Phil’s Top 10 Stand-up Comedy Albums of 2009
December 14th, 2009 // 1:02 am @ Phil Schwarzmann // 2 Comments
2009 was a great year for comedy, which means this was a difficult list to put together. So starting from #10 and working our way up the funny charts…
10. Paul F. Tompkins, “Freak Wharf” (AST Records) – An entertaining storyteller and golden boy amongst contemporary comedy nerds, Paul F. Tompkins released this much anticipated follow-up to his debut album, “Impersonal” – but this time it’s a full set and not just random bits. The first three tracks are simply fantastic and are supposedly just Paul riffing! …which would be amazing if comedians weren’t such liars.
9. Eugene Mirman, “God is a 12-Year Old Boy with Aspergers” (Sub Pop) – New York (via the Soviet Union) native Eugene Mirman has a comic style all his own. Weird bits about weird things. He’s not afraid to talk about his childhood days in Special Education. And he’s not afraid to write angry letters to the Electric Co. and read them out loud.
8. Doug Benson, “Unbalanced Load” (Comedy Central Records) – Stand-up comedy’s favorite stoner Doug Benson adds a second album to his impressive portfolio of television, film documentaries, and stage shows. If you like jokes about marijuana or jokes that were obviously written while high on marijuana…look no further.
7. Big Jay Oakerson, “An American Storyteller” (Comedy Central Records) – Not sure it’s an appropriate album title unless American storytellers only tell stories about penises and sex, but Big Jay Oakerson’s persona is calm and cool and very enjoyable…and I never get tired of dick jokes.
6. Laurie Kilmartin, “Five Minutes to Myself” (Rooftop Comedy) – This is the first comedy album where I’ve ever said, “Why the hell isn’t the audience laughing as hard as I am?” Usually it’s the opposite. Even if the audience didn’t appreciate her as much as I did, Laurie’s refreshing style brings new life into bits about children, relationships and foreigners.
5. Patton Oswalt, “My Weakness is Strong” (WEA/Reprise) – One of my favorite comedians, and my favorite storyteller-style comic, Patton Oswalt, doesn’t exactly rock my world like his previous albums, but is certainly a worthy addition to his ever-growing CV. Unfortunately this is one of those albums that was a DVD first and CD just because…I hate when they do that.
4. John Mulaney, “The Top Part” (Comedy Central Records) – SNL writer John Mulaney releases his debut album with great success. His honest storyteller style reminds me a lot of a young Patton Oswalt, which is a real compliment. Can’t wait to see and hear more from this guy.
3. Matt Braunger, “Soak up the Night” (Comedy Central Records) – I’ve always hated FOX’s “MadTV”, all 14 seasons of it, but how can a sketch show be such shit with talent like Matt Braunger? His first album is already a classic. And just in case you’re wondering, I lift weights to Morrissey too.
2. Todd Glass, “Thin Pig” (Comedy Central Records) – If you enjoy observational-style comedy, than this is a must-have from comedy veteran Todd Glass’ debut album. And if you think K-Mart is just as good as Target, Todd has some news for you.
1. Maria Bamford, “Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome” (Comedy Central Records) – Maria Bamford is clinically insane but insanely funny. Only a crazy person would kick off an album with voicemail messages from the Baby Jesus. After multiple listens, this is no doubt my favorite album from 2009 and proves once more why she is the world’s funniest female comic.
Giving out flyers in Finland ain’t easy
November 28th, 2009 // 3:27 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // One Comment
Comedian Louis Zezeran and I try to give out flyers for our comedy show around Helsinki. It ain’t easy – Massive respect to the gypsy beggars in Finland… (sorry to the video quality at the beginning kinda sucks)
Category : Blog &Featured &No Notification &RSS Feed &Videos
Those annoying foreign salespeople in the Kamppi Center
November 28th, 2009 // 3:06 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
You know those annoying foreigners who try to sell shit to strangers at the Kamppi Center in Helsinki? Well comedian Louis Zezeran and I decided to go annoy them… (turns out they’re actually very nice people)
Category : Blog &Featured &No Notification &RSS Feed &Videos
English Comedy Club w/ Joe Eagan & Louis Zezeran @ Manala – November 25, 2009 (w/ Phil)
November 16th, 2009 // 12:48 am @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
The English Comedy Club is at it again! This month we have a couple hilarious comics from abroad coming to Finland for this very funny night. Check out the Facebook event for more info..!
LINEUP:
- Joe Eagan (CAN) | www.joestandup.com
- Louis Zezeran (AUS) | www.zezeran.com/comedy
- Ida Grönlund (FIN)
- Henric Chezek (USA)
- MC: Phil Schwarzmann (USA) | www.philschwarzmann.com
Show starts at 8pm. Tickets are just 8€ (5€ students) only from the door.
Contact englishclub@botta.fi for more info or to book tickets!
Hope to see you there!!
| Who | Manala's English Comedy Club (w/Phil) |
| When |
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
20:00
-
18+
|
| Where |
Dagmarinkatu 2
Helsinki, Finland 00100 |
Category : Blog &English events &Phil's Shows &RSS Feed
IESAF Christmas Party @ Molly Malone’s w/ Paul Westlake – November 27, 2009 – FREE!
October 26th, 2009 // 9:42 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
British-Finnish comic, Paul Westlake, will be performing at the IESAF (International English Speakers Association of Finland) Christmas Quiz & Party on Friday November 27th at 6pm in Molly Malone’s, Helsinki. Tickets are free.
Along with the comedy – Great prizes to be won, video cameras, Molly’s Money, Behnford’s Vouchers & lots more in Santa’s Xmas Quiz & the IESAF raffle.
Evening also includes a DJ and live band, Bring Your Sister. Free gloggi & party food. Check out the Facebook Event page for more info!
| Who | IESAF Christmas Party w/ Paul Westlake |
| When |
Friday, November 27, 2009
18:00
-
18+
|
| Where |
Kaisaniemenkatu 1
Helsinki, Finland |
| Other Info | With British/Finnish comic, Paul Westlake FREE |
Category : Blog &English events &RSS Feed
Laugh Riot 5-year Anniversary @ Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki – September 30, 2009
September 27th, 2009 // 4:33 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
From www.laughriot.fi…
On the 30th of September 2004, Comedy Club Laugh Riot was born and rapidly became the numer one presenter of overseas standup comedy in Finland.
On the 30th of September 2009, Laugh Riot celebrates its five-year history of bringing joy to audiences by arranging the most intense night of laughter that the country has ever witnessed!
All performers will be representing different nationalities, and the entire evening will be held in English.
Each and every one of this night’s performers has built a global reputation and achieved headliner level. There is no English-speaking comedy club in this world where any one of the performers would not be able to close the night.
The line up is now complete and we proudly announce:
Magnus Betner (Sweden)
Nina Conti (Great Britain)
Stewart Francis (Canada)
Steve Hughes (Australia)
Ismo Leikola (Finland)
Yannis Pappas (USA)
Al Pitcher (New Zealand)
+ surprise acts…
| Who | Laugh Riot 5-year Anniversary |
| When |
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
19:30
-
All Ages
|
| Where |
Stuurenkatu 4
Helsinki, Finland 00510 |
| Other Info | From http://www.laughriot.fi/klubit/globalcomedygala.php On the 30th of September 2009, Laugh Riot celebrates its five-year history of bringing joy to audiences by arranging the most intense night of laughter that the country has ever witnessed! The line up is now complete and we proudly announce: Magnus Betner (Sweden) Nina Conti (Great Britain) David O'Doherty (Ireland) Stewart Francis (Canada) Steve Hughes (Australia) Ismo Leikola (Finland) Yannis Pappas (USA) Al Pitcher (New Zealand) |
Category : Blog &English events &RSS Feed
Eddie Izzard STRIPPED! @ Peacock Theatre – December 16, 2009
September 26th, 2009 // 4:47 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
UK legend Eddie Izzard touches down to Finland on December 16, 2009 at Linnanmäki’s Peacock Theatre. Show begins 8pm. Tickets are 42e through lippu.fi, but are already sold out.
More info from W&T Comedy.
| Who | Eddie Izzard - Stripped |
| When |
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
20:00
-
All Ages
|
| Where |
Tivolikuja 1
Helsinki, Finland 00510 |
| Other Info | This show is sold out. |
Category : Blog &English events &Phil's Shows &RSS Feed
Doug Stanhope @ Peacock Theatre – September 25, 2009
September 25th, 2009 // 4:44 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
Legendary pissed off American comic, Doug Stanhope, continues his rage throughout Finland.
| Who | Doug Stanhope |
| When |
Friday, September 25, 2009
20:00
-
All Ages
|
| Where |
Tivolikuja 1
Helsinki, Finland 00510 |
Category : Blog &English events &RSS Feed
English Comedy Club w/ Yannis Pappas @ Manala in Helsinki – October 8, 2009 (w/Phil)
September 24th, 2009 // 10:03 pm @ Phil Schwarzmann // No Comments
Manala is arguably Helsinki’s finest comedy venue and its monthly English Comedy Club is hands-down the best English night in Finland. So be sure not to miss this awesome night on October 8th.
This month Yannis Pappas (USA) is back in Finland and will headline the English Club once more. He’ll be joined by myself, MC Ali J., Stephanie Gaudreau, and surprise guests.
Tickets are just 8€ (5€ for students). Show starts at 8pm. Get more details from their Facebook Event page.
| Who | English Comedy Club (w/Phil) |
| When |
Thursday, October 8, 2009
20:00
-
All Ages
|
| Where |
Dagmarinkatu 2
Helsinki, Finland 00100 |
| Other Info | testing! |
Category : Blog &English events &Phil's Shows &RSS Feed
