President’s Day with Mr. Beat [Feature]

Happy President’s Day, Everyone! Yeah, very happy. It’s the day off school that we just sort of take and quickly move on, as we all know that there are far too many asterisks involved with this particular holiday. Take that last sentence and substitute the words “Columbus Day”, and see how that just fits right in there. But, being enthusiastic about history is a concept that we can truly get behind. Even if we don’t believe that an entire day is needed to “celebrate” our founding fathers, history can be an exciting and interesting topic for sure!

Some of you long time readers may recognize the name Mr. Beat, right from the jump. It’s been about 7 years since we covered his wonderful albums about the, you guessed it, the Presidents of the United States of America. Check out President’s Day…the Indie Way! Mr. Beat has also appeared as a beloved Guest Wrecker in the past, and we even featured one of his earlier YouTube videos during the early days of its existence. He has been a dear friend of Trainwreck’d Society back when we simply called him Mr. Electric Needle Room. Oh, and how can we forget about his wonderful contribution to the now long forgotten Children of Mercy. Thanks again for that, Matt!

I was recently very pleased to notice that the Mr. Beat YouTube page has been blowing up! He has reached close to 13.5 million views and has reached audiences from across the globe. The production value of each video only continues to strengthen, and the best part of it all….people are LEARNING! Learning in a very fun way! I know we have thrown quite a bit of the proverbial shade at “YouTubers” in the past, but I am here to say that I fully respect and recommend the work of our dear friend, Mr. Beat. He has several different segments covering different subjects. From “Supreme Court Briefs” to his “Compared” series, they are all wonderful!

So, I thought it would be an appropriate President’s Day “celebration” to share with you all a few of my favorite Mr. Beat videos. Be sure to subscribe to the Mr. Beat YouTube channel, and leave some nice comments his way. It is possible to leave nice comments on YouTube, right? Anyway, tell him we sent you and, well, you won’t get anything for it. But all parties would be very appreciative! Also, if you find Mr. Beat to be truly compelling (as you should), why not sign up for the Mr. Beat Patreon?

 

“Washington and Oregon Compared”

 

 

 

Supreme Court Briefs: “Can Religion Get You Out of School? Wisconsin v. Yoder”

 

 

“The American Presidential Election of 1796”

 

 

Story Time with Mr. Beat: “The Lost Generation Writers Explained”

 

 

 

“The Dust Bowl (Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” parody) feat. @MrBettsClass

 

 

“Why Do People Hate Jews”

 

 

 

New Music Tuesday: Ph4de feat. Kap G – Don’t Say Much [Single]

 

In 2019, we are attempting to reach out into different realms of music than we have in the past. Of course, we are going to keep on showcasing our normal stuff, but expansion of the mind can be a beautiful thing. Today we are talking about hip hop. Specifically, we are talking about the new wave of hip hop that is very intriguing, even to an old head like myself.

If you happened to notice in our 2018 end of year lists, there were quite a few new age mainstream artists making appearances, including the likes of Post Malone (a.k.a. the auto-tuned Kurt Cobain) appearing 3 times in our Top 40 Singles list. This may have shocked some of our avid readers, but this has been a experiment of all things new that has been occurring (for me personally) over the last coupe of years. I’ve been attempting to appreciate what the new generation has to offer. I know in my heart of hearts that there is so pretty incredible stuff out there to enjoy. And it’s not as though we have ever strayed from the world of hip hop and R&B. It’s always been an important part of the Society. But, in all fairness, it’s always been a showcase of the underground hip hop artists that we still love and adore. Which leads me to today’s showcase:

 

 

Jacksonville raised artist Ph4de may not be a household name….yet. But, with his recent signing to In Vogue Records, and the release of this “Don’t Say Much” featuring Kap G, it is absolutely clear that he is destined to be a contender in the mainstream hip hop world. Press releases and critics alike will tell you: “Eminem level lyricism meets Drake’s melody over Travis Scott production.” And you know what..sure? Why not. These are indeed three very big names that could draw a viable comparison to what Ph4de is trying to do. But, I truly believe that he has abilities beyond this level. With “Don’t Say Much”, Ph4de has managed to combine every element of modern day hip hop and pop music that is practically required to be a hit record. But, with a bit of a twist. Ph4de and Kap G both manage to bring a two-word-a-second collection of bars that is oddly reminiscent of the old days that this aging writer can remember adoring. And yet, they modernize the whole damn thing with a catchy chorus that would work in the club, or on a light night drive in a car you probably think is nicer than it really is. It’s catchy, fun, and just down right entertaining.

Ph4de is planning to release a series of singles leading up to a brand new EP. And I can tell you all that I will definitely be watching closely for what the future holds for this incredible young artist. I can seriously only see great things for this cat. It is artists like this that make me feel as though the future of hip hop is going to be just fine. With emphasis on highly produced beats and at least a slight emphasis on the importance of having a great flow, Ph4de is the future that hip hop needs.

Follow Ph4de for yourself at the following: Instagram: @PH4DE Twitter: @PH4DE Facebook: Facebook.com/PH4DE Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/PH4DE http://www.PH4DE.com

Check out this lyric video for “Don’t Say Much” courtesy of the In Vogue Records YouTube channel:

 

Philanthropy Thursday: Children Incorporated [Feature]

When you think about it, charity can be a tough business.  As Larissa MacFarquhar writes in her best seller Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, “The life of a zealous do-gooder is a kind of human sublime…confronting it, you see its formidable nobility, and at the same time, you sense uncomfortably that you would not survive it for long.”

That sublime ambition is what Children Incorporated tries to bring to its donors and supporters – a sense of connecting someone who can give with someone who so desperately needs help.  Since 1964, Children Incorporated has extended its reach to over 250,000 children, spread across 23 countries and through over 300 programs and outreach projects. Operating without religious or political affiliation, and with a lean staff of 16 located at headquarters in Virginia, sponsorship donations and volunteer support are the lifeblood of the organization.

For people like Shelley Callahan, Director of Development for Children Incorporated, the everyday work of global charity relief is less of a superhuman exercise in sublime divinity than it is simply magnifying the many generous actions of donors, supporters, and others who can only give “a little.”  “Working for Children Incorporated has made me a much more considerate and patient person,” Callahan observes, “but it’s also made me realize that the most important thing anyone can do is give back. You can do something small, and make a huge difference.”

Since it was founded by Jeanne Clarke Wood in 1964, Children Incorporated has engaged in direct sponsorship of specific children.  After witnessing poverty on a trip to Guatemala, Wood began writing letters to friends and colleagues asking for donations that would specifically match them with one of the 95 children she met on her travels.  Since then, all of the organization’s work has revolved around connecting donors to individual children. As the organization reaches these children all around the world, they also find ways to engage in other local projects and relief efforts that help improve the children’s lives from the outside as well.

Direct sponsorship is behind one of Children Incorporated’s current high-profile projects, inspired by the 20th anniversary of the self-help best-seller Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson.  The book proved a boom for Children Incorporated in 1997 when Carlson wrote about giving to charity, “There are many find agencies to choose from, but my personal favorite is Children Incorporated…the experience has brought tremendous joy and satisfaction to my family.”  “Dr. Carlson’s mention was one of the most meaningful things to ever happen to our organization,” says Callahan. “Thousands of impoverished children were helped as a result.” Now, Carlson’s widow Kristine is continuing that legacy, partnering with Children Incorporated to generate 2000 new sponsorships, with the Richard Carlson Memorial Foundation pledging $5000 in matching donations.  

For Callahan, working on behalf of Children Incorporated involves travel to points near (Appalachia, the inner city, and the reservation) and far (the rainforests of Bolivia and Southeast Asia).  Callahan not only manages the organization’s communications, but is the social correspondent for the web series “On the Road,” where she is able to highlight individual and community success stories and bring evidence of the effectiveness of donor support into the digital spotlight.

Her job also means celebrating the recent accomplishments of Children Incorporated’s successful community based projects, such as the recent effort to add seven classrooms to a school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  “It’s easy to see the impact of these projects on the lives of individuals,” explains Callahan, “but we also see how the entire community benefits.” The new classrooms, for example, meant that there could be adult literacy classes offered at night for the first time, and members of the community have pooled their resources to buy AC units for the new buildings.  “We can claim that our reach is more than twice as much as the individual children we directly sponsor, because it always includes siblings, family members, neighbors, and others who benefit.”

 

The same goes for another project in Bolivia, Villa Emelia, a home for women who are transitioning from living on the streets.  “It’s a place to stay, with their children, as well as a factory that makes garments and school uniforms to give them new job skills and work towards sustainable living situations.”  The Catholic nuns who have partnered with Children Incorporated in the region have also developed a program where they purchase property that the women can pay the mortgage on as they earn.  “They had eight plots of land that were ready to go, and we were able to step in with the funding needed to actually build new homes.”

Callahan explains that each new project must be carefully planned and vetted before donors are approached for support.  “We always have a general idea about what we can do, but we need to assess everything before we fundraise, and then look to our existing donor base and ask them is this what they would want to support?”  Looking towards visits to Sri Lanka and India this summer, Callahan says that recent efforts are geared towards broader environmental issues like clean water solutions, as well as the more traditional efforts of providing shelter, clothing, and basics for sponsored individual children.

While many efforts are focused overseas –such as providing growing shoes and group homes to children in Costa Rica and Nicaragua – Children Incorporated also has projects in several states, notably in the Appalachian region.  “We have a lot of coordinators in Kentucky that have made for a great partnership, but we also have programs for children in Arizona and New Mexico, and inner cities like Detroit, and locally in Richmond and Washington DC,” Callahan explains.  “Most people think of urban poverty, but rural poverty in the mountains is a real challenge. Beyond the beautiful scenery, you have kids who live miles away from their schools, where the only transportation might be the school bus, with roads that are inaccessible in the winter.  Many of these kids live with extended family, separated from their parents because of abuse or neglect.” While American children, unlike their foreign peers, are at least guaranteed some sort of education and basic health care, they still lack many of the basics. One of Children Incorporated’s more successful programs is “Backpack Feeding” – literally stuffing kids’ backpacks full of easy-to-make food on a Friday, since they might not have access to food until school resumes on Monday.  “Poverty looks different in the U.S.,” says Callahan, “but no child is better or worse off – poverty has an impact wherever it is. Our programs remind kids that someone is looking out for them when they don’t have that anywhere else in their life.”

That brings Callahan back to the central point of the mission she shares with Children Incorporated:  the life of charity isn’t at all about realizing the potential of her own goodness, but simply a way to facilitate and magnify the generosity of others.  “There’s so much that each person can do for a child’s confidence,” she reflects. “I didn’t realize how privileged I was to have parents who kept me safe and educated and encouraged me to do things, until I meet children that didn’t have that. We don’t have to be superheroes to make a difference – I don’t do anything out of the ordinary except to tell these stories and be a voice for the voiceless.  We just want people to understand that it’s very easy to give back, it’s important to do something outside of yourself, because every gesture you make in that regard, whether it’s for Children Incorporated or somewhere else, is very valuable.”

 Grammy-award winning artist Rosanne Cash who has been a supporter of Children Incorporated for 30 years sums it up perfectly:

“The personal attention to the children and programs is exceptional and rare, but what is really unique about Children Incorporated is that they know who they are. They have a vision for their best, most productive self; one that retains their uniqueness and effectiveness, and they are acting on realizing that vision. You can trust them. You will know you are truly helping real children, in real time, and you will know how every penny you give is spent.”

Learn more about Children Incorporated at their website:

https://childrenincorporated.org/

 

STAY TUNED FOR PART II ON CHILDREN INCORPORATED, COMING TOMORROW (SEPT. 14TH) WITH A WONDERFUL INTERVIEW WITH SHELLEY CALLAHAN HERSELF!!!

New Music Tuesday: Nikhil D’Souza – Blind [Video]

Hello Folks! Regular readers here at Trainwreck’d Society may remember that a few months ago we shared Nikhil D’Souza’s brilliant single “Silver & Gold”. Well, suffice to say that we simply cannot get enough of this guy! We are here again on a New Music Tuesday to tell you all about another single from Nikhil, as well as an amazing video, entitled “Blind”. It is another prime example of why this Mumbai-born singer/songwriter is in a class all of his own. Beautiful as it is witty, charming as it is disheartening, “Blind” is an absolutely brilliant track that you all need to hear. And better yet, watch! Check out this brilliantly produced video of “Blind”, and be sure to catch Nikhil on tour, as he has done extensively throughout 2018. He’s a heck of a guy, and we so look forward to hearing from him in the future! Keep the singles coming, Sir! We live for this!

 

 

Nikhil is set to head out with The Striking Matches on their upcoming UK tour. Check out his WEBSITE for details on tickets, and more!

Dates:

September 6th, 2018 – Glasgow, UK @ Oran More

September 7th, 2018 – Sheffield, UK @ The Leadmill

September 9th, 2018 – Bristol, UK @ Thekla

New Music Tuesday: Nikhil D’Souza – Silver & Gold [Single]

“During early writing sessions I had a conversation about how relationships these days don’t seem to last. It’s like people get together then due to other options it becomes a matter of convenience. It’s so easy to end that relationship. But silver & gold signifies staying together and you have to really put an effort into it, It actually comes from the colour of hair. It also refers to the change of colour in your hair as you age and staying together through all of that.” – Nikhil D’Souza

What a lovely sentiment, isn’t it? I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to explain the track myself, so I thought I would let Nikhil do the work. “Silver & Gold” is an absolute delight of a track for anyone who loves a slightly anthemic and brilliantly crafter singer/songwriter vibe. I truly adore Nikhil’s enchanting vocals, that operatic feel of the whole track, and just a beautiful theme for a song. The sentiment of trying to understand what it truly means to love is not an unusual topic for a song, but when it is done as well as this one, it feel fresh and exciting.

Nikhil will be releasing a full length album in the coming year, and if the rest of that trackless is as provocative and down right classy as “Silver & Gold”, we are sure to be in for a real treat in 2018. I know I will be on the look out, and it would behoove you to do the same. I am confident that one listen to this track (see the video below!) and you will be as hooked as I am. Enjoy!

Tour Dates:-

April 9^th – Village Underground, London – supporting Lissie & Milk & Bone

May 5^th – Live At Leeds

May 17/18th – The Great Escape

May 21^st – The Waiting Room, London

 Follow Nik

https://www.facebook.com/Nikhildsouzamusic/

https://twitter.com/NikhilDsouza5

https://www.instagram.com/nikhilmusic/

You can stream “Silver & Gold” via Spotify right HERE. Or download the track HERE. Also check out the song right now, with this incredible video for the song:

New Music Tuesday: Ciaran Lavery – When I Come Around [Cover]

Let me begin today’s New Music Tuesday segment by saying that the artist showcased here today, Ciaran Lavery, is a true modern treasure. I have been a fan of this Irish singer/songwriter since I discovered his track “Left For America” on Spotify a couple of years ago. Since then, I have manage to indulge in just about everything is has recorded, and I will say that he is one of the best out there right now. And today we have something very special to share with you fine folks.

“When I Come Around” has always been my favorite track from Green Day’s seminal classic album Dookie, and easily my favorite Green Day track in general. This was a pivotal track for me in my life when I first heard it as a youngster with early developmental teenage angst. I think I was 10 years old when I first heard it, but I was developing my distaste for society very early. It is an all around perfect song, to say the least. And now the delightful Ciaran Lavery has brought us a new take on this 23 year old classic jam.

Lavery brings his brilliant brand of soft storytelling to one of the greatest pop-punk songs of all time. I love a good cover, especially when it is done with a great amount of originality. When an artist can manage to put their own spin on an already wonderful track, it is indeed something very special. And Ciaran’s take on “When I Come Around” may very well be one of the best covers I have ever heard. I would be will to put it up against Lotte Kestner’s “Halo” or Naama Hillman’s “Ring of Fire” in a hypothetical competition and I believe it would easily be the victor amongst giants.

Seriously folks, you are really going to love this one. I simply can not recommend it enough.

Check out Ciaran Lavery’s brilliant cover of “When I Come Around”, right here:

Angel Russell [Artist]

I will be the first to admit, I am truly fascinated by multi-faceted artists. It is a sort of fascination that moves beyond jealousy for a person’s abilities in the same field as yourself, and moves into more of a total awe for the fact that this person can do so much, at any given time. Some people in this world where simply destined to be artists. They were destined to create. The truly great artists of the world tend to be the type of folks who can have discovered the ability to showcase their entire livelihood and spirit into whatever art they have chosen to use to express themselves. And as I mentioned, sometimes people can perform these acts in a multitude of ways and means. And if you weren’t quite able to make the guess just yet, the amazing artist Angel Russell is without a doubt one of the finest multi-faceted artists I have ever known. And I would like to tell you all a bit about her, using the only format I know how to create with, which happens to be one of the many formats that Angel has done far better than I have in. It all comes back around people.

I have known Angel for at least the last 6-7 years. Her name and work has been a main stay in my musical recollections and appreciation from the very first time her name was brought up to me when I was just starting out in this dirty and somewhat shameful business of blogging, specifically music blogging dealing with mainly independent music. In fact, my creative relationship with Angel truly began to take place around the now fabled times of that little book I have mentioned every once in a while known as Children of Mercy. A lot of you may already know the story, so I won’t bother retelling it, but it is suffice to say that when I went on a hunt in late 2010 to look for some of the best artists I had managed to interact with digitally over the previous couple of years, Angel Russell was definitely a name I was looking to have included in the project. And alongside her business partner Spencer Thurlow, she provided one of the finest insertions in the the final product that was Children of Mercy. And I will always be eternally thankful. The book is out there somewhere, probably, so if you are truly interested, good luck on your hunt to find it. It is lost somewhere in the darkened alleys of promise and misfortune, or just casually tossed amongst the cookbooks and religious material at any given Value Village between Spokane, Washington and Lincoln, Nebraska. But I digress, we are here to talk about Angel.

Angel Russell has spent the majority of her adult life creating. She is a full blown CREATOR. Whether it is music, poetry, art, jewelry, what-have-you’s, and what-have-you-nots, she can do it. And she can do it well. Angel’s music has always been my preferred choice of self expression, but dammit if I could pull off some of those great feather earrings I’ve noticed her hocking on line, I would totally go for it. Angel is a master wordsmith in both lyric and poetry (Poetry fans, you have to check out her blog, Lost Ghost, you won’t be let down), as well as being an instrumental mastermind who can slay on guitar, piano, trumpet, drums, bass, basically anything that makes delightful noises, she can figure it out. She also is definitely not afraid to move between several different genres of music, constantly experimenting with the plethora of sound that is available in the world. While I will always have a sort of fondness for the simpler acoustic sound of one of her first albums, Sunken Ships and Parlor Tricks, it definitely doesn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying her dabbling into the world of electronic and hip hop music on an album like Alexander Great and Tiger Lilly. That’s right people, the girl also raps. When I said multi-faceted, I fucking meant it.

But, let’s get down to brass tax here, people. Angel has something special for you all, readily available and awaiting your spiritual consumption. While it may seem cliche to say that Angel is really “putting it all out there” this time around, I would actually be giving a literal translation of what is happening. Angel Russell has decided that it was time to clean house, and has now made all of her musical recordings available for purchase via her bandcamp page, at an extremely reasonable and terrific rate, as well. That’s right holy shoppers, for just $69 dollars, you can pick up 9 (NINE!) beautiful records of many different varieties instantly! Let me show you in pictures just so we are clear:

Do you get it now? This is an amazing deal on some amazing music. 9 beautiful albums that will keep you mesmerized for a lifetime, or at least a few physical hours if you managed to sit still long enough to enjoy it all. So, now that I know you are in, just head to:

 

Angel Russell’s Bandcamp Page

Seriously everyone, this is a helluva deal. And through the glory of Bandcamp, you don’t even have take my word for it. You can actually give a few dozen listens on the page, which will surely lead you to pulling out all those stocking stuffed gift cards you have been wondering what to do with over the last few weeks. Angel has you covered!

Just to reiterate, Angel Russell is a god damned genius, to put it simply enough. We love what she has done as an artist, and what she will definitely continue to do. And if you are not in the market for some beautiful music at the moment, be sure to check out her other ventures that might help her put food in her stomach, but more importantly some warmth in her heart and yours. Watch her Big Cartel Page for some of Angel’s amazing handcrafted jewelry, or maybe spruce up your life a bit with some Sparrow Wise Art. Whatever type of art you may find yourself gravitating towards, Angel is surely able to bring you exactly what you need. She is exactly the type of artist we need in these soon to be strange a drastic times. And she is exactly the type of person who deserves the chance to continue working on her art as a livelihood, for the world would be even more lost and doomed if her already undeserving of this plain and boring existence were to disappear. We need people like Angel in this world. More importantly, we need Angel in the world of art, right where she belongs.

So all hail the Sparrow, and support one of the greatest multi-faceted artists of our time!!!

20 Great Stand Up Comedians with Less than 200K Followers [Exclusive]

 

I have to preface this piece by stating two things.

Number 1: If you are already a fan of stand up comedy in any way, shape, or form, you’re probably not going to learn a damn thing here. You will probably know 100% of these people. So, this may not be entirely for you. I created this for the casual stand up comedy viewer. Basically, this is a list of comedians who I am consistently surprised that I have to explain who they are to co-workers, friends, etc. I personally wanted to have a full article that I can simply send to people when they are “looking for some stand up to watch”. So many of these great and talented folks below have specials on Netflix, a platform everyone fuckin’ has, but may not have been willing to dedicate an hour to somebody they don’t really know. I’m here to say, WATCH IT Donnie from sales! WATCH IT Gena from HR! WATCH IT! Again, comedians and huge fans of comedy will probably just disregard this article. Which is fine. So just to be clear, this is not an “up and coming” best list. These people have already came again and again (all pun intended).

Number 2: I don’t really give a shit about the Twitter count. I know this seems hypocritical, which is definitely not beyond me, since it’s in the fucking title. But, seriously, I don’t give a shit. I don’t think it is indicative or representing of the persons talent and/or popularity. So why did I use it as a ranking system? Well, I needed SOMETHING to make some order of the chaos. I didn’t want to just throw 20 people’s pictures on a page at random say, “Here. Like them.” No, I needed some kind of standard to set. I’m not positive if it truly works, but nevertheless, it is what it is. So, I went with comedians with less than 200K Twitter Followers. Why 200K? Well, it goes with 20, which is a good solid number. That’s about it. It’s basically an easy way to set some of my favorite comedians apart from their peers who EVERYONE fuckin’ knows, and who I am also a huge fan of. I absolutely adore Bill Burr, Louis CK, Marc Maron, Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer, Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, and on and on. They are crazy successful for good obvious reasons. They put in the work, and everyone knows them. This list below is a list of people that everyone SHOULD know, but I am always talking about to blank faces. And it has to stop!

So, that is enough for my preemptive strike against the potential naysayers. Now let’s begin!

 

Bert Kreischer

Twitter count: 166K. @bertkreischer. If you are a fan of the Travel Channel, you may know him as Bert The Conquerer. In 1997 he was named Top Partier in the country at the top party school in the country, Florida State University, and was sub sequentially the inspiration to the 2002 hit comedy National Lampoon’s Van Wilder. His also a semi-regular on the popular Doug Benson hosted podcast Doug Loves Movies. He is always on the road, and quite possibly coming to a city near you! He’s also prone to taking his shirt off, and is probably the comedian I seem to hear most other comedians talk about. Bert has that likable spirit to him that is impossible not to love. Without every meeting the man, you can simply get that vibe that he would be a perfect person to be friends with, and a dude you could totally trust around your wife alone. And he also always showing up on random podcasts I love, and is always a delight to hear. Podcast: Bertcast.

 

Ari Shaffir

Twitter count: 152K. @AriShaffir. Ari became popular with his delightfully offensive sketches known as The Amazing Racist where he manages to offend damn near everyone, especially the dummies of the world who thought it was unscripted footage. He is also the host and creator of Comedy Central’s This Is Not Happening, a brilliant show where comedians and entertainers share embarrassing and/or hilarious stories based around a certain subject. You can also find most of the episodes on YouTube. But I warn you, if you are new to the show, it is highly addictive and will send you down a very long rabbit hole, so give yourself some time. Ari is also not shy at all about his use of explicit drugs. Anything you need to know about mushrooms, Ari is your guy! Podcast: Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank.

 

Iliza

Twitter count: 149K. @iliza. The artist formerly known as Iliza Shlesinger recent shorted her name just down to her first name, but it does not change the fact that she is one of the hardest working stand up comedians and television stars on the planet. In 2008 she took the crown on the hit reality show Last Comic Standing and has been a household name in the comedy world ever since. She has also hosted Separation Anxiety on TBS, alongside her adorable little dog perfectly named Blanche. She has two AMAZING comedy specials on Netflix right now, Freezing Hot and the recent Confirmed Kills. She also (told you she works hard!), has a great series of shorts on ABC Digital called Forever 31. Side note, her name is incredibly frustrating to type with autocorrect! Podcast: Truth & Iliza.

 

Tom Segura

Twitter count: 85.4K. @tomsegura. Tom was one of those comedians I always know was around, and apparently a legend. And in all honesty, it took me a while to come around. That was until I heard him on an episode of Bertcast (see above) along with Bill Burr and laughed like an idiot alone in my car. So I finally watched his special Mostly Stories on Netflix, and he instantly skyrocketed in my mind as one of the best comedians working today, as well as onto my bucket list of acts I need to see live before I am consumed by alcoholism and can not longer see straight. Yes, he’s that fucking good. Podcast: Your Mom’s House.

 

Theo Von

Twitter count: 65.6K. @Theovon. Theo Von was simply a Netflix discovery for me. He had a special, and I hadn’t seen it or really knew who he was. But, I’ll be god damned if I didn’t roll with laughter and searched for everything he has ever been a part of. His Netflix special is called No Offense, and is appropriately titled. My wife would later inform me that he was a very popular reoccurring star on hit MTV reality shows like Road Rules and Real World/Road Rules Challenge and all of their respected spin-offs. The guy has collected a massive body of work in television, but it is his stand up that I appreciate the most, hand’s down. Podcast: Allegedly with Theo Von & Matthew Cole Weiss.

 

Tig Notaro

Twitter count: 65.5K*. Tig Notari was one of those comedians I would occasionally see and thought was very funny, but didn’t follow so much until I kept hearing about insanely popular documentary (available on Netflix) simply titled Tig that was largely about her battle with breast cancer which would lead to her making the choice to have a double mastectomy. She proved herself as such a brave person, who also happens to be so God damned funny. Tig is constantly referred to as a Comedian’s comedian, which I actually think is a bit insulting, although not meant with malice. She’s just so damn good at her job that she has gained a massive amount of respect

*Stats as of November 3rd, 2016. Tig has apparently left Twitter, for the moment.

 

Ali Wong

Twitter count: 57.4K. @aliwong. Ali Wong appeared on an episode of WTF and simply blew me away. I was instantly intrigued to learn more about this brilliant comedian. And she did not disappoint on her recent Netflix special Baby Cobra. She drew a bit of attention because she did the show 7 months pregnant, which had never been done before. But, the real draw was just how raw she is in her act. It’s absolutely brilliant and stands on its own for sure. She definitely deserves props for breaking ground on a new idea, but it’s really about her amazing talent, and that is what I respect the most.

 

Lauren Ashley Bishop

Twitter count: 57.3K. @sbellelauren. When it comes to Twitter, no one tops the Lady Bishop. She is consistently hilarious on this format, and obviously in her act as well. I actually had the great opportunity to see Lauren perform at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar back in 2010. And she absolutely destroyed as a comedian, and not just as a beautiful woman standing before I large group of sexually deprived men and women. She killed it on talent, and talent alone. Not to mention a few great bits about how Air Force PT uniforms are rape proof. I’ve been following her since that night 6 1/2 years ago, and will continue to do so as she comedies across the country.

 

Trevor Moore

Twitter count: 48.8K. @trevormoore. As the undeniable frontman behind one of the greatest sketch comedy troupes of all time, The Whitest Kids U Know, Trevor Moore has proven himself to be one of the most well rounded funnymen of all time. You can find him, fucking EVERYWHERE. He had a stint as the “man on the street” on the Tonight Show, he tours the country with WKUK, he currently writes for a prank show on the Disney Channel, and has two of the greatest music centric Comedy Central specials of all time. Seriously, if you are uninformed of this brilliant man’s work, you have a shit ton of catching up to do. There are hours of WKUK sketches awaiting your viewing on YouTube, and his latest special, High In Church, is absolutely brilliant. As an added bonus, if you are someone completely saddened by the recent election results, please listen to “Time For Guillotines”. It is the perfect perspective. And I will say what I always seem to say, “Trevor Moore is one of my favorite people that I have never met.”

 

Sherrod Small

Twitter count: 46.4K. Sherrod is another guy that you sort of just find everywhere! From VH1, to ESPN, and at clubs across the glove, you will find this man at some point. I will admit that the most in-depth attention I have paid to Mr. Small is on the podcast Race Wars that he co-hosts with Kurt Metzger. His very direct observations of the world are nothing short of brilliant. In the stand up and television world, Sherrod has made a name for himself as being incredibly blunt and honest with what he says. And most importantly, he’s god damned hilarious. And that is what truly counts. Podcast: Race Wars.

 

Mark Normand

Twitter count: 36.3K. I honestly cannot remember why I got so infatuated with Mark Normand. I know I fell in love with his podcast he does with Joe List, Tuesdays With Stories, the first time I heard it, but I can’t remember why I started listening. But, I will say that I am extremely happy that I found his work. I’ve since watched just about every stand up or interview he has done. For the last few months, Mark has been opening for Amy Schumer across the globe, and is definitely in line to be the next big thing. He had a brilliant appearance on Louis CK’s Horace and Pete. His new special “Don’t Be Yourself” is on its way, and is guaranteed to be god damned delightful! Podcast: Tuesdays With Stories.

 

Kurt Metzger

Twitter count: 30.5K. When it comes to comedians who simply aren’t afraid to “go there”, you simply can’t do better than Kurt Metzger. Kurt is a brilliant old school meets new wave sort of comic. His stand up is unmeasurable in so many ways, as well as incomparable to anyone else you have seen before. He’s publicly stated that he doesn’t really like to write for television shows and doesn’t give a shit about Emmy’s, but he has done some brilliant work in that field, and was nominated for 4 Emmy’s (for his work on Inside Amy Schemer). Just another example of a pure genuine Funny Person. He’s fucking hilarious. And lest we forget his brilliant performance and every single episode of Horace & Pete, which consisted of some of his own material as well as some brilliantly delivered lines from Louis CK. Not to mention his voice over work for Ugly Americans. This motherfucker just has it all. Podcast: Race Wars.

Lachland Patterson

Twitter count: 24.2K. @lachjaw. Lachland Patterson is actually the only headliner I have seen in an actual comedy club. It was at a Funny Bone in St. Louis with my dad. We didn’t intentionally go to see Lachland, he just happened to be there at a convenient time when I was in town, and we wanted to watch a comedy show. And I will be damned if we didn’t make it for one of the best performances of anything ever. I believe it was a Thursday night, with only about 30 people in the house. Patterson even said during his act to a waitress, “It’s so dead in here, I can actually hear you working”, or something of that nature. It was also Cinco De Mayo, so seeing a crazy tall white dude talk funny for a while might not have been on everyone’s radar for the night. But, the dude killed it for the few of us, I bought is album, and I have been a huge fan ever since. He might have an unfair edge for a comedy club novice such as myself, but I am definitely willing to put his talent up against the likes of the millionaires in the business that everyone loves and adores. He did very well in Last Comic Standing, and for damn good reasons. In the long run, the dude is funny as shit. And what is what is important, right?

Tiffany Haddish

Twitter count: 23K. @TiffanyHaddish. For those unaware of Haddish’s act, you will probably know her better from her crazy list of credits in the film and television world. She has appeared in over a dozen films, including the Key & Peele project Keanu, and probably three times as many television shows. But, your stand up is the most admirable of all. What I love about Tiffany the most, is her incredible diversity on stage. Seriously folks, I have not seen another comedian that can transfer from jokes about flying and go right into a joke about the sound that happens when your having sex in the doggystyle position. She has that wonderful knack to bring on the safe material along with pleasantly filthy. She’s a perfect comedian for this day and age, and you really need to know this brilliantly hilarious comedian.

 

Johnny Pemberton

Twitter count: 22.4K. @johnnypemberton. Oh Johnny. Sweet sweet Johnny. For new readers of the site, we interviewed Johnny Pemberton almost three years ago here at Trainwreck’d because I was such a fan of his brief appearance in the hit comedies like  21 Jump Street, The Watch, and This is 40. I didn’t even know he did stand up until we landed the interview and then I became infatuated. He has since done so damn much amazing work. The biggest hit he has worked on might be his starring role as the literal son of Zorn in the hit Fox sitcom Son of Zorn. Which is extremely hilarious and should be adored by all. But, I was most impressed by his guest spot in Trevor Moore’s video for the song “High In Church” that is just absolutely hilarious. Also he is the reason I can’t walk past a clothing store and pronounce “Beautiful Wooool Suuuiiitttt” after his second appearance on Pete Holme’s podcast You Made It Weird. He is seriously just that damn funny. Podcast: Live To Tape & Twisting The Wind.

 

Joe List

Twitter count: 18.5K. @JoeListComedy. I might have to honestly say here, Joe List is my favorite comedian. If we are talking historically, I might choose a Bruce or Pryor or Carlin, but as far as active comedians in this day and age, List would definitely top my list (all pun intended). He simply has that self-hatred enthusiasm I am always looking for in a comic. For my own taste, I truly believe he is everything that people seem to think Jerry Seinfeld is. I loved Seinfeld as a show, and I definitely love Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, but I have never been a true fan of totally clean comics. I love Seinfeld’s persona, but I have never been a fan of his stand up. But luckily I have Joe List. He has the demeanor of a Seinfeld, but he is actually fucking hilarious (to me). He is probably the most openly insecure guy I have ever heard say anything ever, and I totally respect him for this. I seriously fucking love this guy. Podcast: Tuesdays With Stories.

 

Geoff Tate

Twitter count: 13.7K. @geofftate96. I won’t claim some sort of history cred here and say that I always knew who Geoff Tate was since he started. No, I am another cat who found Doug Benson’s hilarious live movie-centric stand up show Doug Loves Movies that also appearances in podcast format, and have been an avid follower since discovering it. For those not in the know, Geoff is a very regular guest on this show, and is one of the major highlights of the program. He is so damn brilliant on this show, and he isn’t even doing bits! He’s just being himself, which is a naturally hilarious person. And then when you discover the work that he has intentionally created for the sole purpose of making people laugh, he only gets more hilarious. He’s also a perfect dude to follow on Twitter if you want wonderful anecdotes to most, if not al, of life’s regular problems. So that is good too.

 

Tom Rhodes

Twitter count: 11.5K. @_TomRhodes. So, Tom Rhodes is actually that comedian that I have known for a very long time. The dude has been touring since I was born, so that could possibly be a reason. But, was also the star of one of a television show that was cancelled way before it was allowed to reach it’s groove. Rhodes is joined by the likes of George Carling, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Rapaport, and Jay Mohr as folks who had an amazing premise for a show in the 90’s that just didn’t pan out for middle America shitheads who only wanted to see different versions of Friends. Tom had Mr. Rohdes, which was a brilliant show that I can’t believe more people didn’t tune into. But as it always seems to be (you might notice a trend here, we love Stand Ups, that’s the main idea here), Tom is a stand up at heart. And he has never quit the road. He is still out there putting smiles on undeserving faces and giving one of the best stand up shows you will ever have the honor of listening to. Podcast: Tom Rhodes Radio.

 

Liza Treyger

Twitter count: 8.9K. @GlitterCheese. When I think of Liza Treyger, I can only think of punch lines. This woman is definitely one of the greats when it comes to punch lines. When it comes to nailing a joke in the end, there is no better person that Liza Treyger. In every bit of stand up I have watched her do, she has absolutely killed it. I seriously love this woman’s act. And on the other end, she is also a mastermind of crowd work. She knows how to work with just about every crowd member who may be at one of her shows. Obviously she may expect some of the same people to attend a show she may be in, but she can work with whatever is in front of her. She is a brilliant comedian who definitely understands her place in the world, and is someone who deserves the the respect of so many generations to come, even if she may be the voice of this very specific generation that we have on our hands right now. Also, since we have mentioned it twice before, she has a brilliant guest starring role on Louis CK’s Horace and Pete. Dammit I loved that fucking series.

 

Emma Arnold

Twitter count: 4.4K. @iamaroadtrip. I have to preface this last comic by stating that it is unprecedented that she is not the most well known comic on the earth. The material this lady puts out is absolutely hilarious and deserves the respect of everyone around her. Maybe it’s because she continues to live in Idaho? That is actually something I find admirable. Boise is actually a beautiful place if you give it a chance. But none the less, Emma Arnold is one of the most hilarious people I have ever heard say words to crowd of random people ever. She isn’t Bill Burr in any sort of way, but she seems to get the same kind of reaction from any crowd ever that Burr can get. It feels like people are just drawn to her, for totally understandable reasons. What it all boils down to…she’s funny. And that is all that really matters. Podcast: Emma Arnold Podcasts (Couples Skate, All Gone Now Spooky, My Boy Fridays, Take It To The Pod).

Cas One: Happy Anniversary [Single]

Take a deep fucking breath everyone. Seriously, before you listen to the poetry that is “Happy Anniversary”. Yes Cas One is a rapper, but what you are about to hear doesn’t fully constitute a “rap song”. And not just because its an accapella single, but because this is real poetry. And it’s fucking painful. It seriously hurts to listen to it. I can honestly say I can’t remember the last time I heard something so painfully relatable that it became a gut-wrenching process to listen to. If you can listen to this shit and not instantly feel so much pain for the great Cas One, you have to be a soulless wonder. And anybody who has been through a similar situation, no matter the end result, it will be like hearing everything rolling through your head that you wish you coul articulate as well as this man. At least it is that way to me.

3 minutes. I just 3 simple minutes, Cas One fucking steals time. In just 180 God damned seconds, this man releases something to the world that is almost undescribable. Look, just listen:

 

Seriously, how to critque that? It’s impossible. I’m just going to say that it is genius, and I am so excited to hear the Cas One vs. Figure album coming soon from Strange Famous Records.

To wrap it all up, I can only use the description that Cas One uses himself:

“My name is Jacob. When I rap my name is Cas One. I am going through a divorce.”

That’s all you really need.

 

 

Petros, Jubal, Purna, Lucky, & Soultru – Moja Maisha (Produced by Bodi) [Single]

 

Avid readers of TWS should instantly recognize the name Bodi. He has been a staple around here since our inception. He was the Trainwreck’d Person of the Year in 2013, not only for being an amazing artist, but as a man who took philanthropy to a whole new level. If you are unaware, you can check out the retelling of it all right HERE.

And our man Bodi is back, sort of. While Bodi may have made the happen, he isn’t exactly the focus here. Our man has guided the creation of something absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. A piece of art that, if it doesn’t pull on your heartstrings a bit, you just straight up don’t have a heart.

I will let Bodi explain it himself:

This is a song by Petros, Jubal, Purna, and Lucky – four boys who live in orphanages in South Africa, Nepal, and Peru. For all but one of them, it’s their first time recording a rap, let alone writing about their lives.

100% of the proceeds from this single will be donated to their respective orphanages.

A few years ago, I spent the better part of a year living in orphanages around the world, getting to know the kids and their caretakers, learning their stories. When word would get around that I’m a rapper, it was usually just a matter of time until the kids and I would sit around a table, hammer out a beat with our fists, and freestyle, or read raps or poetry. It was a way to remove barriers and connect on a deeper level.

Some of the kids asked me to lead a few impromptu hip hop classes, and help them write a verse about their lives: where they came from, what it’s like now, where they want to go.

Petros, Jubal, Purna, and Lucky were game to have me record them rapping to a basic drum beat graciously made by a friend. When I returned home, I worked on crafting an instrumental for their verses. This is their song. These are their stories. I feel honored to have been there to listen, to press record, and produce it.

Moja Maisha is a Swahili phrase that means “One Life.”

 

As most of us know, this is not unusual behavior for our dear friend Alex. He is one of the most selfless people on this planet, and we are honored to call him a friend. So please check the track.

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=431023822/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

 

You can download the song for any price you like. Donations are encouraged and will go a long way. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the song will be going back to their respective orphanages.