What are the most famous comedy albums on vinyl?

Frequently cited classics include George Carlin's "Class Clown," Steve Martin's "A Wild and Crazy Guy," Richard Pryor's 1970s albums and Monty Python's "Matching Tie and Handkerchief." Many of them have since been reissued on vinyl.

Why is Monty Python's "Matching Tie and Handkerchief" famous?

Because one of its sides is cut with two parallel grooves: depending on where the needle drops, you hear one set of sketches or the other. It is a format joke that only works on vinyl, which makes this 1973 record a sought-after curiosity.

Do comedians still release albums on vinyl?

Yes. Many stand-up comedians release their specials as albums, digitally and increasingly on vinyl, often in limited runs aimed at fans. The comedy album still has its own Grammy category, which keeps the format visible. Reissues of 1970s classics are also common, so older routines are easy to find on new vinyl.

How do I judge the condition of a used comedy record?

On spoken-word records, crackle is more noticeable than on music. Trust the stated grading, look at photos of the vinyl under light when available, and favor copies graded Very Good Plus or better. Also check that original inserts are included.

Miscellaneous Humor

This category features humorous recordings, sketches, parodies, and performances that will make you smile or laugh out loud.
From timeless classics to original creations, these vinyl records bring a touch of lightness and good cheer, perfect for sharing convivial moments.

Newest

20 result(s)

Sketchs Chansons et Théâtre - Enregistrements Historiques 1956-1962

Raymond Devos

Comedy Vinyl Records: Stand-Up, Sketches and Classic Comedy Albums

Comedy vinyl records: a spoken-word tradition

Comedy vinyl records were for decades one of the few ways to replay a routine at home: comedians released their shows and monologues on LP long before streaming specials. This selection gathers sketches, live stand-up sets and comedy albums in English and in French. You will find Monty Python, Richard Pryor, Mitch Hedberg, John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia, Victoria Wood and Tony Hancock, alongside French humorists such as Raymond Devos, Pierre Dac and Blanche Gardin. A record keeps what makes a set work: the timing, the pauses and the audience laughing along.

Landmark comedy albums

In the US, the comedy album is a genre of its own, with a dedicated Grammy category. George Carlin's "Class Clown" (1972), Richard Pryor's 1970s albums and Steve Martin's "A Wild and Crazy Guy" (1978) are among the classics. Monty Python even played with the format: "Matching Tie and Handkerchief" (1973) has a side cut with two parallel grooves, so what you hear depends on where the needle lands. For curious listeners, the French shelf offers a different tradition, from Raymond Devos's wordplay to the absurd routines of Pierre Dac and Francis Blanche.

Buying used comedy records: what to check

Comedy records were often played and lent out a lot. With spoken word, surface noise gets in the way faster than with music: one crackle can bury a punch line. Check the stated condition and whether any inserts or gatefold jackets are included. For live shows, see whether the record carries the full set or a selection of bits, and when it was recorded, since comedians often released more than one version of the same routine. The jacket art, often a joke in itself, is part of the fun.