Center. Banks portrays a kind of man-child in a state of protracted adolescence (trapped in a dead end job, still dreaming of being a rock star, and unable to commit to a relationship) who he milks for full comedic potential. Who would have thought watching someone flip through an old songbook and playing guitar could make you laugh out loud? Or that a guy with a recorder waiting for cookies to bake could be comic gold? But Banks pulls it off flawlessly.
The songs sprinkled throughout the performance could be funny for nearly any audience, but are likely to be especially amusing to Baby Boomers. They range in subject from the character's likes and dislikes ("...but I don't like Charles Manson, Adolf Hitler or Rod McKuen's poetry), to a song questioning who killed Elvis, to the joys of outdoor bar-b-ques. All of the strange detours, asides and songs are woven seamlessly into an engaging whole.
This show may be hard to find (I don't believe it was ever released to video), but it is well worth the search.