Russell Brand ‘Scandalous Tour’

Final Trio Of Shows

LONDON November 8th – DUBLIN November 10th – BELFAST November 11th

“Massively Entertaining” – The Times

“Russell nailed it” – The Sun

“Rampant adventures and fizzingly lyrical leaps” – Independent

Russell Brand has announced a FINAL trio of shows to bring the curtain down on his hugely popular ‘Scandalous Tour’ in what will be the LAST CHANCE to see the explosive and thrilling show LIVE.

The three shows are in support of Focus12 charity, which deals with all aspects of addiction and helped Russell overcome his past addiction problems. Russell has been a patron of Focus12 since 2005.

Russell Brand FINAL ‘Scandalous’ tour dates:

November 2009

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Sun 8th LONDON, Royal Albert Hall
Tue 10th DUBLIN, The O2
Wed 11th BELFAST, Odyssey Arena

Tickets go on sale: Friday 9th October
Ticket hotline: 0844 875 8758
Also available from: www.ticketzone.co.uk

Russell also releases his third DVD ‘Scandalous – Live At The O2′, November 9th.

Buy DVDs:

Russell Brand on amazon.co.uk

Russell Brand on amazon.com

The highly-charged set was recorded at Russell’s sold out O2 show to an 18,000 strong audience, April 17th. He rolls out two hours of boundary pushing, fantastically original material, confronting ideas that others would never dream of voicing.

Russell Brand, who won ‘Best Live Stand-Up Performer’ at 2008s British Comedy Awards, kicked off his critically acclaimed 30-date ‘Scandalous Tour’ back in January. It was also brought to Australia for four performances and New York as part of a one-hour special for Comedy Central.

Russell Brand Official Website

Comedian Rodney Carrington’s new all-music album, ‘El Niño Loco’, debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Comedy chart – his seventh album to debut within the Top Ten of that chart – as well as at #19 in the trade publication’s Country chart and #76 on their Top 200.

The first video from ‘El Niño Loco’, “If I’m The Only One” – featured as an iTunes “Video of the Week” – highlights comedic performances from some familiar faces: actors Jennifer Aspen and Nick Searcy from Carrington’s popular ABC sitcom Rodney and superstar Toby Keith, one of El Niño Loco’s producers and co-writer on several of the album’s songs.

Watch video: Rodney Carrington – “If I’m the Only One” (30 seconds preview):

About the popular video, Carrington said “Seeing and working with everyone from the Rodney show again was great – and of course working with Toby Keith is always a lot of fun.”

“I always try to surround myself with talented people – to cover up the mistakes I make… that’s the secret of my success,” he added with a grin.

Besides the successful launch of ‘El Niño Loco’, the comedian can also celebrate the release of the first season of his ABC comedy Rodney on DVD, available exclusively at Wal-Mart.

Season Two of Rodney is scheduled for release before the end of 2009.

Also planned for release this year is Carrington’s first album of holiday music, ‘Make It Christmas’.

Of course, Carrington’s summer always includes a busy tour schedule; this summer features a run of shows at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from July 30 through August 12, 2009.

Rodney Carrington is a multitalented comedian, actor, and writer who has recorded seven major record label comedy albums selling over two million copies, two of which have been certified gold by the RIAA.

Carrington starred in his own TV sitcom Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC. He recently co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the award winning movie Beer for My Horses. He is the author of the book Coming Clean and the star of the highly rated one-hour comedy special on Comedy Central Live at the Majestic.

According to Pollstar, Carrington has been among the top ten grossing touring comedians for the last five years. He regularly performs to sold out crowds across the US and Canada.

Rodney Carrington on amazon.com

Rodney Carrington Official Website

What with the internet, airplanes and the media, I suppose you’re probably familiar with Australian born comedian Mr. Jim Jeffries. But if you live in a hole in the ground in the woods and you eat badgers, then you might not be. Jim Jeffries has been out there for at least the last five years, and like any good old cheeky vintage, he improves with age.

I like the fact that he isn’t afraid to say anything he wants without reprisal. He tells it straight. He’ll talk about his experiences as if they happen like that to all of us. His influences range from Eddie Murphy to Richard Pryor and even Magic Johnson.

Now, if you’re scared by rude words and think that your soul will plummet towards the centre of the earth if you laugh at anti-christian jokes, then I would give this bloke a miss because Jim Jeffries is that Australian geezer down the pub swearing his head off – except he’s painfully funny and he gets paid for it!

It’s not all fish and chips on a sunny day for Jim. No, not at all. At one gig he was performing at, a member of the audience was so offended by the humor, that he clambered on to the stage and smacked poor old Jim in the face. Now I know you type of people like that sort of stuff because let’s be honest, we do like to soak up a bit of other people’s suffering. Don’t we? It makes us feel better about our own sorry existence. So here you go, knock yourselves out on this one:

Watch Jim Jeffries getting punched video:

If unlike the idiot from the audience you are a fan of Jim Jeffries, then you can spend some of your time looking at his website and find out more about this wonder from down under. Ouch! Sorry about that tag. Where’s the bloke with the fist. I need a smack for that.

Jim Jeffries Official Website
Jim Jeffries MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Ross Noble. Now how do you begin to explain this bloke to the general public? He’s one of comedy’s greatest improvisers. At least when you see one of his shows you would think it was improvised. Free form humor. No. Not free from humor, I mean free form. Humor. You never know what’s going to happen next.

If you were bullied at school and you don’t like being picked on and singled out, then never go see Ross Noble live. As he will seek you out. Like a guided missile he will find you and expose your weakness.

His humor has no rhyme nor reason. I can’t think of another comedian to compare him to. He runs on stage with a Richard Beckinsale type of look and then says the first thing that enters his head. That is the only way to describe him.

To find out more about him you could visit his website and maybe that might give you a better view of the situation. Also if you like to be singled out and ridiculed, you could purchase some tickets and go to one of his shows.

Here is a sample of the crazy man from up north. Just to give you a taste of the most random comedy in england at this moment in time.

Watch video Ross Noble – Live At The Apollo (Part 1/4):

Ross Noble video (Part 2/4)

Buy comedy:

Ross Noble on amazon.co.uk

Ross Noble on amazon.com

Ross Noble Official Website
Ross Noble YouTube Channel
MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Grammy Award winner Eminem joins FAMILY GUY’s Stewie Griffin to host ANIMATION DOMINATION Sunday, May 17, 2009 on FOX. The evening will feature interstitials voiced by and featuring an animated version of the hip-hop superstar.

Fans should tune in for an exclusive surprise MySpace Music announcement they won’t want to miss and visit http://www.myspace.com/music that evening for additional details.

“It was a thrill to work with Stewie,” said Eminem about the youngest member of the Griffin clan. “I’m a big fan of talking babies and their humor.”

On working with Eminem, Stewie said “I was just about to meet him, but after I shook hands with his stylist, his assistant, his lawyer, his bodyguard, his other bodyguard, his photographer, his manager, his hanger-on, his flower girl, his driver, his videographer, his notary, his historian, his her-storian, his texter and his own greased-up deaf guy, I got the swine flu.”

On the season finale of FAMILY GUY airing Sunday, May 17, 2009 (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), Peter has his palm read by a psychic who reveals that he had a fascinating past life in the 17th century as Griffin Peterson, a dignified gentleman from the newly founded colony of Quahog who vied for the love of Lady Redbush. It was a time of great love and adventure where King Stewart reigned supreme, the smartest dog in the room was the court jester, army lieutenants were merely boys and even old England loved “How I Met Your Mother” (Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Radnor and Jason Segel guest-voice).

Eminem’s fifth full-length album, ‘Relapse,’ is set to be released on May 19. The album’s debut single, “Crack a Bottle,” was released in February and set a first week record for digital sales at the time, while the first official single and video, “We Made You,” debuted in April. To date, Eminem has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide. His previous studio album, ‘Encore,’ reached No. 1 and dominated the charts in late 2004. The Grammy-nominated disc was certified quadruple-platinum, generated four Top 40 Hot 100 hits and has sold more than 11 million copies. In October 2008, Eminem published “Eminem: The Way I Am,” a compilation of thoughts, stories and memorabilia that entered The New York Times Best-Seller List at No. 11.

FAMILY GUY is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane is creator/executive producer, Mark Hentemann and Steve Callaghan are executive producers/show-runners and David A. Goodman, Chris Sheridan and Danny Smith are executive producers.

Buy Music:

Eminem on amazon.com

Eminem on amazon.co.uk

Family Guy Official Website

Eminem Official Website

MySpace

Eminem on Twitter

So people keep on nudging me and saying, ‘Hey Dave mate, when are you going to put this top ten list of comedy songs up for us then eh?’ and I keep on fobbing them off, telling them I’m busy and they keep prodding me and telling me that I’m not, and shouting at me in my sleep. So, just to keep the imaginary people in my head quiet, I’ve now compiled this chart. A bit like the one at my doctors, but not quite as scary.

Top 10 Comedy Songs

1. Funky Moped – Jasper Carrot

2. Galaxy Song – Monty Python (The Meaning Of Life)

3. Your Missus Is A Nutter – Goldie Lookin’ Chain

4. Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) – Benny Hill

5. Combine Harvester – The Wurzels

6. Three Wheels On My Wagon – The New Christy Minstrels

7. Every Sperm Is Sacred – Monty Python (The Meaning of Life)

8. My Ding A Ling – Chuck Berry

9. Eels Song – The Mighty Boosh

10. Do you F***k On First Dates – Kevin Bloody Wilson

Here’s a bonus comedy song, for all those people who want just a little bit more out of life, and always feel cheated.

11. The Streak – Ray Stevens

This list is in no particular order, it’s just a top ten of comedy songs, that’s all. If you think you could arrange them into a better order, and I bet you do, then I suggest you go compile your own top ten list of comedy songs and leave me alone to laugh at the spiders on the wall, and to dance with the windmills in my mind.

Comedy Songs on amazon.co.uk

Comedy Songs on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo

Did you know that Ricky Gervais started in the entertainment business back in 1983 singing in a pop band called Seona Dancing? There’s even video evidence of this. Look! -

Bitter Heart – Seona Dancing video – (YouTube notes from user: “The full video isn’t anywhere so I put this together with what I could find online. Sorry for the bad cuts that have had to be done.”)

Much later on he reemerged as a type of funny man on the radio. He was offered a job as head of speech at XFM London. Needing an assistant, Mr. Gervais interviewed the first person he saw. The CV belonged to a guy called Stephen Merchant. Job done.

I first became aware of Ricky Gervais when watching a Channel 4 program called The 11 O’clock Show where he would have a small slot. He walked on to the set and you thought, “Who the hell is this guy?” and I don’t believe how close to the knuckle of political correctness he sailed. I liked him. He was a random geezer. It’s like you were embarrassed for him, but you agreed with him too. You didn’t know what he was going to say next. He seemed to be the peoples’ person. Have a look at these clips of him on this show to see for yourself.

Ricky Gervais on The 11 O’clock Show

The next thing he did was a chat show called Meet Ricky Gervais. This show actually inspired me to write a tune because Ricky said there is no theme song to this show, so if there are any old sad losers out there with nothing better to do who would send in a tune, he would use it as a theme tune. I wrote “Who’s Your Monkey” and sent it in but the fat git never used it. He then did The Office which to many, was the next best thing to Fawlty Towers.

Check out this nifty little dance for charity, and these catchy little numbers will get you either cringing or singing along:

David Brent – Free Love On The Freelove Freeway:

Extras was a comedy about being a TV or film extra. You think to yourself, “how can you follow something as genius as The Office?” Well. You bang out a brilliant comedy like Extras with all sorts of guest appearances including Mr. Robert De Niro among others. Look at this for an example:

Robert De Niro on Extras

Then you think, that’s it. He can rest on his laurels and scoop the awards, sit on his ass and rake in the cash flogging DVD’s and appearing on chat shows. Wrong. He decides to go stand up, and it has to be said, one of the funniest stand ups going. How does he do it? If I knew I would be out there and not sitting here. This is Ricky doing his one man show.

Fame – stand up (follow the links on YouTube to continue)

Buy comedy DVDs and more:

Ricky Gervais on amazon.co.uk

Ricky Gervais on amazon.com

Now you can go to his website and become another one of his gullible victims like me.

Ricky Gervais Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Alexei Sayle is a man who was there from the beginning of alternative comedy. Hosting the Comedy Store in Soho, London and creating a few of his own characters on the way. Welcome to the intimidation that is Alexei Sayle. He’s not only been one of the finest stand up comedians from our time zone, but he has also had hit records, starred in many movies and he’s been an international football hero (well that last one may be a bit of a porky). Here is Alexie singing his heart out on one of his many songs “Ullo John Got A New Motor?”

Watch “Hello John Got A New Motor?” video:

Alexei Sayle doesn’t do stand up comedy anymore. He writes and acts – and a fine actor and writer he is, too. He’s had many TV shows over the past 20 years. You could say his humor is in the area that Spike Milligan used to vacate. Very physical in his deliverance, he is the guy that you hope doesn’t pick on you while waiting at the chip shop.

If you need to find out more about this great man, go to:

Alexei Sayle on Wikipedia

If you just want to laugh at a comedy genius, then simply watch the video:

Alexei Sayle on first episode of O.T.T. YouTube notes – Alexei Sayle doing a stand-up routine on OTT (Over The Top), the adult spin-off from Tiswas. Originally shown on 2 January 1982 (Central Television’s second day of broadcasting). Co-presenters: Chris Tarrant, Lenny Henry, Bob Carolgees, Helen Atkinson-Wood:

Buy Books, comedy DVDs, more:

Alexei Sayle on amazon.co.uk

Alexei Sayle Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

I like Lee Evans. He’s one of those people who will make you laugh no matter what type of mood you’re in. He comes from the school of physical comedy. Charging around the stage putting actions to his words. I saw Lee in 1998 at the Apollo in Oxford, and he’s one of the funniest acts to see on stage. In his tight suit and his monkey looks.

Some people compare Lee to Norman Wisdom, and I can see what they mean, but for my money Mr. Evans is much funnier. I know Norman Wisdom was funny back in the day, but the trouble is, I don’t think his humor passes the test of time. God bless him and all that, but the only similarities are the suits.

Did you know that Lee Evans started off in the business as a drummer in a punk band called The Forgotten Five? It all makes sense now, yes! Most drummers I know are wanna-be comedians! Don’t give up your day job mate.

He popped up as a character on Dr. Who recently, on the Easter special “Planet Of The Dead” episode. He played a wacky scientist.

If you want to see him do what he does best – that is – ‘Sweat like a nun awaiting a pregnancy test’ (his words not mine) running around on stage, explaining his view on the world, then check out Lee Evans on Off The Kerb website and you will find all sorts of Lee Evans type goodies there. But first check out this clip of him and I swear you will be chewing the carpet in fits of giggles before tea time.

The Best Of Lee Evans YouTube video part 1 (swearing):

Buy Comedy DVDs:

Lee Evans on amazon.co.uk

By: Dave Tommo

Tommy Cooper was one of those people who was born with that magic laughter gene. I mean, Tommy could just stand there on stage, look into the audience and he would have them roaring without even saying a word.

Look at this short piece from one of his TV shows as an example:

Watch Tommy Cooper “Magic Cloak” video:

Tommy Cooper still makes me laugh when I look at him, and I mean that in a good way, not in a freak show way. He had it in spades. All he did was walk on stage and do what came naturally to him.

His act would comprise of performing magic illusions and messing them up. He did this on purpose. Tommy Cooper was a member of “The Magic Circle”, so he could get these tricks right if required, but for him it worked better if he got it wrong.

As a child, Tommy grew up in Exeter, England, and sometimes worked on the family’s ice cream van. At around eight years old one of his aunts bought him a magic set, which he fell in love with, and he perfected all the tricks. Magic ran in his family. His twin brother ran a magic shop in Slough High Street called “Coopers Magic Shop”.

During World War II Tommy was called up as a trooper in the Royal Horse Guards regiment of the British Army. He became part of the NAAFI entertainment party and developed an act around his magic tricks and a bit of humor. One night he forgot his uniform hat, so grabbed a fez off the head of a passing waiter to the hilarity of the audience. So the fez stuck.

Tommy enjoyed a long and successful career as an entertainer right up to the end when he died on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, Westminster, London, on 15th April 1984 aged 63.

In respect to Tommy Cooper (one of my top favorite comedians of all time) and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death, here are some more clips of the man at work.

The Very Best Of Tommy Cooper – Split Personality Sketch:

Tribute to Tommy Cooper by YouTube user

Buy DVDs, VHS tapes, books and more:

Tommy Cooper on amazon.co.uk

Tommy Cooper on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo

Ben Walker, best known around the internet for his “The Twitter Song” is getting ready for the innovative Ben’s Big Gig event, taking place in Oxford, England on May 1, 2009.

I first ‘met’ Ben on social networking site Twitter, and after reading a few of his ‘tweets’ and learning about Ben’s Big Gig, I was curious to find out more about the humorous singer/songwriter based in Oxford.

Watch The Twitter Song – “You’re No One If You’re Not On Twitter” video:

Ben Walker exclusive interview with Jenny May:

Jenny May: How and when did you discover Twitter?

Ben Walker: I first tweeted at 6:07 PM Apr 18th, 2007 and apparently I was “up too late”. It took a while to get into, to find the good people. I got a real boost when I met a whole room full of interesting Twitter people at the Tuttle Club in London in early 2008. They still meet every
Friday morning at the ICA, and I go along whenever I can.

Which social network are you currently using the most and why are you using that particular one the most?

Twitter, for sure. Because that’s where all my people are. I talk to people I know on Twitter every day (and plenty I don’t). For video updates, I’m really into 12seconds.tv. I guess there’s something about having to create something short and succinct that appeals to me.

Are there people that you’ve met in person after first meeting on Twitter? If so, can you give one or two examples of how that happened?

Absolutely. When I first went to Tuttle I met a guy called Steve Lawson (@solobasssteve), who is a bass legend and social media enthusiast. He introduced me to dozens of people on Twitter (musicians, techies or both) whom I later met at events like Amplified09 and Twestival. For me Twitter is about finding and engaging with like-minded people, so they are often the people you are likely to meet in real life too.

What is the best pop song written in the last 20 years?

Complicated (Avril Lavigne). Pure cheesy pop. I’ve been studying pop songwriting for a while, and that’s the song I go back to every time for the perfect combination of formula, hooks, production, beat, lyrics and attitude. It’s certainly not the best song, but it’s the best pop song.

What has the response been like to your song “You’re No One If You’re Not On Twitter” aka The Twitter Song?

It’s been huge. I still get a couple of comments and 10-20 new followers/subscribers on Twitter and YouTube every day who find me through that song. It was written as a bit of a joke, to amuse the people I knew on Twitter, but at the same time it was a bit of a cheeky experiment. I tried to write the ultimate Twitter song: open with a hook, have a funny video, make some in-jokes. Now it’s had 300,000 views and I have a lot of nerdy fans.

How would you describe your music?

English, quirky, satirical pop. I try to make all my songs entertaining. They are not always funny, but there’s always an undercurrent of humour.

You grew up in Oxford. Have you played/collaborated with many bands/musicians here?

Yes and no. I’ve been around the Oxford music scene for ten years now, but always on the edges. I’ve guested on keyboards with A Silent Film. Once. I had a year-long residency at the QI Club, playing with my band every Sunday night, and we jammed with loads of local musos there.

Where is the first place in Oxford that you would want to take someone new in town to?

The Firry Mic. I just discovered the Tuesday night open mic at the Fir Tree (Iffley Road), and it’s brilliant. It’s just a room packed with positive people, and the friendly atmosphere gives the songs a real boost.

Why did you choose Summertown in Oxford as the location for Ben’s Big Gig?

I chose Summertown for a few reasons. First, I wanted to see if it was possible to put on a Big Gig in a theatre as an independent musician, and the North Wall is the perfect venue. Everyone’s downsizing and playing house concerts these days. I love a house concert, but I wondered whether we couldn’t try upsizing too. Second, Summertown is my spiritual home. All of my songs have a North Oxford vibe (posh, green, jaunty). Third, I needed a venue that could handle my social media requirements. I needed wireless, a projector screen and cabaret tables. Again, the North Wall is perfect for that. And they love to be involved in interesting, experimental and fringe projects.

How have you been planning Ben’s Big Gig; what is on the agenda for the day?

I’ve been Twittering, crowdsourcing, blogging and videoing my heart out for the last couple of months, and it’s all starting to come together. The most exciting thing for me is that I have a couple of really talented performers to share the stage with. George Chopping has been touring with John Hegley, and is one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen. He’s compèring the evening. And Tom Greeves is opening the second half with a set of genius stand-up comedy. It’s going to be a real variety show. And along with all that, we will be broadcasting the whole show live on the internet and feeding the responses from Twitter, 12seconds, Flickr etc. back into the venue on the giant screen, so the internet audience will be able to interact with the live audience.

Who would you want to spend the day with – someone that you haven’t met in person – and what would you do?

Ben Folds. I would get a piano lesson from him. And drink tea and chat in the breaks. I’m a legendary pianist, but I envy the control he has on the keyboard. In the nineties I learned every Ben Folds Five song note for note. I recommend it for anyone who wants to play pop piano.

Do you have any musical influences? If so, who?

Ben Folds. The Band. David Bowie. Ray Davies. Julian Cope. Little Feat. Queen. Avril Lavigne.

How do you prefer to record music? What equipment are you using?

When I’m taking it seriously, I use Pro Tools on my MacBook and an MBox. I rarely need more than two channels, because I’m always recording alone. If I’m recording with the band, I borrow stuff. But these days more and more I’m recording on my phone (the Nokia N95 has great video) or the camera and internal mic on my laptop and uploading it straight to YouTube. My music isn’t “sit down with headphones and a candle and appreciate the production” music. It’s “check out this link on tinny headphones at work” music. It’s not that I don’t love well-produced music. It’s just not what I’m doing. I need a quicker turnaround.

How often do you write songs?

When I’m writing, I write every day. And I’ll usually write, rewrite and record a song in four or five hours over two or three days. Last summer I wrote 50 songs in 90 days as part of an online challenge. Half of them were great. The other half are crap but amusing. I’m not writing much at the moment, but once the Big Gig is over I’ll get back on the horse.

Do you really hate mornings?

No. I love mornings. I get up at 6am most days to work on music stuff. But not when I registered the domain five years ago. I’ll keep using it, though. It’s fun, and it’s a name to which a lot of musicians can relate.

How would you like to see the future of music?

I like the way it’s going. I want to see musicians weaned off the old record company model and rediscovering the real connections that can be made with music. In my ideal future, musicians would concentrate on making better music and connecting with people. At the moment they tend to do one or the other. I have much more to say on this, but I’ll save it for my blog.

For more information about Ben’s Big Gig, which takes place on May 1, 2009 in Summertown, Oxford, go to:

Ben’s Big Gig Official Website

ihatemornings (Ben Walker) on Twitter

Ben Walker’s blog on ihatemornings.com + music and more

Ben Walker press on Band Weblogs

I don’t know much about George Carlin. I have to admit, I’ve only just discovered him. I know! Shame on me. What I have learned though, is that this man wasn’t afraid to face the demons, and then tell them they were wrong.

So George Carlin has been making people laugh since the 60’s. Wow. You know, when you think about it, back in those days, there were more states that had the death penalty, they had corporal punishment in schools…but still, these people, comedians, would get up on stage and make fun of religion and world leaders. Mostly without reprisals!

I think they can get away with this type of stuff and continue to gain more fans over the years because they’re not lecturing you, they’re not bashing you over the head with a protest banner. No, they are usually up there saying what you are thinking, but are afraid to say yourself! This is why we laugh.

Unfortunately George Carlin passed away on June 22nd, 2008. His way of looking at this weird planet we share will be sadly missed.

Visit George’s website www.georgecarlin.com. You can have a humorous educational night-in with him by buying his DVD “Its Bad For Ya”, but before that, I’ll offer up a clip of Mr. Carlin explaining why saving the planet is stupid.

Watch George Carlin – Saving the Planet video:

Buy George Carlin CDs, DVDs, Books, more:

George Carlin on amazon.com

George Carlin on amazon.co.uk

Wikipedia

George Carlin Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Capitol Records Nashville will release Ron White’s third solo comedy album ‘Behavioral Problems’ on April 21, 2009 as part of a trifecta “event” release of the Grammy nominated comedian’s Comedy Central one-hour television special (debuting April 19) and the DVD release (April 21).

Ron White on amazon.com

Ron White on amazon.co.uk

Shot in Seattle, WA last November, ‘Behavioral Problems’ marks his third solo comedy CD following on the heels of his gold-certified ‘Drunk In Public’ and ‘You Can’t Fix Stupid.’ The latter premiered at #14 on the Billboard’s Top 200, ranked #1 on the Billboard Comedy charts for 9 consecutive weeks and was nominated for a Grammy award.

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold record, two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right.

Ron White Official Website

One of my favourite comedy writers is Chris Morris. He’s been responsible for some of the cleverest comedy shows on television for over 15 years now. He even helped launch the career of one Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge).

But I want to show you one of his funniest creations, in my opinion, Nathan Barley.

This was a half hour show written by Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker which stars a kid, played by Nicholas Burns, who runs his own website, www.trashbat.co.ck, and is “at large” on the London scene. You know all these people who jump on other peoples trains? Fashion hijackers. Or as Chris Morris puts it in Nathan Barley, “The Rise Of The Idiot”.

If you love observational comedy, then this will be right up your alley way. It might also turn you on to more of Chris Morris’s other creations. Some of which I will touch on in the future no doubt. Until then here is the first episode of Nathan Barley:

Episode 1, part 1 of 3 – Watch Nathan Barley video – YouTube notes: written by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris, with Julian Barrat from The Mighty Boosh (and Noel Fielding popping up too).

Nathan Barley Part 2
Nathan Barley Part 3

You can see episodes of this show by visiting Amazon and buying the brilliant DVD.

Nathan Barley on amazon.co.uk

Chris Morris on Wikipedia

www.trashbat.co.ck Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

There is always room in this world for dead comedians, eh? I think sometimes dead comedians are funnier than live ones…so this one’s for Dave Allen.

Dave Allen was born July 6, 1936. In 1959 he got a break by appearing on a talent show called New Faces, and he made a name for himself in the 1960’s. In 1961 he toured England and France with the then unknown band The Beatles.

He was famous for sitting on a stool on stage drinking whisky and smoking. I remember, way back in 1979 trying to impress one of my first girlfriends by buying her a ticket to see Dave Allen at Portsmouth’s Kings Theatre. Unfortunately the humour went strait over her little head (bless). But for me it was one of the funniest shows I had been to. Dave Allen was well known for his jokes about the catholic religion:

Dave Allen on Religion video

Unfortunately Dave Allen died on March 10th 2005, leaving us with over 30 years of the funniest fact based comedy. Goodnight. Thank you Dave Allen and “may your God go with you”.

Here are a couple more of clips of Dave Allen telling it strait!

Watch video: The Vagaries of the English Language

Dave Allen – Telling the time video:

If you feel like you need to own a piece of Dave Allen you can always buy one of his DVDs from Amazon.

Dave Allen on amazon.co.uk

Dave Allen on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo