Vos's beating of Mike Birbiglia

[Pete]

first off, i'm glad it happened. it's about time real comics attack these so-called "alternative" comedians. i hate the comedy tour won't come back but i'm very happy that douche was trashed. Vos totally had it right...as long as it's his (douchy soft white kids) crowd, he does well...and Mike is defiantly comedy by numbers. he stinks and i don't like him and i loved every minute Vos smashed his face is.

[jab]

what makes an alternative comic?

[blacknoi]

it's about time real comics attack these so-called "alternative" comedians.

Whats the definition of an "alternative" comedian? Like a Dane Cook who trys to appeal to a mass audience?

[jab]

is it an alternative to the style of comedy that prevalent at the time?

[jab]

whenever i hear the term "alternative comic" i picture j. mascus doing stand up.

[Pete]

Vos's reference to Luna Lounge was right on. yes it's closed but there was a certain type of comedian that went there. i'll try to come up with a defenition but it's one of those "i know it when i see it" sort of things. Flight of the Conchords is alt comedy.

i don't know if i would put Dane in alt comedy. he's just a joke thief.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

I always viewed an alternative comedian as the dry college humor shit. (FotC, Zach Galifinakis) To me though, good comedy is good comedy, no matter what you're categorized as. I like Mike. I liked him before I even heard O&A, let alone before he came on. When Vos was saying at the end of the day "We're from different crowds. You wouldn't see me & Patrice & Colin hanging out with him," I was like "who gives a shit?" He's 51 & he acts like it's high school.

[jab]

To me though, good comedy is good comedy, no matter what you're categorized as... When Vos was saying at the end of the day "We're from different crowds. You wouldn't see me & Patrice & Colin hanging out with him," I was like "who gives a shit?" He's 51 & he acts like it's high school.

does rgf have a hammer hitting the nail on the head smiley? cause id use it here.

[Pete]

I always viewed an alternative comedian as the dry college humor shit. (FotC, Zach Galifinakis) To me though, good comedy is good comedy, no matter what you're categorized as. I like Mike. I liked him before I even heard O&A, let alone before he came on. When Vos was saying at the end of the day "We're from different crowds. You wouldn't see me & Patrice & Colin hanging out with him," I was like "who gives a shit?" He's 51 & he acts like it's high school.

there's an inference there. the great NYC comedians like Colin and Patrice actually hang out together. to be in with them is to be part of a respected group of comedians...kind of inside. so maybe you don't give a shit...but people that follow comedy here do...and know what he meant.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

there's an inference there. the great NYC comedians like Colin and Patrice actually hang out together. to be in with them is to be part of a respected group of comedians...kind of inside. so maybe you don't give a shit...but people that follow comedy here do...and know what he meant.

I do fallow comedy & did you notice Jimmy didn't get involved? He likes Mike AND he hangs out with Patrice & Colin. I just think it's fucked that your separating Alternative comedians & "Real" comedians. Does everyone have to be angry & from the Cellar to be a "Real" comedian? The separatism is bullshit, because Vos likes Sarah Silverman, Arj Barker & his own wife which are considered Alternative comedians. The fact he doesn't see his own his hypocracy (& neither do you apparently) Just shows that he is a big child.




EDIT P.S. : Rogan & Stanhope are "Real" comedians but they're big with the Alt crowd. What's your take on them?

[Fancy Man Frrrunkus]

so where would Brian Regan fall into this? he does great with everyone

[Wickedballs]

I was glad when Birbiglia got his beating, not b/c I don't like him, but b/c it was funny as hell. Just like it was funny when Vos got his beating later in the show.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

I was glad when Birbiglia got his beating, not b/c I don't like him, but b/c it was funny as hell. Just like it was funny when Vos got his beating later in the show.

I thought it was funny too, but Vos's legit resentment towards Birbiglia (IMO) is just silly & immature.

[Davefromphilly]

first off, i'm glad it happened. it's about time real comics attack these so-called "alternative" comedians.
I like birbiglia alot. And the whole "real comedian" thing kinda pisses me off.

what makes him not a "real comedian"? cuz he isn't dirty or mean? I think the dude's funny as shit, and i thought he held up well and had a couple good lines back at vos.

i don't like many "clean" comics, but mike is a funny dude

[Pete]

I do fallow comedy & did you notice Jimmy didn't get involved? He likes Mike AND he hangs out with Patrice & Colin. I just think it's fucked that your separating Alternative comedians & "Real" comedians. Does everyone have to be angry & from the Cellar to be a "Real" comedian? The separatism is bullshit, because Vos likes Sarah Silverman, Arj Barker & his own wife which are considered Alternative comedians. The fact he doesn't see his own his hypocracy (& neither do you apparently) Just shows that he is a big child.

Jimmy often doesn't get involved in these sorts of things.

i separate because it's my job. like music, comedy has categories. and no you don't have to be angry and in the cellar...but you have to agree there's a difference between Cosby and Newhart and Dice or Sam. i'm not saying ALL alt comedy stinks.

there are classic setup/punchline guys...there are story tellers...there are observation types...there are crowd workers...black comedy, white comedy, country guys and my particular favorite, east coast...guys from Boston, NYC, Jersey, Philly, and Balteemoor.

generally...GENERALLY alts can only play alt crowds. GENERALLY. not ALL. the greats can play ANY crowd regardless of their genre. Ron White is a redneck that can play anywhere...Vos and Burr have done black crowds. it's not separatist dude.

[Wickedballs]

I thought it was funny too, but Vos's legit resentment towards Birbiglia (IMO) is just silly & immature.

I could kinda see where Vos was coming from though, Birbiglia was in his house and was talking shit to him. At the Virus show Mike bombed and while grasping at straws he took a shot at Vos. I guess Rich held on to that. Of all the comedian regulars on the show (aside from Jimmy) Vos has been there the longest.

[Pete]

I like birbiglia alot. And the whole "real comedian" thing kinda pisses me off.

what makes him not a "real comedian"? cuz he isn't dirty or mean? I think the dude's funny as shit, and i thought he held up well and had a couple good lines back at vos.

i don't like many "clean" comics, but mike is a funny dude


maybe you have a point...perhaps saying "real" comedian wasn't the right word ...nor can i think of one right now. hmmm

[Davefromphilly]

maybe you have a point...perhaps saying "real" comedian wasn't the right word ...nor can i think of one right now. hmmm

how about just "comics that aren't savage assholes"


disclaimer: i have nothing against savage assholes, this is a compliment. i actually prefer it

[Pete]

EDIT P.S. : Rogan & Stanhope are "Real" comedians but they're big with the Alt crowd. What's your take on them?

that is kind of strange. those guys are good comics. they can play anywhere. like i said before the "real" thing probably isn't a good word. i'm sure Birbiglia sweats over his material just like anyone else...he's not a joke thief. maybe it's just in the attitude of certain alt comics. not all of them have it. it's just this pseudo intellectual general douchiness that really makes me sick. Rogan and Stanhope don't have that at all. plus, as a HUGE MMA fan, how could i not like Rogan?

[Wickedballs]

that is kind of strange. those guys are good comics. they can play anywhere. like i said before the "real" thing probably isn't a good word. i'm sure Birbiglia sweats over his material just like anyone else...he's not a joke thief. maybe it's just in the attitude of certain alt comics. not all of them have it. it's just this pseudo intellectual general douchiness that really makes me sick. Rogan and Stanhope don't have that at all. plus, as a HUGE MMA fan, how could i not like Rogan?

Is what you are trying to get across that Birbiglia has a set audience and if he is put into a situation where his fans aren't the majority he will not do well? So for instance, the "real comics" would be people who can perform and appeal to their audience regardless of the who is consists of.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

Jimmy often doesn't get involved in these sorts of things.

i separate because it's my job. like music, comedy has categories. and no you don't have to be angry and in the cellar...but you have to agree there's a difference between Cosby and Newhart and Dice or Sam. i'm not saying ALL alt comedy stinks.

there are classic setup/punchline guys...there are story tellers...there are observation types...there are crowd workers...black comedy, white comedy, country guys and my particular favorite, east coast...guys from Boston, NYC, Jersey, Philly, and Balteemoor.

generally...GENERALLY alts can only play alt crowds. GENERALLY. not ALL. the greats can play ANY crowd regardless of their genre. Ron White is a redneck that can play anywhere...Vos and Burr have done black crowds. it's not separatist dude.

You're right about Jimmy. He usually doesn't get involved, but he has said before he likes Mike. If you were to ask him if he wanted him back on, he would say "yes." I don't know of other guy's opinions, but Vos seemed to be speaking for everyone. Which I'm sure isn't the case.

I don't really even separate my music. I listen to Rock, Rap, Indie, Jazz, Blues, World, Electronica, Pop. But I never think about it to me it's all good music. The same with comedy. Fine there are genres, but that has no bearing their quality. And, why should O&A yield to those genres either. They can have who ever they want. They had Carrot Top on a few years ago... & he fucking killed. They have no real bias. They can put on any kind of comedian they want. So, you don't like Birbiglia's stand up. He still absolutely kills in studio & he is so different from his act. I think in his mind he's playing along with the volatile nature of the show & since Vos doesn't like him he takes shit personally

I could kinda see where Vos was coming from though, Birbiglia was in his house and was talking shit to him. At the Virus show Mike bombed and while grasping at straws he took a shot at Vos. I guess Rich held on to that. Of all the comedian regulars on the show (aside from Jimmy) Vos has been there the longest.


I could see how Vos is holding a grudge from the Virus show. It's O&A's house though, not Vos's & they say he can make fun of anyone. Like I said before, I think Mike is going along with the vibe of the show. Since, Vos doesn't like him, he's taking shit too personally.

[Flea_Man]

I thought yesterday was one of the best shows in a while. The fighting between Vos and Birbiglia was a definite highlight. I like Birbiglia, I think he's funny. Not my favorite by any means, not even top 20, but he's talented. I don't care if it's two comics I love and they smash each other, as long as it's good radio.

[Davefromphilly]

Is what you are trying to get across that Birbiglia has a set audience and if he is put into a situation where his fans aren't the majority he will not do well? So for instance, the "real comics" would be people who can perform and appeal to their audience regardless of the who is consists of.

thats not true either though. if jimmy or vos or burr performed in, say, a baptist church, they would bomb miserably.

[Flea_Man]

And btw, Vos taking on everyone at the XM side was brilliant. From the smashings they gave him, to the ones he was dealing out.


JBL: "I performed in front of 100,000 people."
Vos: "Really? You disappointed that many people at one time?"


Absolutely hilarious.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

And btw, Vos taking on everyone at the XM side was brilliant. From the smashings they gave him, to the ones he was dealing out.


JBL: "I performed in front of 100,000 people."
Vos: "Really? You disappointed that many people at one time?"


Absolutely hilarious.

Angry Roland is quickly becoming my new favorite thing on the show.

[Wickedballs]

thats not true either though. if jimmy or vos or burr performed in, say, a baptist church, they would bomb miserably.

I think any comedian would bomb in a Baptist Church. I meant that some comedians have their own audiences and if they go outside that they don't do as well. they may perform the material as well, but the crowd reaction isn't the same.

And btw, Vos taking on everyone at the XM side was brilliant. From the smashings they gave him, to the ones he was dealing out.


JBL: "I performed in front of 100,000 people."
Vos: "Really? You disappointed that many people at one time?"


Absolutely hilarious.

:hysterical:

[Davefromphilly]

I think any comedian would bomb in a Baptist Church. I meant that some comedians have their own audiences and if they go outside that they don't do as well. they may perform the material as well, but the crowd reaction isn't the same.

im with u there

[Pete]

I thought yesterday was one of the best shows in a while. The fighting between Vos and Birbiglia was a definite highlight. I like Birbiglia, I think he's funny. Not my favorite by any means, not even top 20, but he's talented. I don't care if it's two comics I love and they smash each other, as long as it's good radio.


i'm actually suprised by this. you usually don't like cheeseballs. but you're right it makes for good radio. eh maybe i just don't like the fucking guy. carry on.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

I think any comedian would bomb in a Baptist Church. I meant that some comedians have their own audiences and if they go outside that they don't do as well. they may perform the material as well, but the crowd reaction isn't the same.

I honestly think Birbiglia could kill in front of an O&A crowd, but no one gave him a chance.

[Fancy Man Frrrunkus]

I honestly think Birbiglia could kill in front of an O&A crowd, but no one gave him a chance.

:qft:

[Wickedballs]

I honestly think Birbiglia could kill in front of an O&A crowd, but no one gave him a chance.

I gotta say I don't think he deserved to be booed off stage, but I don't think he would have gotten the responses he is accustomed to.

[Flea_Man]

i'm actually suprised by this. you usually don't like cheeseballs. but you're right it makes for good radio. eh maybe i just don't like the fucking guy. carry on.

I hate cheesy horrible acts that aren't funny. I've also seen Birbiglia two times live, and other then that "my cracker friends" joke, he's done new stuff. Lamott, Leah, and I went to his special taping and I really enjoyed him. It's fine to not like a comic cause you don't think he's good. I don't think Geno Bisconte is funny.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

I hate cheesy horrible acts that aren't funny. I've also seen Birbiglia two times live, and other then that "my cracker friends" joke, he's done new stuff. Lamott, Leah, and I went to his special taping and I really enjoyed him. It's fine to not like a comic cause you don't think he's good. I don't think Geno Bisconte is funny.

Crazy talk sir.

Edit: I retract my statement actually he is kinda simple.

[Flea_Man]

Crazy talk sir.

I don't like the pandering to crowds. The "give it up for the troops" or "I love this city" jokes. Too many applause breaks. Maybe I'm also biased because of the stunt that Kidd Chris & crew pulled at the traveling virus last year. Tons of NYC comics I think stink. Guys like Marc Maron, James Smith, Julian Cullough, Ardie Fuqua just don't do anything for me.

There's soooooooooo many incredibly talented young NYC comics that I hope make it. I can start naming names but I don't think it matters.

[Flea_Man]

Typical, bad NYC comedy set:


Hey everyone, glad you could make it all out. First of all, I want you all to give it up for the troops in Iraq! They do a fantastic job there.

So is everyone from NYC? Oh you're not? Hahaha look at that guy over there. He's all like "no way man, I'm not raising my hand don't pick on me".

Yeah I love New York though. You ever notice that the cops still ride horses? I mean seriously? What are they doing, galloping to a bank robbery?

Speaking of the bank, why are there no pens there? At the post office they have an infinite number of them, but why can't there be any at the bank? is that what the robbers are after now?




^I should copywrite this stuff and sell it. I'm sure some hack will buy it and use it at Laugh Lounge.

[Pete]

I don't like the pandering to crowds. The "give it up for the troops" or "I love this city" jokes. Too many applause breaks. Maybe I'm also biased because of the stunt that Kidd Chris & crew pulled at the traveling virus last year. Tons of NYC comics I think stink. Guys like Marc Maron, James Smith, Julian Cullough, Ardie Fuqua just don't do anything for me.

There's soooooooooo many incredibly talented young NYC comics that I hope make it. I can start naming names but I don't think it matters.

sure it does. you know NYC comedy VERY well. i would totally listen to someone you reccommended. usually i agree with your comedy choices...usually.

[Flea_Man]

Another thing you ALWAYS hear from a bad NYC comic:



So that Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor now huh? How did that happen I can barely understand him. *bad impression* "I am the terminator I will be the governor look at my biceps". I wonder if he has all his movie posters in the office there.

Imagine if Arnold Schwarzenegger had any other job, like being a waiter? *bad impression* so how do you like your eggs cooked? sunny side up?

And then Jack Nicholson is there too right? *bad impression* You want the eggs, YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE EGGS!

And then Bill Cosby comes out *bad impression* "ahhaahahhahehhhehhehaeh" I like the jello pudding instead of the eggs.

[Wickedballs]

Flea writes hack gold

[Flea_Man]

sure it does. you know NYC comedy VERY well. i would totally listen to someone you reccommended. usually i agree with your comedy choices...usually.

You and I can probably rattle off 10 comics right now that we agree with and love. I think guys like Jason Good, Mike Yard, Warren Holstein, Chris McDevitt, Joe Matarese, Big Jay Oakerson, Joe Derosa, Pete Dominick, just to name a few relatively smaller names.

Then there are the bigger NYC names likes Judah Friedlander, Russ Meneve, Rick Shapiro, Ben Bailey (4 of my favs easily).

It's unfair to say "I like Norton, Patrice, Vos, Kelly, Burr, Florentine, Dipaolo, Giraldo". I love the younger guys building their way up in the backstabbing cruel world that is NYC stand up comedy.

[Flea_Man]

Flea writes hack gold

You should see all the stand up I used to write for myself. Btw, the most I performed in front of was 100 people at the Improv for a bringer show. I could say Last Pest Standing or the O&A Car Crash at Philly, but I don't think those "count". If they did, I performed for 250 people. Lolz.



I'm gonna start a thread actually. That will be fun.

[Pete]

remember the 80th time we saw (you know the comic i mean...sounds just like Fuss Redeve)? Flea stood in the back of Carolines and did this guy's entire set from memory inflections and all.

[Flea_Man]

remember the 80th time we saw (you know the comic i mean...sounds just like Fuss Redeve)? Flea stood in the back of Carolines and did this guy's entire set from memory inflections and all.

You're thinking Moe Jaterese.

"So I'm currently dating a psychologist. Which is weird right? I have a best friend that's 400 pounds, and he goes "that's like me dating a nutritionist"."

Or the women can rape men story from Kaurie Lilmartin.

[Pete]

You're thinking Moe Jaterese.

"So I'm currently dating a psychologist. Which is weird right? I have a best friend that's 400 pounds, and he goes "that's like me dating a nutritionist"."

Or the women can rape men story from Kaurie Lilmartin.


no but him and her too...brutal...all the holes we were with except leah kept shooshing you. i was laughing...i wouldn't have without the echo.

Joe's changed some shit around though.

[Flea_Man]

no but him and her too...brutal...all the holes we were with except leah kept shooshing you. i was laughing...i wouldn't have without the echo.

Joe's changed some shit around though.

Joe is great and a nice dude. The one thing that I always said about Matarese is that he's very "friendly" with his stand up. He talks about himself, dating, family, and very rarely swears.

If I had to tell someone about a comic that's a bit raunchy but friendly, it'd be him. His CD (Fixing Joe) also is incredibly well produced and shows that the audience loves him.



btw remember how AWFUL some of the "show hanger ons" were that came to these things? Not like you, myself, Leah, Jon..... but the ones that stood where we were and had horrible laughs? I think Annie was one of them. So annoying.

[Mikeimus_Prime]

I did retarct my statement. I thought he was funny on Rick Shapiro's SNV show, but I juyst saw some of his set & it was weak. It was like they were good jokes that were told unfunnily

[Pete]

I did retarct my statement. I thought he was funny on Rick Shapiro's SNV show, but I juyst saw some of his set & it was weak. It was like they were good jokes that were told unfunnily

Shapiro's alt i think. he's VERY good.

[dylan874]

I do fallow comedy & did you notice Jimmy didn't get involved? He likes Mike AND he hangs out with Patrice & Colin. I just think it's fucked that your separating Alternative comedians & "Real" comedians. Does everyone have to be angry & from the Cellar to be a "Real" comedian? The separatism is bullshit, because Vos likes Sarah Silverman, Arj Barker & his own wife which are considered Alternative comedians. The fact he doesn't see his own his hypocracy (& neither do you apparently) Just shows that he is a big child.




EDIT P.S. : Rogan & Stanhope are "Real" comedians but they're big with the Alt crowd. What's your take on them?

:qft:

[Lt. Dan]

I always viewed an alternative comedian as the dry college humor shit. (FotC, Zach Galifinakis) To me though, good comedy is good comedy, no matter what you're categorized as. I like Mike. I liked him before I even heard O&A, let alone before he came on. When Vos was saying at the end of the day "We're from different crowds. You wouldn't see me & Patrice & Colin hanging out with him," I was like "who gives a shit?" He's 51 & he acts like it's high school.

I know this is a few weeks after the fact, but I thought I'd get my opinion in on this matter.

I pretty much agree with Mikeimus_Prime on this one. Vos sounded much less like a guy trying to protect "comedic integrity" as he did a pissed off, insecure, defensive little douche because of Birbiglia's totally unharmful dig at Vos "working the crowd". I believe Mike meant no harm and has (or at least had) no animosity towards Vos, nor any disrespect for Vos' comedy, but Vos went off like an angry little kid, and wouldn't stop being a douche for four hours afterwards. What was that shit about Mike being a phony because he cried at one Mitch Hedburg tribute, but not the other? I think crying just either kind of comes over you or it doesn't. Most people try not to cry. If Mike was successful at avoiding crying, I'm not sure why that's at all phony or disrespectful to Hedburg. "I put in eight years on this show! I'm a legend!" Jesus.

Don't get me wrong. I still like Vos and I've seen his act and enjoy it quite a bit, but he acted like a douche that day, and Mike btw did a great job of smashing him back without losing his cool. It was also great radio. I enjoy the uncomfortable situations like that.

And for what it's worth, I think Mike's a decent standup. Not fantastic mind you, but he is decent. And I by no means think he's a hack. Certainly no more hackier than "Hello sir, where are you from?"

[Lt. Dan]

And btw, Vos taking on everyone at the XM side was brilliant. From the smashings they gave him, to the ones he was dealing out.


JBL: "I performed in front of 100,000 people."
Vos: "Really? You disappointed that many people at one time?"


Absolutely hilarious.

I would have to agree with that statement. Vos' putting himself in the situation where everyone would come back at him was very entertaining, not the least of which was Roland going off on him. I did like Vos' line there.

Opie: "you don't want to get on Roland's bad side."
Vos: "it'd take me a week to get around to his other bad side."

JBL's horse teeth jokes were killer, too. "oat chewing teeth" and "i want to put a bridle on him". On the replay I heard an "Eight Bells" reference that I had missed earlier.