It's been nine years since Gift Grub was first broadcast on Ian Dempsey's Today FM breakfast show, and despite the futile attempts at dislodgement (the unfunny and blatantly imitative Nob Nation, for example), its place at the pinnacle of Irish radio comedy remains steadfast and secure.
Last year's 'The G Factor' was very possibly the funniest collection of sketches to date - so it was imperative that creator Mario Rosenstock raised his game with 'How to Look Gift Naked'. Sure, there are several pieces that raise smirks rather than the expected belly-laughs (mostly the takeoffs of Fox News), but what puts the comic's handiwork ahead of the pack, however, isn't just his uncanny and hilarious impersonations of both Irish and international public figures - it's his ability to adapt the nuances of his characters' personalities, as well as the intelligent and seemingly effortless scripting.
His consistently amusing takes on Keith Duffy provide the central focus of this collection in the form of 'Keithipedias', where the Boyzone frontman explains things in the most simplistic terms, but there are other, more hysterical turns, too. Old favourites Joe Duffy, Roy Keane and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez are hilariously lampooned, the introduction of the competitive Seoige sisters is an inspired choice, and the Boyzone sketch - especially Stephen Gateley's caricature - is a riot.
This isn't the sort of album you'll play on a daily, or even weekly basis - but dusting it off every few months will undoubtedly induce a plentiful supply of mirth. And if you don't laugh out loud at any point, you should a) check that your sense of humour hasn't been flushed down the toilet, and b) really stop taking yourself so seriously. COME ONNNNN!
