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As the catalog of comedy albums expands every Tuesday, the traditional format of the one-hour live stand-up show as an album fades away– to the delight of comedy fans and nerds everywhere (or at least this reviewer). Though there’s been a handful of non-traditional comedy albums released the past few years, you can find a great one in Jay Larson’s Self-Diagnosed (A Special Thing Records). Along with eroding the accepted format of what a comedy CD should be, Larson gives a great display of his mischievous likeability on every track.
In crafting Self-Diagnosed, Larson considers his album in its entirety by interspersing hilarious sketches that actually reference the bits they precede. Preemptively satisfying the imagination of listeners, these sketches give his jokes and stories even more absurdly fun color and depth than they already have. On “Annoying Kids, Cute Baby” Jay, at one point, talks about the more positive uses of baby limbs, then goes into a sketch that involves a friend’s baby, jelly and licking. An added bonus to the sketches on Self-Diagnosed are the voice cameos of comedians Pete Holmes, Nick Thune, and America’s Got Talent finalist Melissa Villasenor.
During the live portions of the album, Larson showcases his deceptively easy-going delivery and hilarious attention to detail that has made him a favorite of almost anyone who sees him. The track “1755,” like many others on the album, spans multiple topics; this one hits on the concept of coming up with the perfect comeback, feeding ducks, and enjoying the unforeseen pleasures of everyday outdoor activities.
Considering this is an album — where usually nothing but planned material exists — we have to commend Larson for the amount of crowd work in which he engages; and he does so with expert ability. In total, Larson’s Self-Diagnosed stays consistently funny while pushing the form. We’re hoping to see a lot more albums like this one. - LaughSpin
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
ay likes simple things. Whether it be rain during the middle of the day or Stealing Chai Lattes from his friends. He has somehow discovered how to make a living off of ideas like these. Some people say hes weird, some people say hes not weird enough. If you ask him he will say that hes completely normal! Jay grew up with a bunch of old people in Stoneham Mass. Its a small Burb outside of Boston. Now he splits his time between Brooklyn and Los Angeles. While he is awake he is usually telling jokes to other human beings, sometimes they are in the form of an audience, sometimes they are just random people on the street and sometimes they are sitting on the couch watching TV. Yeah, Jay has been on TV before! Seriously he has! Comedy Central, The Late Late show, Last Comic Standing and selling products for companies!
Recently Jay spends his time writing short films for ATOM.com, Working on writing projects for other comedians as well as himself. You can check out his shorts in the video section of this here website. He is also very busy trying to get alot made into its own word because he thinks that a lot is just one step too many, patenting his invention Severity Breaklights and trying to get on the LPGA tour. It seems like he is doing a lot, and he is but he always has time for his fans! Drop him a line on his website, www.whoisjaylarson.com or his Facebook, or his house! Jay is also a great letter writer and thinks its a lost art form so feel free to send him a personal letter and he is sure to send one back! Jay says bye for now, Man he is pushy!
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