The Jerky Boys: Prank Phonecall Champions

The Jerky Boys: Prank Phonecall Champions

-July 16th, 2008 by Scott Urmson

It astonishes me still, that people as little as three years younger than myself have told me that they've never heard of The Jerky Boys. Let's be clear; not, "heard" them, but rather, "heard of" them. This means there are a lot of young people that can be and need to be turned on to The Jerky Boys. If you're a rabid fan, you now know you're mission. I'm doing my part right here. I've searched out a couple of my favorite phonecalls on Youtube and I'm scattering them thoughout this article.

To the individuals who grew up listening to these prank phonecalls, they became ingrained into these people's psychology. They're not simply fond of them; they're fucking 'cherished', son! It's one of those things that leaves such an impression that to a teenager, it adds to their personality. You would find people quoting lines and characters in their daily life. I own and have listened to plenty of prank phonecall albums. Tom Mabe—while being very good at fending off the telemarketers in creative ways—doesn't leave you quoting him or acting like him in front of your friends.

The point I'm trying to drive home is that The Jerky Boys are often imitated and never duplicated. If you're one of these punk kids who don't know who they are, perhaps you would recognize one half of the duo, Johnny Brennan, as the voice of Mort Goldman on Family Guy. The voice of Mort is in the similar vein of Sol Rosenberg, one of the most popular Jerky Boys characters. Brennan and the other half of the duo, Kamal, split up in 2000. Which sucks, by the way, because they're not on amicable terms. So much they're not, that the idea of there ever being a reunion is laughable at best. Brennan, now being the only member, is essentially The Jerky Boys.

If you're one of these oblivious younger people—who still baffle me with their naiveness—you need to go get as many Jerky Boys tapes you can find and listen to them. I'm sure they will be listened to multiple times and you too will be spouting off quotes to your friends in no time like the rest of the fans. I'm telling you, I almost want to yell at kids these days. This shit was happening ten years ago. Where were you? You were alive just like us, that's where you were. My anger aside, there's a new album slated to come out next year. This may be speculation, but we're hoping it's not. If you'd like, click on over to the official Jerky Boys Myspace page and give it a look-see.

I'm a younger sibling, so I can't speak for myself, but you older brothers of my generation have failed in passing along the tradition of The Jerky Boys. You have dishonored yourself and your family name. You should commit seppuku.