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Ian Shoales (Merle Kessler)
Ian Shoales was a recurrent character who appeared in audio recordings, live performances and television programing by the comedy group Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre. In addition, Shoales also had an occasional op-ed column in Newsweek, a recurring commentary spot on NPR's Morning Edition and is the 'author' of three books. He was created by and performed by Merle Kessler, who also wrote his columns and books.
Character Traits and Themes
editIan Shoales is a curmudgeon who often uses sarcasm to carry his points. In the introduction to his book Ian Shoales' Perfect World he describes himself through comparison to the Star Trek character Captain Kirk: whereas an attractive extraterrestrial female might ask Kirk to "tell me about this thing you call a kiss," she would ask Shoales "tell me about this thing you call a sneer."[1] In one NPR spot he justified himself by saying that there had to be someone who said "No" in a culture that automatically says "Yes" to every new trend and cultural phenomenon.[2] He was especially notable for his fast-paced, deadpan delivery.
While Shoales might have be described as a lifestyle or popular culture critic, he has also frequently commented on popular culture. His best known work was in the 1980s, when he had both his NPR spot and his Newsweek column. Here he frequently addressed topics to do with life under the Reagan administration, the Cold War mentality. He also addressed the increased use of cocaine, the vilification of Reggae music, the phenomenon of bumper stickers with Hearts on them ("I heart NY, I heart LA, I heart my dog head. What is being said?"), and the nude pictures of Madonna.[3]
Works
editThis list includes only audio-recordings principally authored by Kessler/Shoales. It does not include Duck's Breath Mystery recordings or TV specials that include Shoales.
- I Gotta Go (audio recording)—a collection of Shoales commentaries from NPR's Morning Edition.
- I Gotta Go (book)—a collection of Shoales NPR commentaries edited for print, with additional new material including biographical information on the fictional Shoales. Shoales is listed as author of this book.
- Ian Shoales' Pefect World (novel)— A whimsical narrative in which Shoales receives huge amounts of money, so much he needs a caravan of limousines to carry it. While he is trying to decide what to do, he stays in a hotel called L'Hotel Ennui ("It's French for 'I don't care.'") and meets with Elvis Pressley. The climax of the novel occurs in Moscow, Idaho, and is an allegory for the Cold War.[4] This book and Not Wet Yet are attributed to Merle Kessler rather than Shoales.
- Not Wet Yet (book)