马季 is a genius. Listening to the Chinese stand-up comedy is a joy because sometimes only comedy can reflect life so well. Chinese comedy is a reflection of Chinese culture and a snapshot of Chinese life. Listening to it, even if details slip past me, reminds me of when 上海话和国语 were the only spoken languages I knew. I'm grateful to 王艳 for giving me the 马季 anthology, all 20 cd's worth.
多层饭店 - a critique of early reform China where planned economy suffered from an overwrought bureauracy and over employment.