The Year Without Fear

To say that a lot of work goes into recording a comedy album would be an understatement. Preparation demands a great length of time dedicated to writing, performance, and revision, the recording requires nerve and vulnerability, and post-production needs an immaculate attention to detail. In the end, the comedian will have crafted an artful snapshot that reflects a precise moment of their lives and their careers that they are ready to share with the world. 

Despite the catch-and-release relationship with lockdowns throughout 2021, comedians across Canada continued to hone their craft and take exciting risks with their work, including recording albums. There have been many successes throughout this challenging year that are deserving of attention - but where to begin? 

Given the amount of work that goes into creating these albums, I spoke with a collection of comedians from across the country and asked them to share with me some of their favourite comedy albums released this past year. If you find you’re in need of a laugh and have exhausted your Netflix searches, please enjoy this far from definitive list of some of the top recommended Canadian comedy albums from 2021. 

NICK NEMEROFF (Toronto)

Nick Picks: Jordan Foisy’s Friend Daddy & Alex Ateah’s Experiencing Discomfort

Jordan’s depraved ramblings (jk…his comedy is so funny and sharp plus he’s got an awesome voice) show why he’s one of Canada’s best writers and politically-savvy (in a funny way I swear to god) comedians. Friend Daddy made the horrible realities of life seem not as horrible for as long as you listened.

Always one of my favourite comics to watch, Alex Ateah pulled off a major feat by recording an entire “live” comedy album solo in her apartment during the lockdown portion of the pandemic and pushed the comedy concept album forward. At times meta and playing with the form and at times just straight up great stand up material, Experiencing Discomfort is a perfect encapsulation of what cyber-live comedy will be in the future and (fortunately for us) proves it can still be super funny.

Jordan Foisy’s Friend Daddy - Listen Here
Alex Ateah’s Experiencing Discomfort - Listen Here

STEVE PATTERSON (Toronto)

Steve’s Pick: Matt Wright’s Here Live, Not A Cat

Well, Matty gets better and better each time I see him. Anyone unfamiliar with him should look for 'Mike DadBabclock' about Don Cherry where he goes through the inner dialogue of making a mistake. The bit "This is Not My Dream" on his latest Album "Here Live Not A Cat" shows how his mind works well. 

Matt Wright’s Here Live, Not A Cat - Listen Here

ALICE ROSE (Toronto)

Alice’s Picks: Lisa Baker’s Supernewfie & Hisham Kelati’s Tigre King

Not only has Lisa Baker released two albums during the pandemic, her second album Supernewfie is wildly hilarious. With a sharp wit, and an infectious energy, Lisa is the ‘everywoman’ of Canadian comedy. Known for bringing her East Coast charm to the Western Provinces, Supernewfie is no exception.

Hisham Kelati has an unparalleled ability to tell hilarious stories, merging from one joke to the next in a way that guides the listener throughout the entire album. From government dispensaries, to getting a job from his drug dealer, to finding out his Muslim mom is a Seinfeld trivia champion, Hisham’s Tigre King is captivating, hilarious, and full of heart from beginning to end.

Lisa Baker’s Supernewfie - Listen Here
Hisham Kelati’s Tigre King - Listen Here

CHAD ANDERSON (Winnipeg)

Chad’s Pick: Jordan Welwood’s Weird Flex

Jordan is a strong storyteller, a classic joke writer, and a great performer. He definitely understands how to craft and tell a great joke. Weird Flex really has an amazing ability to take you on a journey full of great tags and amazing punchlines.

Jordan Welwood’s Weird Flex - Listen Here

BRAD DOIRON (Charlottetown) 

Brad’s Picks: Clare Belford’s The Entire Cabbage & Dan Hendricken’s Last Call

PEI isn’t known for its stand up comedy scene so there weren't a ton of opportunities for Dan and Clare to practice before the recording. Most comedians, before they record an album, hit the open mics every night for two weeks. But, it being PEI and in the peak of the pandemic, that wasn’t entirely possible. And I remember Clare mentioning this and she felt it would hurt the album. Although, I don’t think it did in any way but in fact enhanced it with some looseness to polished jokes that made them both come off as more sincere and affable. As opposed to two people tightly reading a script of jokes, waiting for it to be done and not reacting to the audience at all. 

These two comedians have a lot in common (roughly the same age, been doing comedy the same amount of time, both intelligent and hard working); however, their comedy is very different. Clare is more subversive with her jokes, focusing on everyday situations and finding the funny and delivering with endearing wit. Whereas Dan is more aggressive, taking a funny concept and hammering it with jokes, coupled with his energetic personality to create an exciting moment for both him and the audience. There have been a lot of albums released by Canadian comedians this year and I think Dan and Clare’s albums will be seen as some of the best.

Clare Belford’s The Entire Cabbage - Listen Here 
Dan Hendricken’s Last Call - Listen Here

ELSPETH WRIGHT (Montreal)

Elspeth’s Pick: JFL Original’s Stand-Up Montreal - Woof Means Woof 

I think the album really captures what's happening in the Montreal scene.  It features a lot of different perspectives and styles . . . a lineup one wouldn't necessarily expect to hear together but it makes sense. The great thing about this album is that it features a lot of great comedians, including Tranna Wintour, Rodney Ramsey, and also myself! I think there’s really something for everyone. 

JFL Original’s Stand-Up Montreal - Woof Means Woof - Listen Here
* BONUS - Special Recording *

CINDY RIVERS (Edmonton)

Cindy’s Pick: Ed Hill’s Candy & Smiley

Ed Hill is so funny. His special Candy &  Smiley is wicked good and very clever in presentation. He’s very real and I find there’s little pieces of wisdom or advice I’m his stories. He paints a good metal picture and feels like you're experiencing things with him not just listening.

Cindy’s Pick: Ed Hill’s Candy & Smiley - Watch Here