May is an odd month for comedy this year; with the Netflix Is A Joke festival taking over Los Angeles, I’m sure we’ll get a lot of announcements regarding upcoming releases, but as for stand-up specials out soon that we’re truly excited about, there’s not much going on. Katt Williams’ new set Woke Foke is airing live on Netflix on May 4, and given the title and his transphobic comments on The Joe Rogan Experience (ugh) earlier this year, we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s fairly reactionary. Nikki Glaser’s new hour Someday You’ll Die premieres on HBO on May 11, but frankly her work hasn’t been more than perfunctory in a long time, and her 2022 release Good Clean Filth is a prime example of that.
Instead, May seems to be the month of the comedy album. There are some lovely records being put out by funny folks, so we’ve gathered them below for you to peruse. And if you’re behind on your April comedy consumption, check out that list here.
Daniel Van Kirk: Rose Gold
Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: May 3
Daniel Van Kirk’s debut full-length special Rose Gold, named for his 94-year-old grandmother Rosemary, was released last month. However, for you audiophiles, the hour is available as an album starting today via Blonde Medicine. Van Kirk’s voice might be familiar from his work on Bob’s Burgers, Central Park, and the podcast Pen Pals with Rory Scovel. Rose Gold is all about wanting to connect with other people in spite of our differences, and Van Kirk’s opening bit about getting hit on by a geriatric at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Resort in Lake Conroe Texas (you have to say the full name) shows that he’s truly open to folks from all walks of life.
Sean Jordan: Girl Dad
Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: May 12
As much as I hate the term “girl dad,” Sean Jordan’s comedy album about becoming a parent during the pandemic is so charming that I can look past the title. The record, which was taped at Mississippi Studios in Portland, Ore., explores the nitty gritty aspects of childbirth and fatherhood that Jordan wasn’t expecting going in, as well as IVF and vasectomy. Jordan is both genuine and genuinely hilarious. Girl Dad will be released via aspecialthing Records, appropriately arriving on Mothers Day.
Clare O’Kane: Everything I Know How to Do
Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: May 16
Besides having a beautiful name, comedian Clare O’Kane also possesses quite the resume. She’s written for Spongebob Squarepants, Shrill, and Saturday Night Live, and recently she appeared in the entirely improvised comedy film Dad & Step-Dad. In short, O’Kane is super cool, and we can’t wait to listen to Everything I Know How to Do, which was recorded at San Francisco’s Punchline during SF Sketchfest and will be released via PGF Records. The San Jose native talks about communing with her dead mom, quitting SNL, dating while in an open marriage, and much more on her new album.
Geoff Tice: Jokes with a G
Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: May 17
A dozen years into his comedy career, Denver-based stand-up Geoff Tice is sharing his debut comedy album via Blonde Medicine. He’s opened for the likes of Nate Bargatze, Demitri Martin, and The Sklar Brothers, but Tice is taking center stage here as he jokes about becoming a parent and fielding drunk dials from his father. If you want to get a taste of Tice’s easygoing, goofy style, be sure to check out this video where he recounts dealing with a drunken audience member.
Ali Clayton: Country Queer
Where to stream: Wherever you listen to comedy
Release date: May 31
Nothing says Country Queer like coming out to your mom on a Carnival Cruise—and yes, that’s exactly what North Carolina-raised comedian Ali Clayton did. Her debut comedy record will be out via Blonde Medicine this month, all about the intersection of her Southern and queer identities. And if you can’t wait til the end of the month to hear Clayton’s jokes, she also hosts a podcast with fellow stand-up Ever Mainard called Y’all Gay?.
Clare Martin is a cemetery enthusiast and Paste’s assistant comedy editor. Go harass her on Twitter @theclaremartin.