Barry Kirkey Comedy Lesson #13: Stand-Up Comedians

One of the best ways to actually learn something is to stop trying to learn something and just immerse yourself in something you actually enjoy. People seem to be uptight about learning “how to be funny” that they’re missing one of the most points:

It’s something that should happen naturally if you just expose yourself to the right things.

You might be surprised at how much you will pick up from your memory in every-day life when you start watching a lot of shows, movies or even stand-up comedians.

Which leads me to this week’s topic: Stand-up Comedians, fuckers.

Today I am not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. But I am going to provide you with a list of comedians who I think are particularly good. You need to actually find something you enjoy. This is, by far, the quickest and easiest way to pickup funnier habits.

Also, I don’t want excuses. If you’re busy, you might not have time to watch or listen to stand up. That’s a fine excuse, but guess what? Technology exists. Try downloading some real comedy on your ipod and listening on your way to work - instead putting on one of those lame ass talk-radio morning shows. Starting your day by laughing might actually bring something positive into your life. Fool.

Without any further bullshit, myself, and my friends Stefan, Greg and Steve all have our own favorites, including these:

Zach Galifianakis – Zach has been a favorite of mine for a number of years now. I like him because he’s different. Instead of focusing on classic subject matter (i.e. relationships, family), he presents a dry, sarcastic, self-deprecating show. It might take you a few minutes to get some momentum laughing at this guy, but once you get in the groove you can kind of see what he’s all about. His jokes are subtle, and you need to really be open minded about understanding what is “lame,” because Zach will outright tackle anything and everything he deems to be lame. He does this by sort of “pretending” he doesn’t understand why it’s lame and using that as a goof or a central focus of a joke. I’m afraid to write any more about him because I don’t want to give the wrong idea about this comedian. Just check him out and I think you’ll dig it.

Dane Cook – He is probably the most popular person I’m going to mention in this article. If you think you know him based on his current movie roles – forget all that and go check out his earlier stand-up material. Dane Cook is a high-energy, intelligent stand-up that takes “exaggeration” humor to the next level. He uses “every-day characters” that most regular douchebags can identify with. Then he exaggerates them to such an extreme level that it doesn’t make sense. That’s why it’s funny. Some people say Dane cook is overrated. Who the fuck cares about that! Watch his performances, he is awesome.

Doug Stanhope – Stanhope is a self-proclaimed “fetish comic.” While I don’t totally understand why, his humor is “ultra negative” and he might actually have the rudest act today. He’s essentially a prick, and will bitch about everything that happens in his life and around the world. Nothing is safe with him, race, religion, politics – anything. He is offensive and he means to be offensive. That is why he is funny and why his material works so well.

Robert Schimmel – I can’t quite figure out why this guy is so good, but try him out and you’ll see what I mean. He’s intelligent and knows how to tell an entertaining story.

Brian Regan – This guy is loud and obnoxious. His subject matter is similar to what your average comedian will do, but he has this one recurring character – an exaggerated version of himself – with a really stupid sounding voice. He uses this character to complain about what’s wrong with the world. See what you think of this guy, it took me a couple tries to like him but I was laughing pretty hard by the time I figured out his pattern.

Mitch Fatel – One of the most unique comedians – Mitch Fatel will take on the perspective of the creepy immature idiot. He has a slight lisp too, which actually makes him even funnier. Most of his jokes centre around how inexperienced he is about life, including relationships and sex – those types of things. Particularly pay attention to his “silent moaning.” This guy is worth checking out.

Dave Chappell – Well I lied when I said Dane Cook was the most popular. Dave Chappell might be more famous – but I didn’t want to leave him out. I won’t go too deep about his style, except to say that he’s probably the best at goofing on racist topics, and that his lazy sounding voice draws you into every single joke he does – then when you least expect, he punches them out with a loud, ridiculous delivery.

Mitch Hedberg – He is dead, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this guy’s work. He’s not one of those comedians who will not waste your time diving into those long epic jokes. No, he has more of a machine-gun style of delivery. His routine will shower you with one-liners that don’t really require you to think. A lot of people have issues with comedians who don’t have “intelligent” humor. Well let me tell you something, cock, if a comedian can make me laugh over and over without thinking, it makes them more intelligent than those assholes who make me wait for 10 minutes just to tell one lousy joke – which wasn’t worth the time it took to deliver.

Demetri Martin – Awesome comedian. His style is very similar to Mitch Hedberg, but has a slightly different delivery and sometimes uses a guitar. He seems like he’s always unsure of himself, but still ends up delivering a really good show. Check him out.

I’m finishing this article now. Before I go, let me remind you that I sometimes play clips or talk about these comedians on The Barry Kirkey Radio Show at www.revolution31.com/blog

I haven’t mentioned every comedian I like because I want you to go out and find new ones for yourself – that’s part of the learning process, and George “The Animal” Steel would agree with me. Right?