Lots of visiting comics take a jab at the Twin Cities' most popular tourist attraction, but leave it to veteran Emo Philips to deliver the knockout punch.

"I went to the Mall of America," he said Thursday during his set at Acme Comedy Co. "Everyone goes there eventually -- if they die without Christ."

Philips also mentioned that he stopped by Minneapolis's Midwest Mountaineering store "because I can't resist a good oxymoron."

The 61-year-old comic's abilities as a wordsmith are disguised by his physical appearance (Tiny Tim on steroids), his delivery (a drunk Ed Grimley) and surreal physical bits. On Thursday, he assembled and disassembled a slide trombone, all without blowing a note. He also managed to stuff the jacket and vest of his three-piece suit into the left-hand pocket of his trousers.

But Philips' greatest gift is how he manages to be devilishly irreverent with his use of language, a big reason why he's a long-time Acme favorite. You can still catch him this Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at acmecomedycompany.com.