Top Five Stand-Up Comedians
by Scottie B
1. Lewis Black
In my opinion he is the funniest comedian out there today. Combing social and political commentary alongside his own personal world views, Black points out the idiocies of the modern world with an anger that's unmatched by anyone around. I'm not sure if he has Tourette's or just swears compulsively; either way I have never heard the word "fuck" used so much - and with such mastery. Check out his recent HBO special Red, White and Screwed.
2. Sarah Silverman
Being the queen of "I can't believe she just said that", Sarah Silverman takes no sides when deciding on what minority group to bash. Racial groups, religious types (Silverman constantly tears apart her own Judaism), Women, as well as gays are all on her list of targets. If you want a nice intro to her work, check out the film Jesus is Magic which combines her stand up along with some music videos of humorous songs she has written. Even if you hate her, you'll keep watching just to see what kind of outrageously offensive remarks shell make next.
3. Patton Oswalt
You'd think that after seeing him on the CBS sitcom King of Queens the man would be, at best, PG-13 humor fit for prime time TV. This however is not the case; I would consider him on par with the stand up work of Bob Saget. On his more recent performances Oswalt addresses the slovenly nature of Americans today and has an especially hilarious diatribe against Larry the Cable Guy.
4. David Cross
Approaching politics a little more aggressively than most other comics out there, Cross educates while dishing out insults to the current administration. For those who don't like to dabble in political humor, David Cross is still there for you, making side-splittingly funny yet remarkably acute observations about such topics as living in New York, corporate rock and other things that generally piss him off. To get properly acquainted check out his work as Dr. Tobias Fünke on the recently cancelled show Arrested Development (previous seasons are on DVD).
5. Aziz Ansari
A man who I have just become familiar with, Ansari has more of story telling approach to his jokes - like Henry Rollins, but not as convoluted - instead of a straight to the punch line approach. I don't believe he has any material out to purchase but you can check out http://www.azizisbored.com for some clips of his work. Most notable is his anecdote about going to see R. Kelly with a newly befriended midget.
P.S. Mitch Hedberg may you forever rest in peace. You are still missed dearly.
