Brooklynite Mirman is a defining figure in the second wave of quote-unquote alternative comics - unique stand-ups who cut their teeth in punk clubs and sketch-comedy theaters and have no patience for broad, bland patter about airline food or setting VCR timers. And Mirman's hilarious blend of topicality, hyperbole, utter absurdity and anecdotal storytelling is nothing if not all his own. Here, on his second CD for Sub Pop, it all comes together beautifully one night in Chicago. His riffs on religion and incompetent airlines offer completely original takes on classic stand-up subjects, but most of Mirman's bits come straight out of left field: Bears taking over Detroit. Classmates.com. The bookstore weirdos he ran into while on a reading tour. Bizarre online polls and banner ads. It's all delivered with a deceptively conversational style, making the most bizarre bits seem even more so in context. God Is A Twelve-Year-Old Boy is required listening for all die-hard comedy fans, and a high-water mark for Mirman's superlative stand-up. - Scott Harrell