Most comedians are only funny during their acts. These "funny" people usually recite their credentials to weekly newspaper writers in a monotone voice while their minds wander through the sets of imaginary sitcoms

Collin Moulton is not one of those comedians. Even Moulton''s cell phone message is funny. The message starts with what sounds like another guy barking in the background. A few seconds later, Moulton tells the caller that he will return their call after he gets back from the zoo. You really have to hear it for yourself.

Outside Plumes in downtown Monterey, Moulton tries to tell me about his career in comedy amidst a bevy of distractions. After pointing out a sleek car driving by and a really tall man at a crosswalk, Moulton tells me how he met his comedy partner, Marc Ryan, under unusual circumstances.

"In Los Angeles, he grabbed my nuts," says Moulton. "It was one of the most awkward moments I have had with anyone."

Apparently, this comedian is being serious for a moment. Moulton says he met Ryan at The Ha Ha Cafe in Los Angeles about three and a half years ago, when the two were watching a fellow comedian onstage. The comedian was so terrible that Ryan closed his eyes and shook his head, while attempting to hit Moulton on the shoulder. Instead of landing on Moulton''s shoulder, Ryan''s hand wound up right on Moulton''s crotch.

After their embarrassment over the instance subsided, the two realized that they had similar comedic sensibilities. Now, the two tour the country together. After Ryan and Moulton finish their individual routines, the comedians join forces for a set of comical songs. The songs range from the raunchy "Shot Girl" to the silly "Trailer Revolution," a ditty that imagines what it would be like if trailers seceded from their towing vehicles.

This weekend, the duo will be recording their performance for an album featuring live versions of their songs.

Collin Moulton and Marc Ryan will be performing at Doc''s Nightclub, 180 E. Franklin, Monterey, Friday and Saturday night at 9:15pm. Free. 649-4241.