Often called The Father of Alternative Comedy (a movement that would later include the likes of Patton Oswalt, Andy Kindler and Janeane Garofalo), Dana Gould is one of the best comedians that’s still best known mostly in comedy circles. Despite a distinguished career as a writer on shows like The Simpsons and The Ben Stiller Show, Gould isn’t as recognizable as some of his comedy peers, even those he so clearly inspired. Gould started doing stand-up in the ’80s, but rejected the popular set-up/punchline formula of the time, instead creating long-form bits that didn’t resemble anything with which audiences were familiar. Gould applies his brilliant comic mind to sharp observations tinged with a dark black cynicism. He’s a smart man who wants everything to be better. Thanks to him, stand-up comedy certainly is.