Favorite Comedy Albums of the Decade (Part 1)

Comedy took a left turn at shitville in the 90's, but it has been revived in the 2000's, with a lot of it due to the fact that alternative comedy really took off. I hate that it's called alternative comedy, it's stupid to divide it like that, but a lot of the alt comedians have put out some great shit this past decade.
Of course, there were also some outstanding albums done by more well known comics, George Carlin and Chris Rock, namely. All in all comedy's begun to rise up again in this decade, and so here is my list of my favorite comedy albums of the decade. Remember, these are my picks. Also, the list only goes up to 2009, because that's the end of the decade. I'll make a list of my favorite albums of 2010 at the end of the year.


George Carlin, Complaints and Grievances (2001) 10/10

Carlin is my favorite comedian of all time, mainly due to albums/specials like C&G. The man did 13 HBO Specials, and this is up there with the best of them. The man doesn't play games, he will openly and outwardly destroy a target he deems worthy, whether it's people who have annoying answering machines, or people who wear visors, or people named Todd...Carlin attacks every target from all different angles. He's crude, yet insightful. Angry, but sort of silly too. And most importantly he's genuine and hilarious.
Fav track: “Why We Don’t Need 10 Commandments,” Carlin dissects the 10 commandments, and at the end of it, dares God himself to prove him wrong... by striking Carlin dead. What fucking balls.


David Cross, Shut Up You Fucking Baby! (2002) 9/10

King of the indie comedy scene, if it may be called that, Cross gives social and political commentary throughout this album that really shows America's mindset following the events of 9/11. I know none of us really want to revisit that time, but when this came out this album could not be more relevant and it is still hilarious to listen to today. Yes, he's insanely liberal and more sarcastic, but that's how Cross confronts his targets, and he's extremely funny while doing so.
Fav track: “Playing Pool With My Wife” (all of the titles are non sequiturs), where Cross shares a couple of anecdotes about living in New York during “the week football stopped.”


Mitch Hedberg, Mitch All Together (2003) 9/10

Mitch could have become a legend (to some he already is) had his life not ended prematurely due to a drug overdose in 2005. He only released 2 albums during his life, this being the second. ("Do You Believe in Gosh" was released posthumously in 2008). Hedberg's signature stoner delivery mixed with his incredible one liner's makes this album a must have.
Fav track: "Sesame Seeds", Mitch discusses Sesame Seeds in hilarious ways, "What does a Sesame seed grow into? I don't know, we never gave them a chance! What the fuck is a Sesame?"


Dave Attell, Skanks For The Memories (2003) 10/10

Many of the things Attell discusses seem to be everyday topics for comedians to discuss. Namely: sex, drinking, drugs, dick jokes...but Attell just so happens to be an excellent writer. His combination of dirty material mixed with non sequiturs and his unmistakable delivery make this album EASILY one of the best of the decade. What's also great is, people start walking out of his show after he's onstage for about 3 minutes! Attell brings this to the attention of the listener, and then goes ahead and records one of the best albums ever. Too bad for those people that left. Eh, fuck 'em.
Fav track: "Travel", even the most common themes can be made hilarious if you're just that damn good, which Attell is. "I hate traveling, maybe because my dad used to beat me with a globe."


Christopher Titus, Norman Rockwell Is Bleeding (2004) 9/10

Christopher Titus is a master storyteller, and in this album he shares his entire life up to that point with the audience, and it's funny as shit. Not only because Titus' upbringing was quite hectic, but also due to his ability to mix in punchlines to keep his stories interesting and fluid. I say stories, but it's really one long story about his life, and it's awe inspiring to listen to.
Fav track: "Last Girlfriend", the longest track on the album, Titus describes the insanity he suffered under his ex's iron fist.


Patton Oswalt, Feelin' Kinda Patton (2004) 9.5/10

Oswalt's debut album is about as good as any there have ever been. There is also an unedited version of this masterpiece, 222, which I now prefer because of the insight it gives into stand up comedy, but for enjoyment purposes, "Feelin" is about as funny as can be, even if you don't know the topic Oswalt is discussing, you will laugh your ass off about it. Oswalt talks about what he wants to talk about, and he's a master of joke construction. One of the bits he does, "TIVO", actually was written into the storyline of King of Queens on some episode. Whatever, fuck King of Queens, but seriously buy this album.
Fav Track: "Stella Doro Breakfast Treats", Patton discusses a cookie commercial that is also the main reason why he's afraid of getting married.


Doug Stanhope, Deadbeat Hero (2004) 9/10

Comparable to Bill Hicks and Lenny Bruce, Stanhope is a man that's brutally honest and outspoken and could be considered the greatest social critic of this generation, picking up the baton from Mr. Carlin. Stanhope is controversial and makes his points unapologetically and without wavering, and he doesn't even do clubs. "Hero" is one of many excellent albums of his you could purchase.
Fav track: "Free Country?", America's not a free country, says Stanhope. After listening to this you'll find it hard to disagree.


Jim Norton, Trinkets I Own Made From Gorilla Hands (2005) 8/10

Jim Norton is the ruler of American cringe comedy. I also enjoy this meaty breasted zilch (his words) on Opie and Anthony, he's so quick and can dissect a topic in seconds on that show. His stand up is on par with that. In this album he discusses the blackout of 2003, his hatred for people with OCD, and extensively, sex.
Fav track: "Relations With The Elderly", this joke takes a horrid turn, and it's cringe inducingly funny.


Lewis Black, Luther Burbank Performer Arts Center Blues (2005) 8.5/10

Black became a mainstream success due to his signature style of ranting and angry outlook towards the world. The man appears to be on the edge of a stroke every time he hits the stage. This album has him covering the Janet Jackson Superbowl halftime controversy, and how America's reaction to it seems very out of place. Black's always been one of my favorites, and I consider this to be his best album.
Fav track: "America Loses It's Mind", Black discusses the aftermath of the halftime of 04, and how America's reaction was completely idiotic.


Chris Rock, Never Scared (2005) 8.5/10

The man's a legend, there's no doubt about it, and in "Never Scared", he gets even more personal here. After all, he's married with a kid now. Don't worry, Rock's take on these topics are fresh and funny, although the album does have some bonus skits in it that will not be up to par with Rock's actual stand up.
Fav track: "Smack Her With A Dick (Rap Stand Up)", Rock discusses why defending rap music is a lot harder than it used to be. "If the beat's alright, she will dance all night!"


Daniel Tosh, True Stories I Made Up (2005) 8.5/10

Now known for his hit show Tosh.0, Tosh is a master of combining fast paced edgy jokes with non sequiturs, leading you in circles while you're laughing your ass off. He says horrible things, but laughs as he does it, and his jokes are raunchy yet smart. None of his jokes follow the same format, so it's hard to guess his rhythm, and unpredictability is a plus in comedy. You'll love this album.
Fav track: "The Coprophagia Diet", the longest track in the album, Tosh discusses the type of restaurant he would open up were he to win millions of dollars.