With the recent charge of hilarious and talented stand up comics, it is pretty evident that comedy is in a good place at the moment.

For a while now, Dane Cook has been the big comedian on the block. It may take time to realize why he is funny (as was the case with me), but once you learn to appreciate his observational humor, you may very well find yourself laughing out loud at the memory of one his Burger King or breaking and entering jokes in the middle of an English quiz.

We all know Dane. We all know he is funny. It is time we expand our comedy knowledge and start appreciating a few other comedians out there worthy of Cook’s attention. Some come from across the pond, and some appear on rap songs. While others play the guitar while they drop one-liners. There really is a comedian for everyone, isn’t there?





Jimmy Carr

Jimmy Carr has often been called the King of One-Liners. The Brit comedian’s style may be a bit hard to grasp at first. He is fast, dry, and witty enough to make Oscar Wilde raise an eyebrow. He also does not mind if he pushes the wrong buttons. Here is an example: “My dad's dying wish was to have his family around him. I can't help thinking he would have been better off with more oxygen.” Imagine that said in a deadpan manner, without even a hint of a flinch. His brutally honest quips will have you debating between shaking your head and laughing endlessly. You will likely do both. To see Carr in action, visit myspace.com/jimmycarrlive.







Katt Williams



Many people will recognize Katt Williams from MTV’s Wild ‘N Out. Others will think he looks familiar from his appearances on Ludacris’s and Outkast’s music videos. Most, though, will simply know Williams for his outrageous jokes and fedora hats. There aren’t many that can actually be reprinted here, but they are definitely worth hearing. Check out more of Williams at www.kattwilliams.com or myspace.com/kattwilliams.







Russell Brand



Every hipster’s favorite comic is Russell Brand. Another import from across the pond, this tall, skinny, and eye-liner clad funnyman makes people laugh with his retellings of awkward moments in the “embarrassing, outside world” and almost-fights with various rock stars and other celebrities. His androgynous look (and voice) may fend off a few, but it all goes with the appeal of this too-cool-to-be-true comedian. Join Brand in his world of hip at www.russellbrand.com or myspace.com/russellbrandcomedy.







Demetri Martin



Demetri Martin is not your average comedian. He performs regular stand-up, plays guitar, and tells stories with drawings – sometimes doing all three at the same time!

This Renaissance man has made hilarious appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly and now serves as a regular correspondent on The Daily Show, where you can see him poking fun at current fads on his segment, “Trendspotting.”

“I love Demetri because he says some things that sound so stupid, but then you realize he had to think a long, hard time about the statement he just made,” Celia Almeida, senior, said.



An example: “The best way to add insult to injury is by signing someone's cast.”



Another product from the school of deadpan, this shaggy-haired comedian has earned a legion of growing fans who appreciate his blend of prop gags with traditional stand-up.



Dane Cook can always be counted on as your go-to guy for a quick laugh. Keep in mind however, these unique comedians may not be household names yet, but it is only a matter of time before you will be shelling over 100 dollars to catch them in concert.