AND NOW! My Posting of the Top 5 Comedy Albums of 2007
1:
Patton Oswalt - Werewolves and Lollipops
Like I haven't talked about how much I love Patton Oswalt... Without a doubt, the best comedy alum of 2007, if you don't have this, get it.
2:
Louis CK - Shameless(Audio Rip)
Louis C.K. is definitely at the top of his game on this DVD. He's one of the most realistic and relatable comedians working today, because he focuses on observational humor that I think most mainstream comedians would stray from. He talks about how much he hates his family, friends, and just about everyone he meets. But beneath all the hatred, he comes off as someone who genuinely cares about those close to him. Oh, and he tells a lot of dick jokes.
3:
Doug Stanhope - No Refunds(Showtime Special Audio Rip)
Doug Stanhope's new DVD finds him focusing more on telling generally dirty jokes and less on the political/observational humor he used to be known for. Not that he's completely removed that from his act, but it certainly isn't the main focus anymore, which is understandable. After fifteen years of comedy, Stanhope is ready to just "write dick jokes again", as he says on this recording (maybe... honestly, I forget if it's on this particular routine or one of the many bootlegs I've downloaded). Make no mistake though, he's as funny as he's ever been.
4:
Steven Wright - I Still Have A Pony
It's been 22 years since Steven Wright's first album "I Have a Pony" came out. In that time, he's put out a couple DVDs and acted in some movies, and apparently worked on his act quite a bit. He still has the same basic style (one-liners, puns, observational jokes, all wrapped in his surrealist brand of humor), but for whatever reason I found this album even funnier than his first. "The Store" is one of the best pieces of surrealist comedy I've ever heard.
5:
Various Artists - Comedy Death Ray
Disc 1
Disc 2
Similar to 2005's "Invite Them Up" compilation, this two-disc set compiles material from 18 comedians who performed at Los Angeles' live comedy show "Comedy Death Ray". It features a number of alternative/experimental comedians, including Paul F. Tompkins, David Cross, Doug Benson, Maria Bamford, Hard 'n Phirm, Patton Oswalt, Jimmy Pardo, Neil Hamburger, Ian Edwards, Brian Posehn, Nick Thune, Scott Aukerman, Chris Hardwick, Mindy Kaling, Dan Mintz, Andy Daly, and cast members from Reno 911. It might be a little uneven, but it has a nice mix of different comedic styles, and a few brilliant bits.