Space Ghost Coast to Coast: Volume One

“I am the lone locus of the apocalypse…think of me when you look to the night sky!” What can I say about Space Ghost other than staying up late to watch it during my early teendom was consistently worth the wait. Nonsensical lunacy abounds on the animated/live-action talk show hosted by Space Ghost (a.k.a. Tad Ghostal, the former 1960s Hanna-Barbera superhero), a smooth-voiced stud accompanied by mouthy sidekick bandleader locust Zorak and mumbling producer Moltar. Each episode finds cartoon S.G. and the crew in the animated studio with interactive live-action footage of two-to-four guests on a monitor screen. This double-disc compilation features a remarkable guest roster that runs the gamut, including the Bee Gees, Sandra Bernhard, David Byrne, Carol Channing, Alice Cooper, Fran Drescher, Ashley Judd, Eartha Kitt (S.G. tells her to “Cut the act, Sister!”), Timothy Leary, Adam West, Michael Stipe, and Lassie. Standout episodes include “Gilligan” (with Bob Denver, “the Professor,” and “Mary Ann”), “Bobcat” (featuring Bobcat Goldthwait and the Ramones [superfan Zorak steals S.G.'s party cake to share with the band]), “Banjo” (with Weird Al Yankovic and an aggressive sea monkey), and “Sleeper” (featuring Hulk Hogan and former Guns ‘n' Roses guitarist Slash [S.G. calls Slash “Citizen Longhair” and asks him “Where are your eyes?”]). With its easily amused host, inner-studio bickering, fabulous guests, clever pop culture references, and unorthodox banter, this uproarious compilation is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Williams)