Customer Reviews

These Are Jokes (W/Dvd)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first heard of Demetri Martin (who now is a correspondent of The Daily Show) when I saw his Comedy Central Presents special, which I'm sure is where a number of people first took note of him. And, I am happy to say, that timeless episode is featured on the DVD here. Demetri is the king of one-liners, such as "'employee of the month' is a good example of how somebody can be both a winner and a loser at the same time" or "bears and worms aren't very similar...until you think of gummi" or "glitter is the herpes of craft supplies." He doesn't do any shouting (e.g. Dane Cook) and doesn't use any unnecessary vulgarities, albeit there's a PA sticker on the cover. And he uses a guitar on some tracks, although he doesn't sing.

Starting with the cd, there are endless laughs that'll keep your LPM very high. "Some Jokes" (7 min), "Other Jokes" (1.5 min), "These Jokes" (6 min) and "Some More Jokes" (3.5 min) are the bits that are just jokes, without guitar. "The Start" (3 min) features a short intro by Demetri's Grandma, as well as some regular jokes. "The Remix" (5.5 min) is regular jokes, with keyboard in the background. "Personal Information Waltz" (7 min) uses that infamous waltz, and is helped by Will Forte (Saturday Night Live), with hilarious results. You have to hear it to believe it. "One Story" (7 min) gives you a day in the life of Demetri, as he plays guitar. And, finally, "The Jokes With Guitar" (13 min) is just that. "Sames And Opposites" (8 min) is really the only song on the cd, although it is great. All these tracks use most of the material from the Comedy Central bit, while the parts about batteries and butter were extended, for the better. There is also material from other performances he did on various late night talk shows, from the Invite Them Up cd, and a lot of new stuff. "The Grapes Song" and "The Wisdom Song" are not joke tracks, but actual songs. They're okay, but not as fun to listen to as the regular jokes. The hidden track is a story told by Demetri's Grandma, as Demetri plays guitar. It is weird, but again, okay.

The DVD features numerous tidbits of stuff. Highlights are the Comedy Central special, a commentary of that feature, a few jokes set to Demetri's animation, and two very early performances. The 'earlier' one is particularly great, making you wish he'd never given up on the material. There are also some songs, short documentaries and other things you can explore on your own.

Overall, this CD/DVD set is well worth any asking price. Demetri can make spot-on, witty observations about everyday things like checkers, swimming, greeting cards, sports bars, even that paper clip that pops in Word Processor, and have your eyes watering behind uncontrollable laughter. I like to think this is different than most of the comedy out there right now. But if you ask me, this is how comedy should be: too funny. Sort of....

don't listen to the previous review saying demetri has gone soft. that guy doesn't know what he is talking about and i also think he is a little bitter that he can't get any girls. the only people i know that complain about someone else catering to the 'ladies' is the guy who can't get any of the aforementioned 'ladies.' demetri martin is a very smart guy and his comedy showcases his intelligence. i just saw him live and his new material is just as funny as this cd. creating a whole new set of jokes is not an easy task, most comics hold on to jokes for a very long time and demetri, new to the public ears, is already on tour with a whole new set of jokes. he can improv, he can draw (pictures) funny material, he can come up with one liners, and best of all, after the punch line is delivered, he can still, sometimes quietly, throw in a line or two that is far funnier than the punchline. only larry david can make me laugh as much as demetri martin. demetri is really in a special class of comics, because he is just naturally funny, he doesn't have to try, he just has a really funny way of looking at things and thinking about things and he is my favorite comic right now. he can make anyone laugh, not just a specific group of people, and that is true talent.

From the moment I picked up the cd and saw a very demetri-esque sticker that read "this sticker is unnecessary" and I laughed, I knew the album would be a good one.

I followed demetri almost religiously before he released this cd, waiting for some sort of material other than his comedy central presents and few other random recordings/videos he made. This cd is worth the wait. It does incorporate some of the classic demetri, it has a huge amount of new content and twists on old content. This cd could be a great way to introduce yourself to demetri, or a great supplement of any collection of demetri material.

The bonus DVD is excellent as well, packed with all sorts of material, including some very early standup routines and some animated shorts he put to his old jokes.

In all, demetri definately gives you your money's worth, and I hope he can stay fresh with new material in the future. Hopefully he doesn't become another over-quoted comic like Dane Cook.

Granted, I do not own the album yet, but I will be purchasing it after I'm finished writing this. So, you might be thinking, "if he doesn't own the CD, how can he write I review?" The answer: I was there! That's right, the CD was recorded in downtown Chicago on Feb. 10, 2006 and I WAS THERE! It was without a doubt the most I have ever laughed in my entire life. The man is a genius both in comedy and IQ (there are several big words used). Demetri Martin: I don't know if you personally read these reviews, but if you do, Thank You. Thank you for being born and thus creating the funniest hour in the history of the universe. It was the greatest birthday present ever (oh yeah, forgot to mention that the tickets were a birthday present). I wish Amazon would let me give a higher rating than five stars.

This was such an amazing show (taped back in Feb '06 in Chicago). I brought my girlfriend with, who actually is on the CD a lot (during the talking bits, she's the loud giggly one who continues to laugh after the joke is over). Anyway, Demetri is an amazing artist, who shows that you don't need to be overly vulgar to be forkin' hysterical!

Demetri Martin is the best comedian I have heard in a long time. I took it to a party to lend it to a friend and somehow it ended up being the center the party. The host saw it and ended up playing the entire cd; the whole party listening intently and laughing hysterically.

First I'll explain my title. Don't expect the typical routine of, "Here I am; listen to me say a bunch of funny stuff." Demetri really pushes comedy to the limits. Expect guitar solos, glockenshpiels, and bells because this album has it all. You'll hear jokes told over light guitar picking and you'll hear jokes over electro beats. He tells plenty of jokes without background music, but in some cases it really does add to the hilarity of the joke.

I'm glad to say you won't hear very many pop culture or current event references. His rare style of comedy is fast and furious, very reminiscent of the late Mitch Hedberg. Short and sweet is the name of this man's game. By talking about everyday things I think his comedy should appeal to most people.

If you haven't seen his Comedy Central special then you'll get an extra treat by watching it on the bonus DVD. I was a little disappointed that it contains the edited version, but it complements the CD nicely. You'll also find a few other gems of his like drawings, old show clips, and his report card (that last one isn't a joke).

You shouldn't have any trouble finding some of his clips around the internet so check them out if you've never heard his comedy before. Don't think the CD is a lot of rehash either. For every joke you've already heard he has about 10 ones you haven't.

Last but not least I want to warn you not to listen to this CD while driving. I almost hit a few cars swerving out of my lane.

I snagged this CD a few days ago and was absolutely pleased with it. It's just a lot of fun from beginning to end. He reminds me of a sober Mitch Hedberg in some ways but I don't want to get carried away with that comparison. I say this because both have a great knack for throwing out ridiculous ideas from DEEP left field ... stuff that makes you wonder "where the crap did he even come up with that?" But stylewise, Demetri has his own little thing happening, with a very unassuming delivery, and he likes to mix it up with other means of creativity as well, using his sketch drawings or throwing in some guitar to give things a different flavor. (I guess that makes it very low-tech multi-media comedy.)

This is not topical humor at all. Demetri doesn't pick up on a theme and roll with it for ten minutes or so. Think of the absolute opposite of Lewis Black and there you go. He throws out a joke, we laugh, on to the next joke, lather, rinse, repeat. I'm a big fan of topical humor and developing on a theme, but I don't mind Martin not doing that cuz he's so dang entertaining.

Also, yes, this album does have a parental guidance sticker on it ... but it really ain't all that dirty. If you get bent out of shape about it, yes there are a small handful of F-words and S-words ... but he doesn't get carried away with it. I also bought a D.L. Hugley album which was just so peppered with unnecessary profanity ... it gets tired. Vulgarity can be used well for effect, but when you start to sound like you're incapable of walking and talking at the same time unless you curse, it gets stale. Demetri doesn't waste time with things that just don't belong. This is a talented young man and I give a strong recommendation to anyone to go check it out.

Demetri -- YOU ARE SO FUNNY!!!
Demetri keeps the laughs coming on the CD, but I think his Yiayia Dina actually steals the show a bit with her absolutely wonderful Greek accent. You will be laughing when she talks about "peaches" and not wanting to hear the "b-word, and the c-word, and the f-word" at Demetri's concerts.

There is a song about Sames and Opposites that is hilarious and a segment with Will Forte that will bring tears to your eyes.

Demetri, your ability to play with the English language and to highlight the arbitrariness of so many words would make any English teacher proud.

The only thing better than this CD and DVD is being able to see Demetri live -- we are so excited for the tour!! YOU ROCK, DEMETRI!

Yes, Dimtri Martin sounds a bit like a less-medicated Mitch Hedberg, who sounded a bit like a more-medicated Steven Wright. But his material is just so funny, and his timing so spot-on that it's easy to overlook. Plus, on contrast to either of those obvious influences, Martin strolls a little bit into exposition as opposed to the monotonous rhythm of set-up:punchline, set-up:punchline... that could drive a listener a little bats on Hedberg's "Mitch All Together" recording. In contrast to the frat-oriented humor of the Dane Cook conglomerate, this is actually modern humor that most generations can get into. Boomers will see similarities to George Carlin (ref., FM/AM).

Drop this entire CD into your iPod or Zune, listen on your way to work and I guarantee you will arrive where you're going a refreshed state of mind.