Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Top 10 Stand Up Comedians All Time

I actually prefer stand-up routines to most comedy shows on television...the routines are much easier to follow. I discovered stand up a while back on Youtube. I would minimize it and continue my MMO hypnosis( you can guess which one I played)

After searching you tube for the best of the best and after much deliberation in my head, here are my top ten comedians of all time:

10. Lewis Black

The angriest comedian of them all-this guy is hilarious with almost anything that comes out of his mouth. I particularly enjoy his rant on there being too many Starbucks out there.




9. Dave Chappelle

Much of his stand up has to do with racial/gender issues. He may be yet another black comedian playing on race for half his show, but he is still one of the best at his craft.




8. Jerry Seinfeld

I personally don't believe you have to be edgy in order to be extremely funny, and for the best vanilla jokes you'll ever hear in your life, check out some of his shows. His dry sense of humor is along the line of Larry David. (I suppose this is a Jewish style humor)




7. Chris Rock

Yes, I like him better than Richard Pryor. His standup has always made me laugh harder than anyone else who has that type of humor that is so common in this day and age. He doesn't push the limit very much, but his ethnic jokes coupled with his distaste for married life gets a laugh out of me every time.



6. Zack Galifianakis

The most unique talent out there today in comedy. I don't ever recall seeing someone play a piano as part of their act in stand-up...but this guy does it to perfection. His DVD, "Live At The Purple Onion" is hysterical and definitely worth the buy. It has all his best jokes along with bonuses that are well worth the money. And out of everyone that has had to deal with pesky hecklers, this guy did it the best. Search You tube for "Zack Galifianakis berates audience member" and you will see what I mean.




5. Mitch Hedberg

Listening to his comed albums always shocks me at how someone who is high on stage can be so funny. Out of everyone on this list, Mitch has the simplest jokes. And they work like a charm. You would never think of the stuff this guy says in his routines...you just have to listen. "Strategic Grill Location" is my favorite of all his albums, but honestly you can't go wrong with any of them. Its sad that he died so young, but I guess thats what happens when drugs consume your life.

R.I.P





4. Larry David

Another funny Jew. His show on HBO, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is probably the best on television at the moment. However, I feel that his standup routine is even funnier. This video below says it all. Hitler didn't like magicians, you learn something everyday.





3. Doug Stanhope

A perfect fusion of #1 and #2. Quite possibly the best living comedian to date. This may just be my taste, but i prefer the dark, twisted humor of this guy. By far the edgiest of any comedian out there, nothing is off limits for Doug. I'm talking murder, rape, even child pornography.

I actually just uploaded part 1 of his new album, "From Across The Street". Check out my youtube homepage at http://www.youtube.com/user/bj07bran7

Below is one of my favorite routines of his. If you don't laugh at this bit then you have no soul







2. Bill Hicks



He's as dark as they come, especially for his time. Very funny and very insightful.


Another dead druggie. R.I.P.




1. George Carlin

There isn't much to say here...this guy is a legend and a wizard with language.