After watching a lot of comedy shows and stand-up performances, I thought it was about time I compiled this list. The particular kind of stand-up that I like is when people are just on stage, being themselves, instead of impersonating otherwise boring people desperately trying to make everybody laugh. So here it is: the ViSigoTH's five most favorite comedians list, full with recommendations on what to watch.
[ [ [ 5 ] ] ] NUMBER FIVE
- Jeff Dunham
Jeff Dunham is a ventriloquist, and he's damn good. He gives all of his very distinctive puppets different voices and personalities, making his act very fresh and varied. Youtube is full of ventriloquism videos ranging from so-so to very good, but none of them are as good as this. Jeff Dunham is genuinely funny, and his presentation only makes things better.
RECOMMEND : Jeff Dunham - Arguing With Myself
[ [ [ 4 ] ] ] NUMBER FOUR
- Dylan Moran
Dylan Moran, the Irish dude from Black Books and Shaun of the Dead, happens to be an excellent comedian. I said "happens to be" because I honestly had no idea he did stand-up until after I saw all of his TV shows and movies. Most comedians give the impression that standing up there, on stage, and talking to them is a very good experience, while Dylan Moran, smoking and drinking on stage, makes it look like a monumental exercise that he'd rather not be doing. And this is the best part about his performance: he just doesn't give a damn.
RECOMMEND : Dylan Moran - Like, Totally
[ [ [ 3 ] ] ] NUMBER THREE
- Robin Williams
Before I say anything else, I will say that Robin Williams is unusually energetic for his age. He's up there on stage, usually dancing and skipping and prancing around like it's no biggie... he is what I call an "entertainer". Robin Williams's act is "exciting", which is a word we don't normally use when describing comedy.
RECOMMEND : Robin Williams - Live At The Met
[ [ [ 2 ] ] ] NUMBER TWO
- Christopher Titus
One of Christopher Titus's shows, named Titus, was one of the first comedy shows I ever watched. The show was a dark comedy about Titus and his life, alcoholic father and schizophrenic mother. The show's presentation and humor were literally unparalleled. It is hard to compare that show, and the rest of his work to anything else because it is really without equal and unlike anything you've probably ever seen. He is witty, funny, and unusually frank and honest. If only we had more shows like his...
RECOMMEND : Christopher Titus - Norman Rockwell Is Bleeding
[ [ [ 1 ] ] ] NUMBER ONE
- George Carlin
I'll make this easy for everyone. George Carlin is a GOD. He is one of the few men I've seen who have become legends in their own time. Sadly, George Carlin is no longer with us, but the legacy he left behind will inspire and humor for ages to come. The late Carlin's comedy sees no boundaries, experiences no guilt, and doesn't give a damn about political correctness. He is vulgar, straight-forward, and very convincing whether he's discussing politics or toenails; the only comedian who teaches through his comedy, George Carlin's ideals and quotes will be with us for a very long time. If you do not like his work, then there is seriously something wrong with you. Period.
RECOMMEND : Here is one of his many, MANY videos on youtube.