Comments on: How Standup Comedy Has Changed During My Career

By: Nir

Nir — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:14:54 +0000

Every time I read a post by a stand-up comedian somewhere a long the post (or in the comments) there is a reference to the success of Dane Cook. While I personally don’t like Dane’s routines and also think that Mike Birbiglia is way more funny, Comedy like Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nice blog, I really enjoy it.

By: Scott Long

Scott Long — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:40:54 +0000

I’m like Split Enz. One step ahead…

I get your comparison of Cosby and Newhart to Birbiglia, I guess I just don’t think he connects with anywhere close to as a wide of audience. His audience loves him though, so it obviously is working great for him. I just see too many comics who aren’t anywhere close to as good at it as he is and they are sputtering. Reminds me of at the turn of this century when so many were trying to be Hedburg.

By: Brad Myers

Brad Myers — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:33:07 +0000

Are you using some sort of Einstein WordPress? This article, like Mike Birbiglia, is in future too.

Check timestamps.

By: Scott Long

Scott Long — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:18:55 +0000

I hope this creates some dialogue on the subject. Comics don’t do enough self-reflection into what works for them and what doesn’t. I guess this goes with the narcissistic nature of our personalities. I mean take it from a guy with a blog.

By: Scott Long

Scott Long — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:12:25 +0000

Thanks for replying Eddie. You are probably the foremost expert on comics. I never see a comic who I don’t like on your show. I took Tommy Johnagin on his first road trip. Keith Alberstadt featured for me a few years back and i was knocked out by how good of a writer he was. When I recorded my last DVD, a young kid named Michael Palascek was the MC.

My favorite comics are Bill Burr, Greg GIraldo, Greg Fitzsimmons. I appreciate that you have featured all type of comics.

Here was where I wrote this. I’ve played all the IMPROV’s, but have stayed living in the Midwest. I’ve worked all types of gigs to pay the bills. I just think a lot of younger comics are missing some of the essence which keeps you working. Johnagin hits all audiences and is an amazingly hard worker. Same with Alberstadt. These are the kind of comics they should be following. But once again, this is just one guys opinion.

By: Scott Long

Scott Long — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:53:40 +0000

I am loving the diverse type of people who are responding. Not saying I’m right, just sharing my view from someone who has been in the biz for 2 decades playing every type of gig.

By: Brad Myers

Brad Myers — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:44:16 +0000

Nice article Scott. I think that if you take it back even further, comedians like Cosby, Newhart, and Pryor were there to tell you a story.. more similar to today’s Birbiglia. I love Mike B. , but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy Dane Cooks’ first album. I think that comedian’s styles are a reflection of how todays’ society has become “I want it now” and by it, I mean a laugh. they aren’t willing to invest the time into the journey, and are more concerned with the destination. Not that either is bad, just different..
Comedy has always been a reflection of society.. both in terms of material and tempo.

By: Eddie Brill

Eddie Brill — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:39:16 +0000

I understand where you are coming from. But honestly, there are all kinds of comics in the world and all kinds of audiences. And no one, including me or you can argue that when someone laughs out loud…that what they just witnessed in person was not funny to them!. I try so hard not to be judgmental…but sometimes it fails me!. I enjoy comics who are clever and unique and who don’t take the easy way out to get laughs. It doesn’t mean I don’t howl at the Three Stooges. I get a little bent out of shape when some “alternative” comics say there is better comedy in a coffee house than the stuff you see at comedy clubs. I have seen an awful lot of crap and self-congratulating at the so-called “alternative” rooms. Comedy is comedy. The mainstream is often not artistic…but the great ones who take the high road can be found in comedy clubs as well as coffee houses. And just like the mainstream clubs…the biggest percentage of comedy in an “alternative” room is complete and utter crap. The great comics of all time…the ones that are remembered…have a few things in common. Their material comes from a vulnerable place,, they love the craft and they make people laugh.

By: Mikey

Mikey — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:28:57 +0000

“Let me assure you right now: there are dick jokes on the way.” ~Bill Hicks