Laughing Thumbs: Stand-Up Recommendations

[Smart Jason]

I'm willing to bet we have a pretty varied taste and palate among the board when it comes to stand-up comedians, and it's been a while since I've discovered anyone new, so I'd love to get some recommendations going in here. Try not to list too many in one post, try to say why a comedian is good or why you might like them if you like others, and also this isn't generic comedy recommendations (because we could start a whole other thread for sitcoms and such). I'm really shitty about sounding like an asshole by analyzing comedy, but maybe you aren't. (I won't judge you if you also are; in fact, I'll appreciate it.)

 

John Mulaney - The Comeback Kid

 

 

I missed this when it released in 2015, I guess. I just watched it and it was great. John Mulaney is one of my absolute favorites (his previous two specials are also extremely good). His poise on stage has gotten so much better since 2009 and it's actually really a joy to simply watch him move - he has excellent physical comedy skills lurking just below the surface to enhance all his jokes. There are some moments here that edge toward offensive, but only because of the sort of white male implications of what he's saying (i.e., college is academic nonsense, kids are all special snowflakes these days). It's nowhere near as bad as your average Louis CK show, but typically I like John because the vast majority of his material eschews issues for pop culture irreverence. (Notwithstanding his breakout routine "Chase Through the Subway," which is either a pitch perfect set about male privilege or a tone deaf rape joke, depending on your perspective, but one I definitely think is always worth discussing.)

[clyde]

Whenever I think of stand-up comedy, I think of Steven Wright. I love magical-realism and vocal-fry.

 

[Brannigan]

Couple off the top of my head:

 

Kristen Schaal - Live at the Filmore - Pure absurdity, not really traditional stand up, very theatrical.

 

Kurt Braunohler - How do I Land?  - he's in the above special too actually, they both love absurdity though this is pure stand up.

 

Maria Bamford - Special Special Special - She performs for only her parents, in her living room.  

 

 

Having been watching much as of late, more attracted to absurd alt comedy, usually in podcast form but not always.

[melmer]

Tom segura on Netflix is great

http://youtu.be/mwaUK2KF_oo

Similar to Louis CK. A very British style of comedy, as in, harsh offensive unapologetic.

[clyde]

 

What would be a good podcast to find stand up comedians on?

[Cordeos]

 

What would be a good podcast to find stand up comedians on?

2 Dope Queens and Put Your Hands Together have been good for that

[Brannigan]

 

What would be a good podcast to find stand up comedians on?

not a podcast, but I've really enjoyed The Meltdown, comedy central show based on a LA comedy venue.

[Apelsin]

I've always had a fondness for Dylan Moran

 

[kickinthehead]

My favorites are the big ones like Louis CK, but someone you might not heard of is Joe Wong who has a really unique style. Also he's a former molecular biologist from China.

 

[Patrick R]