Ralphie May’s Just Correct is the funniest stand up CD I’ve ever heard, and it also has more plays on my itunes than any other comedy album. It came out in 2004, so some of the jokes are a bit outdated, but shouldn’t matter. Topics include Seigfried getting eaten by the tiger, the stupid Kennedy family, The DC Sniper, Kobe Bryant, Iraq War, and lots of racial jokes (being told by a white guy, no less!).
Unfortunately, his next two CDs weren’t even in the same ballpark.
If you liked Mitch Hedberg, you should like Steven Wright. Same style (e.g. “I’ve been selected for jury duty. It’s kind of an insane case – 6000 Ants dressed up as rice and robbed a Chinese restaurant. I don’t think they did it. I know a few of them, they wouldn’t do anything like that.”)
Patton Oswalt - I listened to some double disc of his a friend lent me EVERY DAY for a few months one year while on campus, and it never lost its charm. Hilarious guy. Sure people thought I was weird, laughing by myself at breakfast every day.
Louis CK - sometimes crude, yet I find him totally hilarious.
Kathleen Madigan - a hometown favorite, she’s been on various shows on Comedy Central and whatnot, but she is really funny, IMO. One of the few female comediennes I really like. Saw her live a few months ago and it was great!
The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart was my all time favorite. His dry delivery was incredible and he was hilarious without being dirty. Someone had posted his driving instructor routine online and I played it for my son who is going through driver’s ed. He laughed just as hard as me.
Humh. Eddie Izzard is at the top of my list for stand-up, but I find the CDs less than ideal. Without the gestures and facial expressions the routines are only really really funny instead of unbelievably hilarious.
My reaction to Dane Cook on CD is similar. Yes I laugh out loud, but not as often or as hard as when I can see him rolling all over the stage.
I’m a Pinnette fan too, and think you might enjoy Jim Gaffigan and Brian Regan’s CDs.
Everything Ron White does contains his Tater Salad routine. Not that I think he isn’t funny, but after seeing him do the same stuff in his own special that he did for Blue Collar, he was so painfully clearly phoning it in that I lost my appetite for repeat viewings.
I used to love Eddie Izzard but thought he went downhill with I think his third or fourth DVD, I think it’s called ‘Sexy’ or something and repeat viewings of his earlier stuff just seemed boring to me for some reason - everything seems to be based on stuff being made from jam for some reason?
My votes go for:
Dylan Moran - pissed Irish genius
Bill Bailey - hilariousley spaced out singing hippy (don’t let the singing put you off, he is possibley the only funny singing comedian)
and the legendary Bill Hicks
Ricky Gervais podcasts are very funny
For some funny songs, try the lovely boys of Tripod - hilarious, and they’re very good musicians too. Lovely harmonies. I’d recommend their CDs Fegh Maha and/or Open Slather. They can be ordered online from their website.
If you’re looking for songs with a comedic twist, you can’t missout on Tom Lehrer. I mean, any comic working in the '50s who managed to work necrophilia into his act has to be good, right?
The rest of you can look it up when you get home.
George Carlin is gold even when he’s crap.
Rowan Atkinson, Live in Belfast. If it is still available, that is. Pure comedic gold.
How can you go wrong with a song titled “That’s Why I Hate the French.”
Tommy Tiernan’s *Something Mental * was great on tv, it’ll probably be just as good on CD.
Not stand-up though, is it.
I love Carlin but he is fading.
Lewis Black special last year was the tightest stand up I ever watched. Tis years was not quite as good,
Eddie Murphy was great.
Richard Pryor was super for several years.
Stephen Wright is a great change of pace. Very thoughtful.
Brian Regan’s “Cup of Dirt” kills me. EVERY TIME.
“The big yellow one’s the SUN!!”
If you’re in the mood for filth, then I strongly recommend Jim Norton - ANYTHING by Jim Norton. If you’re into reading, pick up his “Happy Endings: Tales of a Meaty-Brested Zilch.” Jesus CHRIST that guy is funny.
Oh, and Colin Quinn is awesome, too.