"Al is unique. There’s nothing like him in the history of funny music."
February 17, 2017 7:10 PM Subscribe
WaPo: Was ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic the real star all along? After nearly 40 years of parodying celebrities, the accordion-playing nerd has become a legend in his own right.
"Pac-Man," a spoof of The Beatles' "Tax Man" from the new Weird Al box set, Squeeze Box.
"Pac-Man," a spoof of The Beatles' "Tax Man" from the new Weird Al box set, Squeeze Box.
There is more than one star in the sky. Weird Al is the unexplained blackout that allows you to see them in their full glory. Most artists really get this.
Also - I. Hate. Sauerkraut!!!! (Albuquerque!)
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:34 PM on February 17, 2017 [7 favorites]
Also - I. Hate. Sauerkraut!!!! (Albuquerque!)
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:34 PM on February 17, 2017 [7 favorites]
Oh yeah, the dude is a hell of a showman. I saw him at a casino in Tunica, where the performances are usually by washed-up half-bands, and I would have understood if he phoned it in. But he came in through the lobby singing, being filmed walking up the aisle -- just great. Even if I hadn't been a fan, he would have sold it.
posted by Countess Elena at 7:38 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:38 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
I just saw him at Radio City back in September, wrapping up the Mandatory Fun tour. And who should pop out to do a line in Yoda? Lin-Manuel Miranda, of course!
Al was actually my first big concert, at age sixteen, during the Running with Scissors tour. Damn near ruined me for other concerts.
posted by SansPoint at 7:41 PM on February 17, 2017 [10 favorites]
Al was actually my first big concert, at age sixteen, during the Running with Scissors tour. Damn near ruined me for other concerts.
posted by SansPoint at 7:41 PM on February 17, 2017 [10 favorites]
also I think his pastiche songs, which parody an artist instead of a particular song, are just brilliant. It's a shame that "Genius In France" is an extended Jerry Lewis joke, because it's the most Frank Zappa you are going to hear without actual Frank Zappa.
posted by Countess Elena at 7:41 PM on February 17, 2017 [16 favorites]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:41 PM on February 17, 2017 [16 favorites]
Now I just need 475 bucks
posted by French Fry at 7:44 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by French Fry at 7:44 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
I have a hard time justifying dropping a load of money on a box set...
...but that's a really cool box.
posted by billjings at 7:56 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
...but that's a really cool box.
posted by billjings at 7:56 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
That guy is absolutely my hero, in so many ways.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
I dare anyone to listen to "Hardware Store" and come away with any conclusion other than the man is a virtuoso.
Abso-fucking-lutely. Automatic circumcisers and all.
posted by Melismata at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017
Abso-fucking-lutely. Automatic circumcisers and all.
posted by Melismata at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017
I listened to the Pac Man song thinking it was something new by him and I thought, "ooh, the accordian. he's gone old school with this new tune." But no, it was actually from 1981.
I can't watch any Weird Al video without bringing up this gem. It's one of the greatest moments in punk rock history, as far as I'm concerned.
posted by NoMich at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017 [18 favorites]
I can't watch any Weird Al video without bringing up this gem. It's one of the greatest moments in punk rock history, as far as I'm concerned.
posted by NoMich at 7:57 PM on February 17, 2017 [18 favorites]
Although my worship is always slightly bittersweet; there's only a year difference in our ages, and when I look at my life's accomplishments next to his...
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:58 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:58 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
Oh wow, I'd forgotten about Hardware Store... if you've ever played WoW, this is a must-watch in that context.
posted by Riki tiki at 8:00 PM on February 17, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Riki tiki at 8:00 PM on February 17, 2017 [4 favorites]
I play many different instruments - all badly!
*rimshot*
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:03 PM on February 17, 2017
*rimshot*
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:03 PM on February 17, 2017
So you're saying you already play the accordion.
posted by Etrigan at 8:18 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Etrigan at 8:18 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
...define "play".
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:28 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:28 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
He seems to mostly do the fair circuit these days.
That's surprising. His profile seems higher than it's been in years!
posted by Ursula Hitler at 8:33 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
That's surprising. His profile seems higher than it's been in years!
posted by Ursula Hitler at 8:33 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
When mentioning bands I regret not ever seeing, people look at me funny if Weird Al is between them.
Also, some of the first MP3s I had, around 99 or so, were some of his hits. I also think the first videoclip I've seen on a computer was his. I think either a programming teacher or one of my high school friends was a big fan of him (or downloaded it because it's not like the internet was a this giant treasure trove of multimedia content then)
posted by lmfsilva at 8:33 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, some of the first MP3s I had, around 99 or so, were some of his hits. I also think the first videoclip I've seen on a computer was his. I think either a programming teacher or one of my high school friends was a big fan of him (or downloaded it because it's not like the internet was a this giant treasure trove of multimedia content then)
posted by lmfsilva at 8:33 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
Coolio's nuts, "Amish Paradise" is freaking gold.
posted by Chrysostom at 8:37 PM on February 17, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Chrysostom at 8:37 PM on February 17, 2017 [4 favorites]
I just saw him at Radio City back in September, wrapping up the Mandatory Fun tour. And who should pop out to do a line in Yoda? Lin-Manuel Miranda, of course!
Lin has said that Weird Al was one of the few celebrities whom he met where he was totally freaked out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:53 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
Lin has said that Weird Al was one of the few celebrities whom he met where he was totally freaked out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:53 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
I had a tough decision after my second year in college. My first choice in higher education sucked and I was looking for some place better: first priority, a good college radio station. I narrowed the choice to two, one in the L.A. area, the other father away, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I chose poorly; if I'd picked Cal Poly, I would've worked alongside Weird Al. Instead, I ended up doing my college station's "Dr. Demento Clone Show" (as most of college radio had those days), meeting Dr. D. and giving him my copy of a rare record I owned but he didn't (an honor in itself), working as a sidekick to a Los Angeles 'wacky DJ', and selling comedy material to several dozen DJs, most famously Gary Owens, who wrote me a hilarious testimonial. Still, I regret not getting to know Weird Al while I was in college.
When I relocated to San Luis Obispo a lot of years later, I did get my first chance to see The Weird One in concert at his Second Homecoming Concert at the theater on campus at his alma mater, which I will always swear was the best possible place to see him perform.
His "polka medleys" have always been bittersweet delights to me because he never did full-length parodies of the songs included in the medleys. "Hardware Store" is my all time favorite original song of his, with his tribute to Charles Nelson Reilly, "CNR", a solid second. And after all his years of parodies, one of his most recent, "Word Crimes", is my most beloved, especially since it also used an aspect of his personality that has become more prominent - grammatical pedantry. Yes, Weird Al makes it cool to be a pedant!!
posted by oneswellfoop at 9:00 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
When I relocated to San Luis Obispo a lot of years later, I did get my first chance to see The Weird One in concert at his Second Homecoming Concert at the theater on campus at his alma mater, which I will always swear was the best possible place to see him perform.
His "polka medleys" have always been bittersweet delights to me because he never did full-length parodies of the songs included in the medleys. "Hardware Store" is my all time favorite original song of his, with his tribute to Charles Nelson Reilly, "CNR", a solid second. And after all his years of parodies, one of his most recent, "Word Crimes", is my most beloved, especially since it also used an aspect of his personality that has become more prominent - grammatical pedantry. Yes, Weird Al makes it cool to be a pedant!!
posted by oneswellfoop at 9:00 PM on February 17, 2017 [5 favorites]
I think his pastiche songs, which parody an artist instead of a particular song, are just brilliant.
Came here to say the same. You can't leave this thread without his DEVO tribute Dare To Be Stupid.
posted by JoeZydeco at 9:18 PM on February 17, 2017 [16 favorites]
Came here to say the same. You can't leave this thread without his DEVO tribute Dare To Be Stupid.
posted by JoeZydeco at 9:18 PM on February 17, 2017 [16 favorites]
He plans to return to the road next year. But it will be a different show, with the “Fat” suit and pinpoint production plans left behind. Yankovic and his band will play smaller venues, do a different set every night, and focus on deep album cuts and originals.
This sounds pretty great. As hippybear says, his current concert is amazing and you should go see it. It's a busy show where he plays all the hits and it's incredibly organized. But it would be fun seeing him in a more relaxed setting playing stuff I haven't heard live before.
posted by Gary at 9:23 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
This sounds pretty great. As hippybear says, his current concert is amazing and you should go see it. It's a busy show where he plays all the hits and it's incredibly organized. But it would be fun seeing him in a more relaxed setting playing stuff I haven't heard live before.
posted by Gary at 9:23 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
I used to think he was a funny novelty act, but then Bob made me realize what a genius we were dealing with.
(As a refresher in the context, here's Subterranean Homesick Blues)
posted by rokusan at 9:30 PM on February 17, 2017 [13 favorites]
(As a refresher in the context, here's Subterranean Homesick Blues)
posted by rokusan at 9:30 PM on February 17, 2017 [13 favorites]
OK. So. Well. I have a Weird Al story. It involves a front-wheel-drive Cadillac convertible, Boy Scouts, and shuttered amusement parks.
It does not actually involve Weird Al personally. Yet tell it I must.
OK, so the most amazing Amusement Park in all of the world after they shut down Lincoln Park in North Dartmouth would be Rocky Point. They shut down Rocky Point as an amusement park.
It was still open as a concert venue! To explain how and why would only depress you if you're into being in a state where a governor has not served hard time for doing governor stuff. ("Fiscally Conservative" Republican, natch.)
OK, so, I have no friends in HS, and now I have no friends in college, apart from the World of Darkness tabletop RPG group I put together from my Boy Scout troop buds. Is OK, they're all in the same boat in terms of anti-social...
Only I can drive! And my Dad can fix cars!
So, I have a 1972, pre-smog Cadillac Eldo. $1000 in early '90s money. 500cui V8. It can literally outrun modern Camaros and 'Stangs of the same period. Not interested. Midnight screenings of nerd-herd movies? Yus.
Weird Al tickets? At the closed down amusement park at Rocky Point? YUS!
There is this intense, awesome rock concert where Weird Al declares somewhere near the beginning, "I can't tell you how thrilled we all are, the band and me personally, to be playing in a closed-down amusement park! In Rhode Island."
Then a Yoda crowd surfs. Nice.
There's this trick where the ignition switch can be jiggled, and the car starts! It's a fun trick.
I forget to bring the keys along, just in case.
The ignition is locked, hard.
The door is unlocked, and one of the guys with me has a shoulder-pack phone. I call home. My dad drives the 45 minutes (Rhode Island, every single point in the state is 45 minutes from each other), yells at me, a lot, as it's past midnight and knows all of the kids with me and their parents, and gives me the keys to my Caddy.
I drive them all home, safe and sound, the top down, to Weird Al and Peter Paul and Mary on the Rad Cad's 8-track.
posted by Slap*Happy at 9:31 PM on February 17, 2017 [12 favorites]
It does not actually involve Weird Al personally. Yet tell it I must.
OK, so the most amazing Amusement Park in all of the world after they shut down Lincoln Park in North Dartmouth would be Rocky Point. They shut down Rocky Point as an amusement park.
It was still open as a concert venue! To explain how and why would only depress you if you're into being in a state where a governor has not served hard time for doing governor stuff. ("Fiscally Conservative" Republican, natch.)
OK, so, I have no friends in HS, and now I have no friends in college, apart from the World of Darkness tabletop RPG group I put together from my Boy Scout troop buds. Is OK, they're all in the same boat in terms of anti-social...
Only I can drive! And my Dad can fix cars!
So, I have a 1972, pre-smog Cadillac Eldo. $1000 in early '90s money. 500cui V8. It can literally outrun modern Camaros and 'Stangs of the same period. Not interested. Midnight screenings of nerd-herd movies? Yus.
Weird Al tickets? At the closed down amusement park at Rocky Point? YUS!
There is this intense, awesome rock concert where Weird Al declares somewhere near the beginning, "I can't tell you how thrilled we all are, the band and me personally, to be playing in a closed-down amusement park! In Rhode Island."
Then a Yoda crowd surfs. Nice.
There's this trick where the ignition switch can be jiggled, and the car starts! It's a fun trick.
I forget to bring the keys along, just in case.
The ignition is locked, hard.
The door is unlocked, and one of the guys with me has a shoulder-pack phone. I call home. My dad drives the 45 minutes (Rhode Island, every single point in the state is 45 minutes from each other), yells at me, a lot, as it's past midnight and knows all of the kids with me and their parents, and gives me the keys to my Caddy.
I drive them all home, safe and sound, the top down, to Weird Al and Peter Paul and Mary on the Rad Cad's 8-track.
posted by Slap*Happy at 9:31 PM on February 17, 2017 [12 favorites]
How is Weird Al not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet?
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 10:04 PM on February 17, 2017 [9 favorites]
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 10:04 PM on February 17, 2017 [9 favorites]
Listened to him on Dr Demento in the 70's Saw him at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz in the mid 80's.
For entirely unrelated reasons I repair accordions for a living.
As a unintended result I have crossed paths with Al a couple of times.
posted by boilermonster at 10:50 PM on February 17, 2017 [14 favorites]
For entirely unrelated reasons I repair accordions for a living.
As a unintended result I have crossed paths with Al a couple of times.
posted by boilermonster at 10:50 PM on February 17, 2017 [14 favorites]
When I was living in Tulsa, Weird Al did a concert there. He went for the small, classic, venue that generally hosted small acts and comedy shows rather than the arena where folks like Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel played.
I managed to score great seats because the venue's website used some shady JavaScript to keep people from clicking through before the on sale time. (The date was handled in the back end, but as soon as midnight struck it was game on for me). He made all the obligatory UHF references that being in Tulsa demanded, and much fun was had by all, especially given the eminently reasonable ticket prices, but I learned that night that the venue blows for musical acts. Much better for Conan and Bill Maher.
He'd have been way better off over at Cain's or even in the stadium.
posted by wierdo at 10:56 PM on February 17, 2017 [2 favorites]
I managed to score great seats because the venue's website used some shady JavaScript to keep people from clicking through before the on sale time. (The date was handled in the back end, but as soon as midnight struck it was game on for me). He made all the obligatory UHF references that being in Tulsa demanded, and much fun was had by all, especially given the eminently reasonable ticket prices, but I learned that night that the venue blows for musical acts. Much better for Conan and Bill Maher.
He'd have been way better off over at Cain's or even in the stadium.
posted by wierdo at 10:56 PM on February 17, 2017 [2 favorites]
I used to think he was a funny novelty act, but then Bob yt made me realize what a genius we were dealing with.
Oh wow. I didn't recognize what was going on until the "go hang a salami" bit at the end. That is genius. I thought it was just a nonsense Dylan lyric parody. But that's so much better.
posted by downtohisturtles at 11:40 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh wow. I didn't recognize what was going on until the "go hang a salami" bit at the end. That is genius. I thought it was just a nonsense Dylan lyric parody. But that's so much better.
posted by downtohisturtles at 11:40 PM on February 17, 2017 [1 favorite]
Did you notice that even the title is a palindrome, even as it refers to the original artist? That there's genius, that is.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:59 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:59 PM on February 17, 2017 [3 favorites]
Something that as far as I know, he saves for live performances: The Yoda Chant .
posted by radwolf76 at 12:20 AM on February 18, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by radwolf76 at 12:20 AM on February 18, 2017 [2 favorites]
even the title is a palindrome
(I think it would have been even funnier to name it "Notlob", but maybe that's just me)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:23 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
(I think it would have been even funnier to name it "Notlob", but maybe that's just me)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:23 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh wow. I didn't recognize what was going on until the "go hang a salami" bit at the end. That is genius. I thought it was just a nonsense Dylan lyric parody. But that's so much better.
To be clear, "Weird" Al did not create any of those palindromes. "Go Hang A Salami, I'm a Lasagna Hog" is by cartoonist Jon Agee, for example. But the way he stitched those together is amazing. I'm a huge fan of Subterranean Homesick Blues, and yet I think the palindromes he chose actually fit that music better, except for Dylan's one incredible verse that ends "must bust in early May, orders from the DA."
Mr. Yankovic also agreed to be one of the celebrity judges for the first year of the SymmyS Awards, which as you know is the annual Oscars equivalent for palindromic achievement. He gave us an amazing quote and we got publicity world wide, which has never repeated since. I never realized what a huge star he was before that, but his echoes are everywhere once you start noticing them.
posted by msalt at 1:30 AM on February 18, 2017 [8 favorites]
To be clear, "Weird" Al did not create any of those palindromes. "Go Hang A Salami, I'm a Lasagna Hog" is by cartoonist Jon Agee, for example. But the way he stitched those together is amazing. I'm a huge fan of Subterranean Homesick Blues, and yet I think the palindromes he chose actually fit that music better, except for Dylan's one incredible verse that ends "must bust in early May, orders from the DA."
Mr. Yankovic also agreed to be one of the celebrity judges for the first year of the SymmyS Awards, which as you know is the annual Oscars equivalent for palindromic achievement. He gave us an amazing quote and we got publicity world wide, which has never repeated since. I never realized what a huge star he was before that, but his echoes are everywhere once you start noticing them.
posted by msalt at 1:30 AM on February 18, 2017 [8 favorites]
Weird Al always has been part of the zeitgeist for me. Back to the early 80s.
As a kid growing up in the culturally-starved burbs, Dr. Demento was a godsend.
posted by persona au gratin at 2:11 AM on February 18, 2017 [2 favorites]
As a kid growing up in the culturally-starved burbs, Dr. Demento was a godsend.
posted by persona au gratin at 2:11 AM on February 18, 2017 [2 favorites]
Came here to say the same. You can't leave this thread without his DEVO tribute Dare To Be Stupid .
In Weird Al's Behind The Music episode (I think), Mark Mothersbaugh described Dare To Be Stupid as the perfect DEVO song and said that he sort of hate Weird Al for being the one who wrote it.
posted by Elementary Penguin at 4:43 AM on February 18, 2017 [16 favorites]
In Weird Al's Behind The Music episode (I think), Mark Mothersbaugh described Dare To Be Stupid as the perfect DEVO song and said that he sort of hate Weird Al for being the one who wrote it.
posted by Elementary Penguin at 4:43 AM on February 18, 2017 [16 favorites]
How is Weird Al not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet?
What would that add? The Hall of Fame is a bad joke with very little value for anyone but the museum owners, unlike Weird Al's jokes that tend to be funny. And he already has some real awards.
posted by effbot at 4:44 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
What would that add? The Hall of Fame is a bad joke with very little value for anyone but the museum owners, unlike Weird Al's jokes that tend to be funny. And he already has some real awards.
posted by effbot at 4:44 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
The Goof Off - Weird Al vs Pinkie Pie!
posted by SPrintF at 5:20 AM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by SPrintF at 5:20 AM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
Always love seeing that clip, NoMich. Notice how Schwartz is beating on an accordion case!
posted by Melismata at 5:47 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Melismata at 5:47 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
I just saw him at Radio City back in September, wrapping up the Mandatory Fun tour
I was at that show! Man, what a blast. Al's shows have always been fun. I will definitely try to see the next tour if it's less-structured, though. The shows I've seen have all been really tightly choreographed. It would be nice to see some more free form Al.
posted by uncleozzy at 5:49 AM on February 18, 2017
I was at that show! Man, what a blast. Al's shows have always been fun. I will definitely try to see the next tour if it's less-structured, though. The shows I've seen have all been really tightly choreographed. It would be nice to see some more free form Al.
posted by uncleozzy at 5:49 AM on February 18, 2017
After reading the whole article, I really want to hear "Chicken Pot Pie". I practically can.
posted by yhbc at 6:02 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by yhbc at 6:02 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
My first introduction to Weird Al was when "Eat It" aired one morning on the local rock station my mother allowed us to listen to when we were getting ready for school. We all thought it was pretty funny. A short time after that, I saw the video for it. I can't say that I recognized his genius at that point - it just made me laugh pretty hard and I think what I reacted to was this goofy looking guy parodying Michael Jackson more than anything. I mean, I was at that age where kids start taking their music pretty seriously, and here was this guy who just came along and totally didn't take it seriously - or at least, that was how it appeared, because obviously he did (and still does) take it seriously. But I realize now part of my reaction to him was that he poked fun at this stuff that we were all getting wrapped up in - which band we liked, which songs, all of these things had social significance at that age, and Weird Al just didn't seem to give a shit; he took the big songs and made them funny and said (at least to me) that the important thing was to have fun and to enjoy the music; that the rest didn't matter.
Anyways, I became a fan and hunted for his cassette tapes in the bargain bins of the music stores everytime we were out shopping; my brother thought I was nuts because he was saving his money for "serious" music and I was buying up stuff from a guy who parodied rock songs on an accordion.
In later years, he would take over "MuchMusic", Canada's answer to MTV, for extended periods. Acting as host, he would play his videos and stage interviews with some of the biggest names in rock.
posted by nubs at 6:57 AM on February 18, 2017 [4 favorites]
Anyways, I became a fan and hunted for his cassette tapes in the bargain bins of the music stores everytime we were out shopping; my brother thought I was nuts because he was saving his money for "serious" music and I was buying up stuff from a guy who parodied rock songs on an accordion.
In later years, he would take over "MuchMusic", Canada's answer to MTV, for extended periods. Acting as host, he would play his videos and stage interviews with some of the biggest names in rock.
posted by nubs at 6:57 AM on February 18, 2017 [4 favorites]
Huh, my first concert at age 16 was also weird al! A few months ago, I put on "Jurassic park" for my kids, and something clicked with them. Now, Weird Al is played constantly in our house...
posted by Valancy Rachel at 7:00 AM on February 18, 2017
posted by Valancy Rachel at 7:00 AM on February 18, 2017
I was thinking that he'd done a parody of nearly every kind of popular music, but now I can't think of a metal song that's been Yankovic'd. Has he done one?
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 7:16 AM on February 18, 2017
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 7:16 AM on February 18, 2017
Yes, everything about Bob is genius. The title, the lyrics, the video, everything. And that's just one of the many things about Al that is genius.
I was around for his beginnings on Dr. Demento. I remember being a kid listening to the radio on my flip flop digital click, hoping he'd play My Balogna or Another One Rides the Bus. Then Eat It came on MTV and Al became kind of well known.
I didn't pay much attention to him for years until my son was old enough to be introduced to his music. After that I became a huge fan and have seen him twice now, in real theaters, not at state fairs.
He is one of the best acts I've ever seen and I will see him at every possible opportunity. He's one of my heroes. He is a genius.
posted by bondcliff at 7:34 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
I was around for his beginnings on Dr. Demento. I remember being a kid listening to the radio on my flip flop digital click, hoping he'd play My Balogna or Another One Rides the Bus. Then Eat It came on MTV and Al became kind of well known.
I didn't pay much attention to him for years until my son was old enough to be introduced to his music. After that I became a huge fan and have seen him twice now, in real theaters, not at state fairs.
He is one of the best acts I've ever seen and I will see him at every possible opportunity. He's one of my heroes. He is a genius.
posted by bondcliff at 7:34 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
If there's such a thing as a Weird Al deep cut this is a personal favourite: "King of Suede"
As nubs said above...back in the 90s, MuchMusic here in Canada would do an "Al Music" takeover day. Very similar to what he did on Al-TV in the US.
He'd be the VJ for the day, play the music he wanted to, and they produced a bunch of segments like this one where he's intercut into an interview with Vince Neil, which is then followed by a faux biography featuring his parents.
"Weird Al" on MuchMusic where he pretends to drop a banana off the CN Tower at 18:15.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:19 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
As nubs said above...back in the 90s, MuchMusic here in Canada would do an "Al Music" takeover day. Very similar to what he did on Al-TV in the US.
He'd be the VJ for the day, play the music he wanted to, and they produced a bunch of segments like this one where he's intercut into an interview with Vince Neil, which is then followed by a faux biography featuring his parents.
"Weird Al" on MuchMusic where he pretends to drop a banana off the CN Tower at 18:15.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:19 AM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
I loved Weird Al as a kid. Had every one of his 80's albums. But as I became a teen I thought I had grown out of it. I liked Nirvana, dammit, not Weird Al gargling.
I still had a soft spot for UHF but for the most part I was done with Weird Al through the 90's and early 2000's. Even when something did catch the zeitgeist it was a parody of a song I didn't like to begin with.
Then my partner, who tends bar at Massey Hall, got me into the taping of Alpocalypse Tour DVD. And everything came flooding back. I've gone to a lot of shows but Al's band is one of the tightest groups I've ever seen. I'm a fan again. I guess I never wasn't. I just forgot I always was one.
posted by thecjm at 8:24 AM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
I still had a soft spot for UHF but for the most part I was done with Weird Al through the 90's and early 2000's. Even when something did catch the zeitgeist it was a parody of a song I didn't like to begin with.
Then my partner, who tends bar at Massey Hall, got me into the taping of Alpocalypse Tour DVD. And everything came flooding back. I've gone to a lot of shows but Al's band is one of the tightest groups I've ever seen. I'm a fan again. I guess I never wasn't. I just forgot I always was one.
posted by thecjm at 8:24 AM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
I always thought it was weird that Coolio had a problem with Al doing a parody of "Gangster's Paradise" because Coolio's song was a direct rip-off (OK, "sample") of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise." (Wonder approved the re-use of his music after Coolio took out the off-color language he'd originally used.)
posted by kozad at 8:52 AM on February 18, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by kozad at 8:52 AM on February 18, 2017 [3 favorites]
I was thinking that he'd done a parody of nearly every kind of popular music, but now I can't think of a metal song that's been Yankovic'd. Has he done one?
I'll Sue Ya? Livin' in the Fridge? Alimony? Hmmm...
posted by Melismata at 9:08 AM on February 18, 2017
I'll Sue Ya? Livin' in the Fridge? Alimony? Hmmm...
posted by Melismata at 9:08 AM on February 18, 2017
How is Weird Al not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet?
Maybe he doesn't have the $25,000?
posted by Sys Rq at 9:10 AM on February 18, 2017
Maybe he doesn't have the $25,000?
posted by Sys Rq at 9:10 AM on February 18, 2017
After reading the whole article, I really want to hear "Chicken Pot Pie". I practically can.
It's on Youtube. A minute of it that he's done in concert, at least.
posted by Gary at 9:18 AM on February 18, 2017 [4 favorites]
It's on Youtube. A minute of it that he's done in concert, at least.
posted by Gary at 9:18 AM on February 18, 2017 [4 favorites]
I've followed Weird Al since I was a kid and he came out with "Eat It". I've seen him play live three times and would happily go again, he's so fantastic live. I've always been impressed not only with what he puts together but with what he lets me see in music that's typically more mainstream than I'd listen to on my own - he has a real gift for showing what's appealing about the original as well as making excellent commentary.
posted by bile and syntax at 6:44 PM on February 18, 2017
posted by bile and syntax at 6:44 PM on February 18, 2017
'Jackson Park Express' is one of my favourite Weird Al pastiches - an entire imaginary relationship, sung in the style of Cat Stevens, where they don't say a word to one another.
posted by h00py at 7:11 PM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by h00py at 7:11 PM on February 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
'Weird Al does something pretty metal-ish on Nature Trail To Hell'
When I was a kid I got the "In 3d" album on vinyl as a Christmas present while at my grandparents. Of course I played it right away. When it got to "Nature Trail to Hell", my grandfather declared 'I'm so disappointed in you.' and left the room. I felt such deep hurt because I didn't understand why he was mad. I think of it as a defining moment in my life.
posted by charred husk at 8:21 PM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
When I was a kid I got the "In 3d" album on vinyl as a Christmas present while at my grandparents. Of course I played it right away. When it got to "Nature Trail to Hell", my grandfather declared 'I'm so disappointed in you.' and left the room. I felt such deep hurt because I didn't understand why he was mad. I think of it as a defining moment in my life.
posted by charred husk at 8:21 PM on February 18, 2017 [5 favorites]
I saw Weird Al this summer at the Hollywood Bowl - a great place to see a concert generally and Weird Al in particular. Mr. Inder_petticoat_rule was off on a work trip so I took a friend of mine who recently moved to LA from Australia. The show featured a number of clips bot of Al's guest-star bits, from AlTV to Galavant, as well as references to him on varioya TV shows and movies. Weird Al isn't as well known in Australia, and my friend was just gobsmacked by what a cultural icon the man is here in North America. My friend had a blast. He went into the show strictly for the curiosity factor and came out a fan.
posted by rednikki at 10:11 PM on February 18, 2017
posted by rednikki at 10:11 PM on February 18, 2017
A few years ago I went to a Weird Al themed Burlesque show, the best entry was a woman who had Spam can as a costume and in a sensual manner pulled a oversized sardine can key from her garter and uncaned herself to the tune "spam".
One of my recent faves is "Word Crimes".
posted by boilermonster at 10:34 PM on February 18, 2017 [3 favorites]
One of my recent faves is "Word Crimes".
posted by boilermonster at 10:34 PM on February 18, 2017 [3 favorites]
I think that's one of the meanest most aggressive songs he's ever written. His humor is usually pretty gentle, I'm surprised to hear words like "moron", "dumb mouthbreather", "spastic", etc. in Weird Al lyrics.
I didn't intend to rain on the love parade here, but just...golly.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:11 PM on February 18, 2017
I didn't intend to rain on the love parade here, but just...golly.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:11 PM on February 18, 2017
Naked Gun: Weird Al Yankovic is on the plane
posted by porn in the woods at 7:43 AM on February 19, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by porn in the woods at 7:43 AM on February 19, 2017 [2 favorites]
That man has the most amazing breath control. Nasally voice or not, Weird Al can sing until everyone else has long since passed out.
posted by chainsofreedom at 9:58 AM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by chainsofreedom at 9:58 AM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
I liked Nirvana, dammit, not Weird Al gargling.In Weird Al's defense, it's hard to gargle nawdle zouff with all those marbles in his mouth.
posted by roystgnr at 10:26 AM on February 19, 2017 [5 favorites]
I think that's one of the meanest most aggressive songs he's ever written.
Maybe that's one reason it became my favorite. It shows he's capable of meanness, but saves it for things that are important, like... bad grammar. He'd already done 'correcting grammar' bits on stage and on YouTube. So it was the right topic for him to go 'out of character' on.
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:55 PM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
Maybe that's one reason it became my favorite. It shows he's capable of meanness, but saves it for things that are important, like... bad grammar. He'd already done 'correcting grammar' bits on stage and on YouTube. So it was the right topic for him to go 'out of character' on.
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:55 PM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
Big whoop, everybody's capable of meanness; the hard part is not falling prey to it. Part of why he's my hero is because he's generally been a shrewd observer of human foibles without getting outright malicious for the most part. And this is a dyed-in-the-wool cynic saying that.
Also, although I sit pretty far towards the prescriptivist end of the grammar scale, I don't consider it a critical enough topic to warrant a public figure calling people ugly names over it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:58 PM on February 19, 2017
Also, although I sit pretty far towards the prescriptivist end of the grammar scale, I don't consider it a critical enough topic to warrant a public figure calling people ugly names over it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:58 PM on February 19, 2017
He actually did publically apologize for the use of "spastic".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:43 PM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:43 PM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
He actually did publically apologize for the use of "spastic".
Doin' the right thing - It's like the easy breezy use of the word "cunt" in Australia. They see it as a catch-all insult, and not a viciously gendered put-down that punches down in the worst way.
It can change, even there, and it is, slowly. Just as no-one calls anyone a "retard" for having a lapse of reason anymore - it's cruel and punches down, and "dipshit" and "dingus" and "brainfor" are much more fun to say.
"Spastic" in the USA has no connection to the disabled. That's changing, as the internet happens - we're finding better words for overenthusiastic people who don't think about what they're doing.
"Trumping" - I like "trumping" as a suitable replacement.
posted by Slap*Happy at 5:37 PM on February 20, 2017
Doin' the right thing - It's like the easy breezy use of the word "cunt" in Australia. They see it as a catch-all insult, and not a viciously gendered put-down that punches down in the worst way.
It can change, even there, and it is, slowly. Just as no-one calls anyone a "retard" for having a lapse of reason anymore - it's cruel and punches down, and "dipshit" and "dingus" and "brainfor" are much more fun to say.
"Spastic" in the USA has no connection to the disabled. That's changing, as the internet happens - we're finding better words for overenthusiastic people who don't think about what they're doing.
"Trumping" - I like "trumping" as a suitable replacement.
posted by Slap*Happy at 5:37 PM on February 20, 2017
The time I saw Weird Al perform was at a county fair or a state fair, when I was a teen; my parents let me go to that concert but I don't know if they'd have let me go to to a concert at a more adult-centric venue. He's always wanted to be an act the whole family can see together -- it makes me really happy that he has been spending so much time on the fair circuit.
posted by brainwane at 7:26 AM on February 23, 2017
posted by brainwane at 7:26 AM on February 23, 2017
How does this thread exist without a single mention of "White and Nerdy"? That was played all the time in my high school, and it is freaking genius still.
posted by yueliang at 12:19 AM on March 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by yueliang at 12:19 AM on March 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
''White and Nerdy" was my 15 yo son's gateway song into Weird Al appreciation territory. The polkas were a close second but alas he played them too many times and is now suffering Weird Al fatigue. I have discussed the concept of pacing himself and am looking forward to more stupid dances in the car a few years from now when he remembers how good he was again.
posted by h00py at 12:28 AM on March 1, 2017
posted by h00py at 12:28 AM on March 1, 2017
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posted by jferg at 7:20 PM on February 17, 2017 [26 favorites]