A Change of Pace

For whatever reason, the indie community is also typically interested in quality stand-up comedy. In light of this peculiar connection, I've put together a post highlighting several of my favorite stand-up acts at the moment, both of the past and present. In lieu of uploading mp3s of their performances, which often lose some of their appeal with the visual component being absent, I've embedded some of my favorite YouTube performances of the comedians; however, if you'd like me to put up some mp3s, I can arrange for that as well. Just leave a comment if you're interested in some more material or just want to offer your opinion. Enjoy.

Brian Regan

Clean comedy that comments on the nuances of life in the vein of Jerry Seinfeld. Probably my favorite comedian.

Jim Gaffigan

Although he's most well-known for his Hot Pockets routine, Gaffigan is another rather clean comic who gets me every time. I'm particularly fond of his high-pitched asides and imitation of audience thoughts.

Steven Wright

The king of one-liners and deadpan, Wright has inspired such comics as Mitch Hedberg and Zach Galifianakis. Not only is his material funny, but it's clever as hell and really makes you stop and think.

Zach Galifianakis

Most of you know him from his breakthrough role in The Hangover, but Galifianakis has been around for a long time—even pre-beard. The current king of awkward comedy, as evinced by his Between Two Ferns skits, Galifianakis is also quite the stand-up comedian, mixing a sentimental piano-playing bit with deadpan delivered one-liners.

George Carlin

Part social commentator, part comedian, Carlin is, quite simply, the fucking man. May he rest in peace.

Aziz Ansari

Arguably the most indie of the bunch, Ansari has hung out with the likes of Animal Collective and David Sitek (of TV on the Radio fame). The Indian equivalent of Dave Chappelle, Ansari is set to blow with his debut comedy album, Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening.