Stand up comedians
May 4, 2010 7:37 PM Subscribe
Please recommend some current stand-up comedians.
I love listening to stand up comedy on my ipod and I'm looking to expand my collection. My favorites have been Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Cosby. Who is doing the best work out there today? Can you recommend specific sets? Thanks!
I love listening to stand up comedy on my ipod and I'm looking to expand my collection. My favorites have been Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Cosby. Who is doing the best work out there today? Can you recommend specific sets? Thanks!
Best answer: Louis CK. Patton Oswalt. Marc Maron. Brian Posehn. Chris Fairbanks. Nick Thune. Sarah Silverman. Aziz Ansari. Kyle Kinane.
posted by ColdChef at 7:49 PM on May 4, 2010 [7 favorites]
posted by ColdChef at 7:49 PM on May 4, 2010 [7 favorites]
Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy.
What, is my Texan showing?
posted by Houstonian at 7:53 PM on May 4, 2010
What, is my Texan showing?
posted by Houstonian at 7:53 PM on May 4, 2010
Russell Peters for immigrant angst.
posted by captaincrouton at 7:55 PM on May 4, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by captaincrouton at 7:55 PM on May 4, 2010 [4 favorites]
Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Cosby
Wow they are SO DIFFERENT. Any more detail as to what you like? (The suggestions thus far are all awesome, but maybe with more detail people can suggest current - and less current - comedians you'd dig).
posted by moxiedoll at 7:58 PM on May 4, 2010
Wow they are SO DIFFERENT. Any more detail as to what you like? (The suggestions thus far are all awesome, but maybe with more detail people can suggest current - and less current - comedians you'd dig).
posted by moxiedoll at 7:58 PM on May 4, 2010
The available material is tangential rather than direct stand-up material, but you shouldn't miss Chris Hardwick's Nerdist podcast (a recent episode also featured MeFi's Own Adam Savage's awesome standup debut). In the same circle, look for Doug Benson, Paul F. Tompkins, Maria Bamford, Jimmy Pardo, Tig Notaro, and many other Maximum Fun Family comedians (MAXFUNCON THIS WEEKEND WOO!!!). Tompkins probably has the most album-type material available at this time. These overlap with the current rockstars of the Upright Citizen's Brigade, if you do some searches. (Do look for Asssscat or Assscat on Netflix, if you have that.)
If you don't know Eddie Izzard...well, go and take care of that.
I am married to a stand-up comic in his very early days, which I would never self-promote but possibly if you followed enough breadcrumbs from my profile you might find. That's one to watch, I'm telling you, and not just because I occasionally get writer credit.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:02 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you don't know Eddie Izzard...well, go and take care of that.
I am married to a stand-up comic in his very early days, which I would never self-promote but possibly if you followed enough breadcrumbs from my profile you might find. That's one to watch, I'm telling you, and not just because I occasionally get writer credit.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:02 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy.
And Ron White.
posted by fuse theorem at 8:16 PM on May 4, 2010
And Ron White.
posted by fuse theorem at 8:16 PM on May 4, 2010
What one finds funny is quite idiosyncratic so what I'd recommend is checking out MeFi's Jesse Thorn's Sound of Young America. The back episodes are littered with interviews of many of the comedians that are listed above. That should give you a good place to jump off to find new material.
posted by mmascolino at 8:17 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by mmascolino at 8:17 PM on May 4, 2010
you shouldn't miss Chris Hardwick's Nerdist podcast (a recent episode also featured MeFi's Own Adam Savage's awesome standup debut).
Heard that podcast today and about drove off the road laughing so hard.
I also recommend Adam Carolla's podcast, as well as Comedy Film Nerds, also run by stand-ups.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:39 PM on May 4, 2010
Heard that podcast today and about drove off the road laughing so hard.
I also recommend Adam Carolla's podcast, as well as Comedy Film Nerds, also run by stand-ups.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:39 PM on May 4, 2010
Brian Regan.
posted by Jaltcoh at 8:41 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Jaltcoh at 8:41 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
The two comedians I have appreciated most lately are Mefi's own Reverend Mitcz and Tim Minchin.
posted by idiopath at 8:41 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by idiopath at 8:41 PM on May 4, 2010
My favorite new comedian is John Mulaney. His debut album The Top Part is great. He's also a writer on SNL and did a bit last week during Weekend Update on Girl Scout Cookies.
posted by sharkfu at 8:56 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by sharkfu at 8:56 PM on May 4, 2010
If you're a fan of British humor: Michael McIntyre, Dara O'Brien, Frankie Boyle, Simon Amstell, and Russell Howard.
Several of those comedians are regularly on Mock the Week--a hilarious quiz show produced by the same people who did Whose Line is it Anyway.
posted by tyris33 at 8:57 PM on May 4, 2010 [3 favorites]
Several of those comedians are regularly on Mock the Week--a hilarious quiz show produced by the same people who did Whose Line is it Anyway.
posted by tyris33 at 8:57 PM on May 4, 2010 [3 favorites]
The girlfriend and I saw John Oliver of the Daily Show do some stand-up out here in Seattle, and he killed.
posted by kindall at 9:00 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by kindall at 9:00 PM on May 4, 2010
I very highly recommend Demetri Martin if you like slightly more witty (and maybe intelligent) humour. (Although some parts require video, ex: his sketch pad bits.)
Mitch Hedberg is also great and has some really good one-liners.
posted by Kippersoft at 9:20 PM on May 4, 2010
Mitch Hedberg is also great and has some really good one-liners.
posted by Kippersoft at 9:20 PM on May 4, 2010
Mike Birbiglia is a favorite of mine. Apparently he was just on Letterman this past Friday, which I am now sad I missed.
Zach Galifianakis and Demetri Martin have been other favorites of mine, though they seem to have moved more into TV/movies. Demetri Martin has a show on Comedy Central called Important Things that is occasionally very funny, though I missed most of this season. He had a great special on Comedy Central a few years back, whichever was the one where he told the jokes about grapes and about leather jackets/vests. I have no idea if you'd like any of these people, but they are among those that I enjoy.
posted by wondermouse at 9:26 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Zach Galifianakis and Demetri Martin have been other favorites of mine, though they seem to have moved more into TV/movies. Demetri Martin has a show on Comedy Central called Important Things that is occasionally very funny, though I missed most of this season. He had a great special on Comedy Central a few years back, whichever was the one where he told the jokes about grapes and about leather jackets/vests. I have no idea if you'd like any of these people, but they are among those that I enjoy.
posted by wondermouse at 9:26 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh yes, Mitch Hedberg was great, but he died a few years ago..
posted by wondermouse at 9:27 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by wondermouse at 9:27 PM on May 4, 2010
Jim Gaffigan, Aziz Ansari, Dov Davidoff, Dave Attell
posted by puritycontrol at 9:27 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by puritycontrol at 9:27 PM on May 4, 2010
Definitely definitely Zach Galifianakis. I am not a connoisseur of comedy, but I really think he's one of the best out there right now. Check out his "Between Two Ferns" series and "Zach Galifianakis Live," which is available on Netflix on Demand.
Also Jim Gaffigan's Beyond the Pale. So silly, my stomach hurts from laughing even after seeing it more than once.
posted by Fui Non Sum at 9:32 PM on May 4, 2010
Also Jim Gaffigan's Beyond the Pale. So silly, my stomach hurts from laughing even after seeing it more than once.
posted by Fui Non Sum at 9:32 PM on May 4, 2010
Marc Maron and Maria Bamford are two of my faves (here they are together).
Maron has a podcast entitled WTF in which he interviews loads of comedians, so that podcast is a good place to sample comedians as well. Just google "Marc Maron WTF podcast."
posted by HP LaserJet P10006 at 10:01 PM on May 4, 2010 [2 favorites]
Maron has a podcast entitled WTF in which he interviews loads of comedians, so that podcast is a good place to sample comedians as well. Just google "Marc Maron WTF podcast."
posted by HP LaserJet P10006 at 10:01 PM on May 4, 2010 [2 favorites]
Also: Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Rachel Dratch, etc.
posted by HP LaserJet P10006 at 10:04 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by HP LaserJet P10006 at 10:04 PM on May 4, 2010
Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford
Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford
posted by Kskomsvold at 10:28 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford Maria Bamford
posted by Kskomsvold at 10:28 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Eugene Mirman is the best working today, as far as I know.
posted by escabeche at 11:20 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by escabeche at 11:20 PM on May 4, 2010
Seconding Russell Peters. Also worth checking out are Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham
posted by arishaun at 11:30 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by arishaun at 11:30 PM on May 4, 2010
Transcendentally funny. He makes racism, hatred, and potty humor as elegant as a fine wine. And I love it. Daniel Tosh!!!
posted by Merlin144 at 11:34 PM on May 4, 2010
posted by Merlin144 at 11:34 PM on May 4, 2010
I liked Doug Stanhope's bits in Newswipe with Charlie Brooker.
posted by Submiqent at 11:45 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Submiqent at 11:45 PM on May 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Donald Glover (from Community) has a recent Comedy Central special...
posted by Lazlo at 12:02 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by Lazlo at 12:02 AM on May 5, 2010
Oh, and sorry for the dualpost, but check out Scott Aukerman's Comedy Death-Ray Radio podcast on iTunes (he of the "insane taint" from Mr. Show). Lots of great standups guest, including many of the folks others have suggested above.
posted by Lazlo at 12:07 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by Lazlo at 12:07 AM on May 5, 2010
Stewart Lee, Ross Noble, Jack Dee, Rob Brydon, Bill Bailey.
posted by turkeyphant at 5:45 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by turkeyphant at 5:45 AM on May 5, 2010
Jen Kirkman slays me.
I am married to a stand-up comic in his very early days, which I would never self-promote but possibly if you followed enough breadcrumbs from my profile you might find. That's one to watch, I'm telling you, and not just because I occasionally get writer credit.
Let me simplify that for you. Bryan cracks me up.
posted by ColdChef at 5:52 AM on May 5, 2010
I am married to a stand-up comic in his very early days, which I would never self-promote but possibly if you followed enough breadcrumbs from my profile you might find. That's one to watch, I'm telling you, and not just because I occasionally get writer credit.
Let me simplify that for you. Bryan cracks me up.
posted by ColdChef at 5:52 AM on May 5, 2010
Seconding in a huge way Eddie Izzard - best? "Dress to Kill" followed by Definite Article and Glorious. LOVE THESE and can (and have) listened to them until I can do them myself. Lots of great stuff of his out there on YouTube if you want a taste.
posted by Mysticalchick at 6:29 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by Mysticalchick at 6:29 AM on May 5, 2010
Louis CK, Zach Galifianakis, Mitch Hedberg (sort of recent, anyway)
posted by getawaysticks at 6:37 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by getawaysticks at 6:37 AM on May 5, 2010
Alonzo Bodden - very sharp, edgy stuff.
Billy Connolly - similar to George Carlin in that he's an old hippie and a deep thinker. With a Scottish accent.
Kathleen Madigan - her delivery would make the phone book funny.
Oh, and seconding Ron White. Much smarter than the average redneck humor stuff.
All four of these people have frequent moments of sheer brilliance, and I can listen to them over and over.
posted by MexicanYenta at 6:57 AM on May 5, 2010
Billy Connolly - similar to George Carlin in that he's an old hippie and a deep thinker. With a Scottish accent.
Kathleen Madigan - her delivery would make the phone book funny.
Oh, and seconding Ron White. Much smarter than the average redneck humor stuff.
All four of these people have frequent moments of sheer brilliance, and I can listen to them over and over.
posted by MexicanYenta at 6:57 AM on May 5, 2010
Monique Marvez .. funny dirty stuff from a sexy latina.
posted by boomcha76 at 7:09 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by boomcha76 at 7:09 AM on May 5, 2010
This recent special from Dylan Moran is hysterical, and it reminds me in style of Bill Cosby, Himself. (That link is to part 1, but all parts are available on YT.
posted by gladly at 7:21 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by gladly at 7:21 AM on May 5, 2010
Louis CK is the best living comedian now that George Carlin is dead...
Oh and by the way... GEORGE CARLIN!
I can't believe I'm the first to recommend him here. He invented comedy.
posted by tipthepizzaguy at 7:48 AM on May 5, 2010
Oh and by the way... GEORGE CARLIN!
I can't believe I'm the first to recommend him here. He invented comedy.
posted by tipthepizzaguy at 7:48 AM on May 5, 2010
GEORGE CARLIN!
I can't believe I'm the first to recommend him here.
Probably because the question asked for "current" stand-up comedians.
posted by Jaltcoh at 8:38 AM on May 5, 2010
I can't believe I'm the first to recommend him here.
Probably because the question asked for "current" stand-up comedians.
posted by Jaltcoh at 8:38 AM on May 5, 2010
Thirding Eddie Izzard - a great mix of cerebral humour mixed with jokes going off in very odd tangents.
posted by evadery at 9:09 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by evadery at 9:09 AM on May 5, 2010
Got to second Daniel Tosh - he's my favorite young comedian, and I don't think anybody's as sharp.
posted by General Malaise at 9:29 AM on May 5, 2010
posted by General Malaise at 9:29 AM on May 5, 2010
Another vote for Russell Peters.
John Pinette is pretty hilarious imho.
posted by eastofottawa at 9:57 AM on May 5, 2010
John Pinette is pretty hilarious imho.
posted by eastofottawa at 9:57 AM on May 5, 2010
Mike Schmidt's 40 Year Old Boy podcast is consistently hilarious.
He aptly describes it as a verbal mosh pit.
posted by Twicketface at 11:59 AM on May 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
He aptly describes it as a verbal mosh pit.
posted by Twicketface at 11:59 AM on May 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
Folks like Maria Bamford, Eugene Mirman and Patton Oswalt are indeed all hilarious. That being said, let me recommend some NY-based rising stars, most with recorded material, that are just great:
Lee Camp
Baron Vaughn
Jamie Kilstein
Negin Farsad
posted by Ash3000 at 3:59 PM on May 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
Lee Camp
Baron Vaughn
Jamie Kilstein
Negin Farsad
posted by Ash3000 at 3:59 PM on May 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
David O'Doherty (I highly recommend his exceptionally charming live album Let's David O'Doherty. Oh, and here, let him tell you a little about himself.)
Frankie Boyle - Live at the Apollo
Josie Long
Jimmy Carr
Tim Minchin
Simon Amstell
Eddie Izzard
Stewart Lee
Lee Mack
Daniel Kitson
Bill Bailey
Dave Gorman
Dara O'Briain
Mark Watson
Jack Dee
Greg Fleet
Wil Anderson
Adam Hills
Mike Birbiglia
Louis CK
posted by hot soup girl at 7:53 PM on May 5, 2010
Frankie Boyle - Live at the Apollo
Josie Long
Jimmy Carr
Tim Minchin
Simon Amstell
Eddie Izzard
Stewart Lee
Lee Mack
Daniel Kitson
Bill Bailey
Dave Gorman
Dara O'Briain
Mark Watson
Jack Dee
Greg Fleet
Wil Anderson
Adam Hills
Mike Birbiglia
Louis CK
posted by hot soup girl at 7:53 PM on May 5, 2010
Jim Gaffigan, Mitch Hedberg, Jake Johannsen, and John Mulaney, if only for his Salt and Pepper Diner skit, which literally makes me laugh out loud every time I listen to it.
posted by mysterpigg at 9:21 AM on May 6, 2010
posted by mysterpigg at 9:21 AM on May 6, 2010
I think Stewart Lee is at the top of his game right now. There's the odd bit on You Tube, but really he doesn't work in little clips, you generally need to see the show as a whole.
posted by chill at 10:02 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by chill at 10:02 AM on May 17, 2010
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