Midlife Vices (Comedy Central, 2009) by Greg Giraldo

Giraldo is a comic who was taken away too soon.  And Midlife Vices is proof of that aforementioned statement.  He humorously tackles social issues while making very logical points all along the way.  Topics include gay marriage, immigration, childhood obesity, and stem cell research.  My favorite joke on the album is when he talks about marriage/relationships.  He says, "You can't discriminate someone for being who they are.  I don't choose to be attracted to women.  I just happen to be attracted to women and it sucks because every 10 years or so, I have to give half my shit away and start from scratch."  R.I.P. Mr. Giraldo- one of the greatest stand-up comics to ever step up to a mic.

Good Day to Cross a River (Comedy Central, 2006) by Greg Giraldo

This is one of my favorite albums ever.  Giraldo certainly battled with his own demons, but he has no reservations about making observations in regard to American society and culture.  Giraldo's passing was certainly tragic, and his skillful comedic abilities will be missed.  He was a Harvard law student, which should come as no surprise, considering how smart his material is.

Gone Madigan (n/a, 2011) by Kathleen Madigan

I was a latecomer to Kathleen Madigan, but better late than never.  This is the funniest album that I have heard in the last five years.  She is irreverent, but not too explicit.  Whether explaining a failing economy as the result of a birthday clown getting a 350K bank loan or poking fun at Kellie Pickler, Kathleen is hilarious and very smart.  I only started watching Last Comic Standing when Greg Giraldo (R.I.P.) was a judge, but now I wish I had tuned in earlier in the series to see Kathleen when she was on.  [Writer's Note: An appropriately sized piece of album artwork could not be located, and so Blu-Ray cover art is used.  The two items look the same.]