Explosm.net - Cyanide and Happiness, Flash Animations, Daily Comics and more!
You are not logged in!

Review: Demetri Martin - These Are Jokes
by Matt


This is Demetri Martin. He is a comedian. I've been an avid fan of Demetri for quite some time now. After sending him countless numbers of naked pictures and locks of my hair, I was thrilled to finally get his first CD/DVD release, These Are Jokes.

Demetri has a very distinct style of humor, usually involving airline travel commentary and the distinctions between white people and black people. His jokes are usually only a few lines long, much in the style of Mitch Hedburg, Steven Wright and Oprah Winfrey. It's a good thing, too, cause I don't have much of an atten

One of the funniest things about Demetri, though, is his hair, and the persona that goes with it as it waves across the stage as if to say "I'm Demetri Martin's hair, and I'm going to make you fucking laugh." It's wonderful. And one can't help but think of a certain ultra-popular band from the 60s when you look at that hair.


"What band" you ask? The Jackson 5, of course! At first glance, one would think his hair is styled after Tito, but it's probably based more on Jermaine. Tito's hair was a little more heavy while Jermaine's was really poofy and voluminous. It's really a toss up between the two. We know for damn sure, though, that it wasn't Jackie. Jackie Jackson. What a name. Good job at being original, Mom and Dad. Admittedly, they had no idea their family would become a music supergroup when he was born, but it's a crap name even if you aren't in show business. No wonder he lived in the shadow of the other jacksons (Michael, Jesse, President Andrew, Samuel L.) his whole life. It's a shame really. Poor guy.

Much like The Jackson 5, Demetri is quite musically-inclined. The DVD has several songs written by Demetri, as well as animations, photos and a copy of an old report card from the second grade. I guess he needed to prove he graduated or something. He did, after all, drop out of college. In addition to the random stuff is Demetri's Comedy Central special, which also includes commentary he did with his mother and grandmother, who make appearances throughout the CD and DVD. I really respect his decision to include these people in his work. If only more people would follow in these foot steps. Just imagine if Genghis Khan had taken his mother and grandmother into battle with him. Even he could have been as powerful, bloodthirsty and ruthless as Demitri.

The CD is filled with the usual Demetri-style jokes, as well as joke songs that are sure to make your ears bleed with comedic joy. A few of my favorite quotes so far are:
  • "I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades."
  • "I remember when I used to be really into nostalgia."
  • "I like digital cameras."
If you've never heard Demetri before, are an avid fan, or just really like The Jackson 5, These Are Jokes is a great pickup.


« Prev1 Next »