Oh, without doubt, Weird Al's "Smells Like Nirvana". The first time I saw the video, I thought I was watching yet another showing of "Teen Spirit". Quickly I realized the parody and laughed until I cried. Al was beyond brilliant on this one.
Cool thing with "Living wit a hernia" was that James Brown loved it. He let Al use his band, backing singers, and taught him some of his best stage moves for the video. The common take is that you know you've made it in the Music biz when Weird Al parodies your song.
It's not when Weird Al parodies your song it's when he asks to parody your song that you know you've made it. He's always been respectful of those he parodies asking them for permission first. The only song he's done that didn't have the permission for was Amish Paradise. Only finding out after it was produced that original artist didn't agree to it.
@@AC3handle They've since patched things up a bit. Said Al: "I won't be going to Coolio's birthday party but at least I don't have to wear a bulletproof vest when I go shopping anymore." Also Al and Prince never got along -- Prince was the only artist to _always_ refuse permission for parodies
I agree, lots of people these days hate parodies of their songs, but its like a honor if Al ever parodied it. He would actually make their song MORE popular and known.
How is Al not in the RRHoF? Compared to many of the existing Hall of Fame acts, Al's professional musical career has been longer, he's charted more often, he's toured more often and for longer, he's had more sales, and he's won more awards. The man is an institution; he's finally on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Jann Wenner & Co. need to put him in the Rock Hall ballot.
Even as respected as Al is, I think he's underrated as a writer and performer. He's able to perform in any genre, his lyrics as well written for their purpose and he put his heart and soul into his performances. I think he's one of the, if not THE most underrated musicians today.
Weird Al is a satirical genius who is a national treasure and he deserves to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's earned the right to be there through his album sales and longevity in the music business. He's outlasted so many of the people he parodied in he's career.
There are only a few artists who had hits in the 80s, 90s, and the early 2000s: MJ, Madonna, U2, and Weird Al. To date, Weird Al is the only to have continued that streak beyond 2010.
Weird Al has some of the most hilarious moments put to film, shame he fell off. Wish we had 80's and 90's Al forever. Smells like Nirvana is very funny. Jeopardy, Eat IT, Amish Paradise, Like A Surgeon are all A+ examples of a great parody, watch all those
He is a legend. Cool name, btw. Fun story. Weird Al totally photo bombed my aunt as she was holding my brother. None of them knew who he was and he never said, he just walked up and posed as mom took a picture of them. Many years later we were watching a movie he had a small role in that was filmed just a couple years after the event, as mom sorted pictures. She shouted to pause with him on the screen and held the picture up. There was no mistaking him.
@@deedee2840 he didn't fall off. His parodies in the 2000s are great: "Foil", "Word Crimes", and of course "White and Nerdy" kept him relevant way more than Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and even U2.
The best thing about Weird Al is that he's incredibly genuine. He goes to great lengths to get the original artist's approval along with their label before he parodies their work to try to ensure that he can maintain good relations with these artists and their labels. There's a reason why several artists mention that they realized that they had "made it" when they were approached by Al with a request to parody one of their songs. The man really is an institution at this point and his work is truly amazing. "Amish Paradise", "White & Nerdy", "All About the Pentiums", "Fat", "Like a Surgeon", "Smells like Nirvana", "Perform this Way", and so many more absolute gems with music videos so good that you feel like you're missing out by only listening to the song. The world will be worse for it when he finally decides to retire.
@@jasonmachula1472 oh, he was livid, because that song really meant a lot to him personally, and he sure as hell didn't ok it. As time passed, he was ok with it, but at the time? Woo boy, not even close.
I've been to a lot of classic rock concerts in the 70s and 80s. I've never been to a better concert than to Weird Al. I got to meet him after the concert and the poor guy was totally wiped out from giving 100% for an hour and a half. Yet he still had time to sit and sign autographs and take photos with fans. What a great guy.
Nothing beats Weird Al concerts! I feel sorry for him since he is super introverted and a very private person. I imagine he might not want to be near a lot of people, so I’m not surprised that he was exhausted after performing that. I’m glad you got to talk to him though. In concert mode, he puts on a show!
Al got me through highschool. I remember being sick as a dog, skipping a school assembly, sitting in a stairwell with my walkman, and listening to a cassette of Weird Al's Off the Deep End and laughing my but off despite how awful I felt. My best friend at the time had a bunch of his cassettes which I borrowed and I was hooked. To this day I still buy every one of his albums. And not to be overlooked, but his band is really talented. As a musician myself, I really appreciate the fact that they can play virtually any genre. That ain't easy.
My friend, Chris, had his cassettes, and would copy them for me back in late middle school and early high school. I remember finding a couple of them, and introducing them to my nephew.
My all time fav song from him is "One More Minute". The line "I am stranded all alone in the gas statiob of love and I have to use the Self Service pumps" cracks me up every time. My favorite parody is tied between Fat and Trapped in the Drive-thru. Both songs show how he is a master at his craft.
My favorite original is one of his "style parodies" - "Dog Eat Dog," a send-up of Talking Heads. Anyone who has ever worked in an office has met the character in that song! Of course, my favorite parody is "All About the Pentiums" - "You think your Commodore 64 is really neato?/What kinda chip you got in there, a Dorito?" 🤣🤣🤣
Weird Al is a musical legend! And he has more creativity than several pop stars combined. It always amazed me how many music genres he covered with such top tier parodies, not to forget songs he wrote himself. Plus I love his acting in this video. This video is a good one to watch when I'm having a bad day. Never fails to make me laugh.
I saw him live a few years back and was blown away by his talent. I grew up with music but never realized what a talent he truly is!!! I'd go see him again in a flash! :)
Took my son to see Weird Al live, back on the Straight Outta Lynnwood tour. Amazing show, even came out in the fat suit to do "Fat." Also dressed like Obi Wan for "The Saga Begins," dude puts on a hell of a show.
I saw him at the Mann in Philadelphia for the Mandatory Fun tour in 2015. It was an amazing show with multimedia during costume changes (and some bonus Donny Osmond during "White and Nerdy"). $40 well spent.
"I've got more chins than Chinatown", "I'll need my own zipcode" and "(on the beach) I'm the only one who gets a tan" always gets a chuckle from me. To me Weird Al's parodies stuck with me more than the original songs. He just keeps getting better and better. I remember watching this on MTV and thought it was hillarious, although I was more of a Madonna fan than an MJ fan, so for me Like a surgeon ranks a bit higher.
I saw him a few years ago and the crowd was a bunch of people in their 30s and 40s with their kids. Its amazing how he can relate to such a wide range of ages. We all had a blast
I'm 31, been to a lot of concerts in my life thus far, and Weird Al tops the fucking list. That show was incredible. Even ended with The Saga Begins in full costumed cast.
My parents loved Weird Al, my husband and I love Weird Al and our kids are absolutely huge Weird Al fans. He crosses generations as easily as he crosses genres.
Still one of the best live shows I have ever seen. And that brings up a point that never gets made enough...the band. HOLY ^%# they never miss anything and can play it all! As a whole they are one of the few, if there are even any other, musicians on the planet that can play as many styles as flawlessly as they can. Plus, there are not too many bands pushing the 40 year mark with all the original members without any breaks during that time.
I was in Florida, from the UK, and had a couple of nights in Pleasure Island in Orlando where there are a number of clubs and bars you can just stroll into and by pure chance Weird Al was on the main stage. Saw him doing 'Eat It' and 'Fat'. Great bonus.
Oh man yes! I had the pleasure to see Al 'round the turn of the century in a bar down in Rhode Island. I was standing right up against the stage and could have touch him if I was rude. While the show was fantastic, the biggest takeaway I got from the show was how amazing the band was. Not just the on-point instrumentation, but how easily they slipped into different styles of play from one song to the next. And when Al went off to do a costume change (yes, he wore the fat suit) they would play something and they, again, blew me away. I would have liked to have shaken the hands of his band that night.
I used to work on the road when my kids were rather young. My son was convinced I was Weird Al as we both played accordian and there was a striking similarity. He thought that I was touring, not working for the phone company. High praise from "The Boy". I was introduced to Al by Dr. Demento and Another One Rides the Bus. Being parodied by Weird Al is musical knighthood.
Even if people don't like his style, they have to admit that he's an excellent musician and a very, very clever songwriter. Doing parody well isn't as easy as people might think.
@@lisagd22 If you look up Frog Leap Studios on TH-cam you'll find another parody artist Leo Moracchioli, who does metal covers of pop songs. They're maybe not even so much parodies as a different take on the music, I guess I'm a fan of the jesters because I believe in both cases the songs by the parody artist is often better than the original (especially with how plug and play pop music has become, it's just begging for parody.)
Weird Al has been a favorite of mine for so many yeats, I always loved hearing him on Dr. Demento. THAT was my Sunday night. Girls just wanna have lunch, Dare to be Stupid, The Saga Begins...and so many more. I love the fact that a lot of artists feel that if Al parodies them, they've "made it" (Kurt Cobain amongst them)
I remember when Al was first invited to be on the Dr Demento show. He has already sent tapes that were played on the show. While there, he played his accordion and John “Bermuda” Schwartz played drums on his case. “Another one rides the bus!”
Just saw Al a couple nights ago. My 6th time overall. He’s the absolute best convert I’ve ever been to, and I’ve seen a ton of bands. His band is tight as hell, and Al’s voice is stronger than it was three years ago! Thank you for giving him some attention.
Weird Al never fails to brighten my day. Always respectful and surprisingly clean. Never stoops to crude jokes and insults. Always witty in both verse and showmanship. A true class act!
I remember he was accused of using a derogatory term in one of his parodies, and his response was "I didn't know that (that it was an ableist slur) but I do now, and I'm sorry."
@@Primalxbeast correct, of course, but my point was that his response recognized his responsibility for the lyrics he selected instead of being an "I'm sorry you were offended" like many celebrities do.
I have seen Al twice in concert, and they are easily the most enjoyable and fun concerts I have attended. As good as he is recorded, he is even better live.
I saw "Weird Al" Yankovic in concert back in 1999 and he did Fat at the end of the show. Despite being at the end of the set list he wore the fat suit on stage and did most of the choreography and even strutted down the aisle wearing it to end the show. The whole audience was electrified and wouldn't leave, he came up and did a couple encores. I never got to see him live again, but knowing him he's still probably putting on that fat suit even all these years later. :)
The direction in FAT was so precise. One of my fave moments is when the camera gets ahead in the lateral dolly follow shot aka tracking. Love Al. Another one rides the bus!
I think the true legacy of Weird Al is how he's outlasted so many of the acts he's parodied. I remember an "Adult Swim" ad bump back in 2006 saying that if you had a time machine and went back to 1986 and told people Weird Al would be more popular than he ever had been in 2006 people would think you're insane.
While he's known for his spoofs and comedic chops, people forget (or don't even realise) how talented a musician he is. Some of his best work is his original compositions, and his band is excellent, in their ability to shift genres so effortlessly.
This is all true, plus, his band is (apart from remaining together for ~40 years now) absolutely AMAZING. They can roll any genre/style/sound from song to song. INCREDIBLE to see live in concert. They absolutely belong in the RRHoF.
Being a 50+ male, and thinking back... This was AWESOME. Even at the time "I" truly admired "Weird Al". I have no way to convey, but a simple thanks for his artistic vision. Thank you "Weird Al"!
I hear ya, he's been a part of my life since the 80s and he brought joy to me since the first time I heard him. I think he's underappreciated, so yes, thank you Weird Al !
Artistic vision in changing words of a song he didn't write? That's literally one of the least creative things imaginable. If you did it in any other medium, it would be considered borderline plagiarism. If he tried to break out in the internet age, he'd be a complete flop. He was only funny for people prior to the internet existing, because nobody had really seen it before. Prior to him, people wanted to actually be creative by writing their own songs. Weird Al couldn't do that though, because he has no musical talent whatsoever.
@@Chris-ey8zf what do you mean he didn't right his own songs ? If the words are different then it would be his. The music artists of today, copy songs word for word and use autotune, no originality at all
@@GTSN38 Are you serious? Even autotune artists have more creativity, because their songs are original to them. Stealing the notes, beat, rhythm, etc of a song and rewriting the words in the exact same cadence is the least creative thing possible. It's literally plagiarism in any other medium. If nobody else wrote music, and Weird Al was the only 'musician' on earth, then no music would ever happen, because he doesn't write songs.
My history with Al’s discography matches the change in technology. I had the first album on vinyl. “In 3D” was one of my first cassette purchases after I got my boom box in 1983, then “Alapalooza” was an early cd purchase, and his last album “Mandatory Fun” was a digital download.
Seeing Al live is almost EXHAUSTING! The constant movement, costume changes and rapid pace is amazing! When this song started and he came out in that fat suit, I just about fell out of my seat laughing.
Saw Al as the opening act for the Monkees when my wife and I lived near Omaha, NE from 86 - 91. For "Living with a Hernia," James Brown cooperated wholeheartedly. He lent Al his band, set, back up singers and dancers, costume and tutored Al in the moves.
Weird Al made a career by doing something we've ALL done a few times while listening to our songs... misinterpreting the lyrics. Now THAT takes a genius to capitalize on human error. I hope he never stops making parodies. Especially nowadays. We sure need laughter in our world right now.
When I saw Al live at the Warner Theater in Erie PA for the *All About The Pentiums* tour, he put on the fat suit to perform the song. He did at least a dozen + costume changes for that show which blew me away. The best live concert I'll ever see.
As I age I appreciate “Living With A Hernia” even more than I did when it came out.I love his list of the types of hernias instead of naming US. cities!
I just passed the part where he said apparently medical conditions aren't funny... Speak for yourself, dude. I have a hernia that cannot be operated on... It makes the song ten times funnier.
My favorite song by Weird Al is "You Don't Love Me Anymore", which is one of his rare songs that isn't a parody or a polka. It's funny, of course, but it's also a legitimately beautiful song.
Most of my favorites of his aren't parodies; The Check is in the Mail from his first album especially. Also The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota from UHF, Your Horoscope for Today, and the ones covering a group in general rather than a song, like I'll Sue Ya or Dog Eat Dog. Sometimes he betrays himself as an actual songwriter!
Probably my favorite original of his(or certainly in my top three), funnily enough, was from Polka Party. Good Enough For Now is amazing, and if you've never heard it, you should. :)
After AL's music came into my life in middle school in 94. I have now seen him live 5 times. Including last month I was gifted a Vip pass for my birthday to finally meet the man I have admired so much.
I've loved Al since hearing "Another one Rides the Bus" which my home town radio station played in honour of our new transit system. Witty, funny, genius. We almost did "One More Minute" as an air-band in high school, faculty didn't exactly like the idea!
I've been a back-up dancer for Weird Al a half a dozen times. Great guy, such a lowkey personality, not at all like his stage persona! Super nice to my son too. (Thanks Al!)
I was always so amazed at how close Al’s parody video was to Michael Jackson’s video! You didn’t show it, but it was even down to the scene with the roller skater scene and the graffiti! Lol i was in my junior and high school years, in the 80’s, and I get such a thrill when I see younger generations into 80’s music. Thanks for this! I am subscribing to this channel. I love it
Polka Party! had some of my favorite “Weird Al” songs on it. “Christmas at Ground Zero” was a seasonal classic I still put on during the holidays. “Living with a Hernia” is one of his best parody songs he’s ever done because of how well he nailed the subject matter and captured the sound of the original. However, I would just like to point out the best track on the album isn’t actually a direct parody, it’s an original song that’s a style parody of old country love songs, and that’s “Good Enough for Now.” If you’re not familiar “Good Enough for Now” is where instead of committing to saying his lady is the best and all the other over the top things that are usually said in most love songs, he just keeps using such weak noncommittal language and undercutting the usual message, because it’s a love song being sung by someone who clearly feels like they’ve settled. Every verse of that one is a gem, but here’s one of my favorites that will illustrate what I mean: “Now, it seems to me I’m relatively lucky I know I probably couldn’t ask for too much more I honestly can say you’re an above-average lady You’re almost just what I’ve been looking for” So, it’s a bummer that it was commercial flop, because I feel like it was some of his best “original” work. I guess if you only like the songs that were parodies of massive hit songs, then I guess this one was a little light on those.
That was one of Al's best...He parodied the whole classic Country Western genre with that one song. I can just picture a music video of Al wearing one of Porter Wagoner's old rhinestone suits standing on stage singing this.
That song might be one of his absolute most underrated songs he has ever done. and I agree, it is a better album than people credit it for being. It wasn't his best, but it was reasonably solid.
I believe My Bologna was the first Weird Al song I heard, which introduced his genius to me. Personally I think his Star Wars songs, Yoda and The Saga Begins, are his best. The Saga Begins just shows his genius and his due diligence to get things right!
Thanks for the backstory. I love Weird Al. And thank you so much for having The Monkees "Headquarters" album prominently displayed in the background. That was a great album!
He is also the nicest, most gracious and approachable 'stars' you could ever hope to meet. He is still the funny kid writing goofy lyrics to songs to amuse his friends, just with a nicer house.
Haha same! I went with my family when we were on vacation and my little sister freaked out after the table saw finger blood bath, so she and Mom left the theater and Dad and I stayed.
I remember when Polka Party came out. The record store didn’t treat it like a new album. It went straight to the bargain bin. I legitimately thought it was an old album with no singles that nobody liked, and I had no interest in it. It was 10 years before I realized it came out AFTER Dare To Be Stupid. I only got on board after my college roommate told me about Christmas At Ground Zero. That song should have been a hit!
I immediately knew what this was when I saw the thumbnail! I remember my mom playing Weird Al for me on my way to preschool and kindergarten, and it was so enjoyable! When this song came on, I immediately thought of the TV show My 600 Lb Life. It was super funny. And then when I saw the video, I laughed even harder!
Weird AL is awesome, intelligent, bright well aware of Pop culture and the music world. Humble and loves his fans and respects his peers who make music. He is one of a kind and I am glad he does the funny things he does to help us laugh, He is a real treasure!
So glad to see this era get the love it deserves. I graduated high school in '87, so "Fat" came right at the height of music love for me. Being pretty much the quintessential nerd, Weird Al was right up my alley. Thank you for the reminder!
I have been a HUGE Weird Al fan since the early 80’s. My first concert I ever went to was Al! He has had an amazing career with so many hits and favorites, but Bad is certainly his best song and video! Thank you for this tribute. I smiled the entire time.
All of the genres he has covered so well, I vote for him every time I go to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Bedrock Anthem is one of my favorite songs ever.
Even Worse is my overall favorite album. Had the honor to see Weird Al this past Monday (8-22-22) on his current tour. Even though all he is doing are originals, it was still a great night.
I started listening to him with White and Nerdy, then it moved to Fat, Eat It, All About the Pentiums, and more. This man was my high school and college years.
I love Weird Al. I remember hearing Avril Lavigne in an interview say that she knew she had finally become a big star when Weird Al contacted her about parodying her song Complicated. (Constipated still makes me laugh!) And to be honest I heard Weird Al's TLC parody Phony Calls before I knew who TLC was. And I still sing Weird Al's lyrics every time I hear Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls. Thank you, Weird Al, for the years of enjoyment!
I was more into Weird Al than I was pop music back in the '80's. With quite a few of his parodies, when I first heard them, I was unfamiliar with the original song it parodied & only found out later.
Been a fan of Al's since the 80s when I was a kid. I was finally able to see him in concert for the first time only a few years ago. Saw him again just recently at The Caverns (which is a really neat venue).
I love Weird Al's music! His songs always end up in my playlists. Thank you for making this video! I am listening to this while I am working and reminds me of his song "Calling in sick". Freedom is only seven digits away!
I was so glad when Straight Outta Lynwood was the number 1 album. Granted album sales aren't what they used to be but a #1 is still number 1. Al deserves it.
My problem with weird Al is that every song is his best song. I have people look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about how talented he is because they say that all he does is just change the words to a song that's already popular. And I have to explain to him that not only does he change the words, he gives the song an entire new life and his vocals are so impressive that he can mimic the person that he is parodying. He is I think one of the most talented musicians out there. I hope to one day see him in concert. I would love to hear some more country parodies from him. In country all we have is Cletus t Judd and he's just not even in the same universe as weird Al
Those people have clearly never tried to write a parody of an existing song. Because they see how many song parodies exist they think that everyone could do it. It is not as easy as they think! You can't just "change the words". You have to come up with a consistent concept and then find words that fit this concept as well as the original melody and put them together in a way so that they make sense. It needs a real genius to make it look that easy. And while weird Al isn't the only guy who can do it, people who can do it in a way that sounds and looks right are few and far between. I know that I couldn't do it on this level, because I actually tried. Had some great ideas for parts of a song, but got stuck on the rest.
Obviously "those people" haven't heard his original songs (probably because they don't get made into singles), like Stuck In a Closet With Vanna White, or Young Dumb and Ugly.
@@robertabarnhart6240 I must admit, that I had never heard of those songs before watching this video. But he wasn't as popular in Germany in the 80's and 90's, so I only discovered him in the 2000's when the internet really blew up and the things that are easier to find are all parodies. So I mostly appreciate the man as a comedic genius with musical talent.
@@skyknight0408 Writing a parody is literally one of the easiest things possible in music. It takes 0 skill whatsoever beyond basic writing ability. Claiming what Weird Al does is somehow highly skilled is just laughable. He doesn't change the notes of songs. He doesn't write the music. He just changes words in an already written form, and it's not even clever half of the time.
@@Chris-ey8zf Congratulations. You just outed yourself as somebody who never tried to write a song parody! It is not as easy as you claim. In any existing song, the notes and the text were written together to perfectly fit each other. Replacing any part of it with something else and making it sound just as good as the original is harder than you think. And performing it in a way that looks and sounds that close to the original artist is on a whole different level. I could count the people who are capable of doing it on my hands and about half of them can only make it sound good because their parody is in a different language than the original! But if it's so easy, prove it! Write your own song parody, sing it, record it and upload it on youtube! If you can't do that much, you're proving I'm right!
Really one of the most under appreciated artists ever. He puts on an awesome show and works so hard at being and entertaining person. I really think he's one the artists that would have been better or nonexistent if he a different label. Really interested in what he makes self-published because this legend still ROCKS
If he started in the internet age instead of the 80s when MTV was novel, he'd be a complete nobody, because what he does isn't actually special or even creative. His music videos were more creative than any song he "performed" by rewriting lyrics. WIthout the music videos, he's got nothing to go on that makes him special. Any fool can rewrite a song.
@@Chris-ey8zf there have been others that also do parody and many that do it well. Al's live shows are really good. He really is an awesome entertainer. I think parody involves more than "any fool" can do. Before him there were others and currently parody is a very active space with lots of artists, many good .Even to today Al's lyrics, parody, and showmanship really are world class
While _Polka Party_ is one of his weaker efforts, I've always believed that its failure was due more to the album name and cover. It doesn't stand out at all, and if you don't look carefully you might even dismiss it as an actual collection of polkas.
I'm not like a mega weird al fan but I remember like him a lot as kid in the late 90s and I was looking at his cds in the store (I only knew I think eat it my bologna and fat) and I was like wtf is polka and why is it by weird al. So yea I think you might be on to something there
My family and I saw him last night in KC. For the wife and daughter it was their first time. For me it was my third time. I can't believe how much music he has in his catalog. Never the same songs always different. He did an amazing cover of Psyco Killer. The only musician that could put a huge smile on my daughter's face for a solid 2 hours.
I bought Amish Paradise on a trip to Times Square and had it in my glove compartment for the next 10 years. I would play it multiple times on road trips/vacations with the kids. It's a part of our life now. Weird Al is an American Treasure.
I got to see Al and his band in concert in Albuquerque back in 2011 or 2012. We all know him as a peerless parodist, but he’s a _great_ live performer as well. He probably did 10-12 costume changes-including one into the “Fat” suit-and he did a long medley that even included quotations from “Albuquerque.”
Will never forget the first time I saw this. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants (and pooped a little). It was just so damned perfect and funny! And clever, insightful, and intelligent! It really is Weird Al's best work!!
One of the things that he actually does just gets the permission from anybody and everybody and never is personal or defaming. He gets their complete approval which is a compliment
Weird Al Yankovic IS a musical genius, and earned the respect of other musical geniuses, including MJ and Kurt Cobain ... yes, being parodied by Al IS the badge of honor that "you've made it" ... good to see that Al FINALLY got a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame COMPLETELY FUNDED BY FANS (yes, you PAY for those stars, and being fan-funded shows Al's reach and greatness, as opposed to some stars which were bought via grift -- DT anyone?!?) As long as Al is making music, there is still some hope for the world ... By the way, wasn't it "Fat" where Al threw up the "Woo!" cartoon-dialogue balloon?!?
Weird Al is a hilarious reminder of how fun the 80s were! Without him, we wouldn’t have Richard Cheese or bands like Steel Panther, not to mention all the great parodies on TH-cam!
There’s a commemorative plaque outside the men’s room in the hallway of the Journalism Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he recorded his earliest songs. I am proud to have used that very restroom often. He might be the university’s most famous alum.
Weird Al is the most stable, consistent, hilarious entertainer in living memory. "UHF" is still one of our favorite movies. And "Bad Hair Day" is awesome. It would be amazing to interview him.
Weird Al has "ruined" several classic rock songs for me. To this day when "Eye of the Tiger" comes on the radio, I sing along with the "Rye and the Kaiser" lyrics. More than once a passenger would think I was making it up, and I would tell them that it was Weird Al.
As a lifelong “Weird Al” fan and owner of all his albums, I gotta say that I reach for Polka Party more often than Even Worse. Even back in the late 80s. I like EW but to me it doesn’t feel like a whole album. Rather a collection of songs. It might be the lack of the traditional parody, I don’t know. Great show nonetheless.
Also, even Mother Nature loves Weird Al. His concert many years ago at the Evergreen State Fair (WA) was during a thunderstorm with lightning playing along the hills in the background. The first 8 songs, the lightning struck in time to the music or in emphasis to the lyrics. (And he didn't notice until the middle of Yabba Dabba Doo Now, startled, then kept on performing!)
I once went to a Karaoke night and requested *American Pie*, and then I sung Weird Al's lyrics for *The Saga Begins*. It took most in the room a stanza or two to realize what I was doing, but pretty soon I had the whole place laughing, and I'm nowhere near his level of genius or stage presence. That song was a fantastic parody because it totally told the story of Episode One.
I love just about everything Al's ever done, but I think my all time favorite is "Nature Trail to Hell (In 3-D)" I also like "Everything You Know is Wrong"
Weird Al is amazing! Glad you're recognizing him as part of rock history, not just a gimmick. He's just as important as any other artist. Most of the time the artists who recorded the original song fully endorsed Al's parody version.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm not going to lie, there are some Weird Al parodies I like even better than the original. I think I'm a Clone Now, Amish Paradise (though the original is an awesome song), and a few others.
I've seen Al twice. The professionalism of the show is fantastic. The musicianship is first rate and the concert is fun! There is such a good vibe at his shows. The ticket is worth every penny, everytime. Thanks Professor!
My first concert was Weird Al at the Oregon state fair in the mid 90s. Multiple costume changes, including the fat suit. Al and his band set a very high bar for a live performance.
When I hear a song too often (current radio is good at that) I go Weird Al and start making "alternative" lyrics. Fat was the ultimate comeback from Eat It, it had to be!
"Even Worse" may be my favorite album from Al. It's fantastic fun. I even enjoyed Polka Party. I would buy every album released on cassette at the Specs store either at the mall or in a plaza not far from my house. I used "Dare to be Stupid" to aggravate my sister and cousin one summer while staying with our grandparents. They in turn tortured me with Madonna.
I remember that summer. I "smuggled" a tape player and a tape of "Dare To Be Stupid" into Boy Scout summer camp and my group of friends practiced singing "Yoda".
The polka medley on Polka Party is my favorite "Weird Al" song of all time! It's really great hearing those 80's hits sped up and combined together. The first time I heard it, I laughed so hard, I couldn't breathe!
This is the tape I listened to growing up when I would mow lawns. It is still a great song. Has Weird Al ever been on SNL or the late night talk shows? I think that he would be a good musical act, especially since he still tours.
There's a group of people that have been lobbying for years to have him perform at halftime of the Super Bowl. I wish that would happen some day as you know he would put on the best halftime show of all time!
One of my favorites from him is "I got it on eBay" it's so true especially the part about being "sniped" on a last second Bid. "White and nerdy" is another favorite. He got mad rap skills! Growing up In Ephrata pa "Amish paradise" is still a favorite on the radio as we have a large amount of Amish in our area. When it came out it played a few times every day.
One of my favorite Weird Al songs is an original, “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”. It sounds like this beautiful, tender ballad, but then you listen to the lyrics…😬😬😬
I remember when my son discovered Weird Al. He was playing a song for me, probably on youtube. I made some suggestions of other Weird Al songs from him to listen to, and he looked a bit shocked. What? Dad knows who Weird Al is?!? I had to point out just how far back Weird Al went. 🙂 In my case it was my college years when those albums you talked about came out, and Weird Al was certainly big on our campus.
So many artists with a good enough sense of humor about themselves and their work to not only recognize talented parody but offering to help Weird Al any way they could! This doesn't happening in 2022, people take themselves far too seriously
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Poll: What do you consider to be the funniest song of all time parody or otherwise?
i love This song is just six word long.
Oh, without doubt, Weird Al's "Smells Like Nirvana". The first time I saw the video, I thought I was watching yet another showing of "Teen Spirit". Quickly I realized the parody and laughed until I cried. Al was beyond brilliant on this one.
Convoy GB Laurie Lingo and the Dipsticks. A parody of Convoy.
Amish Paradise is the best!!!! but Fat is second in my book
My Ding-A-Ling by Chuck Berry and Wasn't That A Party. I don't know who did that.
Cool thing with "Living wit a hernia" was that James Brown loved it. He let Al use his band, backing singers, and taught him some of his best stage moves for the video. The common take is that you know you've made it in the Music biz when Weird Al parodies your song.
It's not when Weird Al parodies your song it's when he asks to parody your song that you know you've made it. He's always been respectful of those he parodies asking them for permission first. The only song he's done that didn't have the permission for was Amish Paradise. Only finding out after it was produced that original artist didn't agree to it.
unless you're coolio.
@@AC3handle They've since patched things up a bit. Said Al: "I won't be going to Coolio's birthday party but at least I don't have to wear a bulletproof vest when I go shopping anymore."
Also Al and Prince never got along -- Prince was the only artist to _always_ refuse permission for parodies
@@Soufriere84 and yet he used CHappel's image of making pancakes...
I agree, lots of people these days hate parodies of their songs, but its like a honor if Al ever parodied it. He would actually make their song MORE popular and known.
How is Al not in the RRHoF? Compared to many of the existing Hall of Fame acts, Al's professional musical career has been longer, he's charted more often, he's toured more often and for longer, he's had more sales, and he's won more awards. The man is an institution; he's finally on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Jann Wenner & Co. need to put him in the Rock Hall ballot.
rrhof is a joke
He should have been in years ago.
@@alfonsomunoz4424 🎯
I sure hope he makes it in, but even if he doesn’t, he’s in excellent company.
Why would he be in the RRHoF? He writes parody songs of other people’s hits.
Even as respected as Al is, I think he's underrated as a writer and performer. He's able to perform in any genre, his lyrics as well written for their purpose and he put his heart and soul into his performances. I think he's one of the, if not THE most underrated musicians today.
Same with the artists who make the music with him
Weird Al is a satirical genius who is a national treasure and he deserves to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's earned the right to be there through his album sales and longevity in the music business. He's outlasted so many of the people he parodied in he's career.
Literal deity. Absolutely deserves our love, devotion, and worship. His message should be spread far and wide.
There are only a few artists who had hits in the 80s, 90s, and the early 2000s: MJ, Madonna, U2, and Weird Al.
To date, Weird Al is the only to have continued that streak beyond 2010.
Weird Al has some of the most hilarious moments put to film, shame he fell off. Wish we had 80's and 90's Al forever. Smells like Nirvana is very funny. Jeopardy, Eat IT, Amish Paradise, Like A Surgeon are all A+ examples of a great parody, watch all those
He is a legend.
Cool name, btw.
Fun story. Weird Al totally photo bombed my aunt as she was holding my brother.
None of them knew who he was and he never said, he just walked up and posed as mom took a picture of them.
Many years later we were watching a movie he had a small role in that was filmed just a couple years after the event, as mom sorted pictures.
She shouted to pause with him on the screen and held the picture up. There was no mistaking him.
@@deedee2840 he didn't fall off. His parodies in the 2000s are great: "Foil", "Word Crimes", and of course "White and Nerdy" kept him relevant way more than Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and even U2.
The best thing about Weird Al is that he's incredibly genuine. He goes to great lengths to get the original artist's approval along with their label before he parodies their work to try to ensure that he can maintain good relations with these artists and their labels. There's a reason why several artists mention that they realized that they had "made it" when they were approached by Al with a request to parody one of their songs. The man really is an institution at this point and his work is truly amazing. "Amish Paradise", "White & Nerdy", "All About the Pentiums", "Fat", "Like a Surgeon", "Smells like Nirvana", "Perform this Way", and so many more absolute gems with music videos so good that you feel like you're missing out by only listening to the song. The world will be worse for it when he finally decides to retire.
Bimbo #5
Actually, Like a Surgeon was a suggestion from Madonna, and the only time he took suggestions from the artist.
I thought Coolio was really upset that Weird Al parodied Gangsta's Paradise.
@@jasonmachula1472 oh, he was livid, because that song really meant a lot to him personally, and he sure as hell didn't ok it. As time passed, he was ok with it, but at the time? Woo boy, not even close.
I've been to a lot of classic rock concerts in the 70s and 80s. I've never been to a better concert than to Weird Al. I got to meet him after the concert and the poor guy was totally wiped out from giving 100% for an hour and a half. Yet he still had time to sit and sign autographs and take photos with fans. What a great guy.
Nothing beats Weird Al concerts! I feel sorry for him since he is super introverted and a very private person. I imagine he might not want to be near a lot of people, so I’m not surprised that he was exhausted after performing that. I’m glad you got to talk to him though. In concert mode, he puts on a show!
I was shocked at how much I enjoyed Weird Al when we saw him a few years ago. He’s no joke.
I have heard just how giving he is to his fans, you are correct a great guy!
Thank you for giving "Weird Al" Yankovic the props that he deserves.
Al got me through highschool. I remember being sick as a dog, skipping a school assembly, sitting in a stairwell with my walkman, and listening to a cassette of Weird Al's Off the Deep End and laughing my but off despite how awful I felt. My best friend at the time had a bunch of his cassettes which I borrowed and I was hooked. To this day I still buy every one of his albums. And not to be overlooked, but his band is really talented. As a musician myself, I really appreciate the fact that they can play virtually any genre. That ain't easy.
Wow, what a hard time that must have been for you. Weird Al was definitely the best medicine at that moment.
My friend, Chris, had his cassettes, and would copy them for me back in late middle school and early high school. I remember finding a couple of them, and introducing them to my nephew.
High school = two words
@Jonathan Williams Raising cattle. I still have the Cassette tape lol.
.. and he only gets better with age. His band and live shows and stage presence are AMAZING!
My all time fav song from him is "One More Minute". The line "I am stranded all alone in the gas statiob of love and I have to use the Self Service pumps" cracks me up every time. My favorite parody is tied between Fat and Trapped in the Drive-thru. Both songs show how he is a master at his craft.
"station". I love that song as well. :)
My favorite original is one of his "style parodies" - "Dog Eat Dog," a send-up of Talking Heads. Anyone who has ever worked in an office has met the character in that song!
Of course, my favorite parody is "All About the Pentiums" - "You think your Commodore 64 is really neato?/What kinda chip you got in there, a Dorito?" 🤣🤣🤣
Agreed, I adored One More Minute. I memorized the lyrics in no time and would sing it a capella for people who hadn't heard it before
Took me a while to understand exactly what Al was talking about in that lyric! Oh Al, you sneaky dude!
One more minute is my favorite Al original!
Weird Al is a musical legend! And he has more creativity than several pop stars combined. It always amazed me how many music genres he covered with such top tier parodies, not to forget songs he wrote himself. Plus I love his acting in this video. This video is a good one to watch when I'm having a bad day. Never fails to make me laugh.
For sure. His stuff is always funny to listen to, and he never disappoints.
Seen in concert One of the best concerts ever
I would even say he is musical royalty. He's put in more than his share of work.
A "bad hair" day?
I saw him live a few years back and was blown away by his talent. I grew up with music but never realized what a talent he truly is!!! I'd go see him again in a flash! :)
Took my son to see Weird Al live, back on the Straight Outta Lynnwood tour. Amazing show, even came out in the fat suit to do "Fat." Also dressed like Obi Wan for "The Saga Begins," dude puts on a hell of a show.
Would have loved to see him in the fat suit live! He’s such a hoot!
He recently played in my area. I didn't go to the show because I didn't want to spend over $200 to see him.
I still remember after the Saga Begins he and the clone troopers start right into "I Think I'm a Clone Now".
Gold.
Just saw him live two days ago. Tickets were $45. Totally worth it. Great show
I saw him at the Mann in Philadelphia for the Mandatory Fun tour in 2015. It was an amazing show with multimedia during costume changes (and some bonus Donny Osmond during "White and Nerdy"). $40 well spent.
When the parody version is sung and remembered more than the original, you got magic!
When 'I Love Rock n Roll" plays on the radio, can't help but belt out Rocky Road!
For me 100% Yoda fits this bill.
It’s hard work living in an Amish paradise
Word Crimes is just straight-up better than Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines, and that's not even considering what the OG song is about 🤢
I learned of a lot the originals through "Weird Al". Most of his I like better, a few tie.
Another One Rides the Bus is a fuckin' masterpiece.
"I've got more chins than Chinatown", "I'll need my own zipcode" and "(on the beach) I'm the only one who gets a tan" always gets a chuckle from me. To me Weird Al's parodies stuck with me more than the original songs. He just keeps getting better and better. I remember watching this on MTV and thought it was hillarious, although I was more of a Madonna fan than an MJ fan, so for me Like a surgeon ranks a bit higher.
I saw him a few years ago and the crowd was a bunch of people in their 30s and 40s with their kids. Its amazing how he can relate to such a wide range of ages. We all had a blast
I'm 31, been to a lot of concerts in my life thus far, and Weird Al tops the fucking list. That show was incredible. Even ended with The Saga Begins in full costumed cast.
My parents loved Weird Al, my husband and I love Weird Al and our kids are absolutely huge Weird Al fans. He crosses generations as easily as he crosses genres.
Still one of the best live shows I have ever seen. And that brings up a point that never gets made enough...the band. HOLY ^%# they never miss anything and can play it all! As a whole they are one of the few, if there are even any other, musicians on the planet that can play as many styles as flawlessly as they can. Plus, there are not too many bands pushing the 40 year mark with all the original members without any breaks during that time.
I went to a Weird Al concert in June. Very good, but way too loud. One band member had Covid, and he still played-from a separate room!
I was in Florida, from the UK, and had a couple of nights in Pleasure Island in Orlando where there are a number of clubs and bars you can just stroll into and by pure chance Weird Al was on the main stage. Saw him doing 'Eat It' and 'Fat'. Great bonus.
@@williamjensen365 I went to one in May, and it was very loud. If I had known, I would have brought ear plugs. Still a great show though.
I saw him do a no hits show and it was still one of the best live shows I have seen, and I have seen some good ones.
Oh man yes! I had the pleasure to see Al 'round the turn of the century in a bar down in Rhode Island. I was standing right up against the stage and could have touch him if I was rude. While the show was fantastic, the biggest takeaway I got from the show was how amazing the band was. Not just the on-point instrumentation, but how easily they slipped into different styles of play from one song to the next. And when Al went off to do a costume change (yes, he wore the fat suit) they would play something and they, again, blew me away. I would have liked to have shaken the hands of his band that night.
I used to work on the road when my kids were rather young. My son was convinced I was Weird Al as we both played accordian and there was a striking similarity. He thought that I was touring, not working for the phone company. High praise from "The Boy". I was introduced to Al by Dr. Demento and Another One Rides the Bus. Being parodied by Weird Al is musical knighthood.
Ah, Dr. Demento, that show I was barely able to pull in, late at night. It was broadcast out of Chicago during my high school years.
I've said it once & I'll say it again:Weird Al Yankovic is a master parodist & deserves to be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
💯
Even if people don't like his style, they have to admit that he's an excellent musician and a very, very clever songwriter. Doing parody well isn't as easy as people might think.
@@lisagd22 If you look up Frog Leap Studios on TH-cam you'll find another parody artist Leo Moracchioli, who does metal covers of pop songs. They're maybe not even so much parodies as a different take on the music, I guess I'm a fan of the jesters because I believe in both cases the songs by the parody artist is often better than the original (especially with how plug and play pop music has become, it's just begging for parody.)
@@msihcs8171 Thanks, I'll check him out. I agree 💯about music these days. Autotune has ruined music.
Al is a national treasure.
Obsessed over his stuff as a kid. Also that movie he did, UHF.
We don’t need no stinking badgers 😅
@@elainethomas9985 ...and I got me a real neat watch - It's a Rolex! See?
As a great man once said
"He who is tired of Weird Al
is tired of life."
"D'oh!"
Wise words Mr Simpson
Weird Al has been a favorite of mine for so many yeats, I always loved hearing him on Dr. Demento. THAT was my Sunday night. Girls just wanna have lunch, Dare to be Stupid, The Saga Begins...and so many more. I love the fact that a lot of artists feel that if Al parodies them, they've "made it" (Kurt Cobain amongst them)
I really enjoyed The Saga Begins. I’ve always been thankful to my mom for introducing me to the King of Parody. Forever Weird Al!
I remember when Al was first invited to be on the Dr Demento show. He has already sent tapes that were played on the show. While there, he played his accordion and John “Bermuda” Schwartz played drums on his case. “Another one rides the bus!”
I'm glad to see another Templin is also a Weird Al fan!
I loved listening to Dr. Dementia in the 80s!
I saddens me to think he never got the chance to parody PRINCE,
Just saw Al a couple nights ago. My 6th time overall. He’s the absolute best convert I’ve ever been to, and I’ve seen a ton of bands. His band is tight as hell, and Al’s voice is stronger than it was three years ago! Thank you for giving him some attention.
Weird Al never fails to brighten my day. Always respectful and surprisingly clean. Never stoops to crude jokes and insults. Always witty in both verse and showmanship. A true class act!
I remember he was accused of using a derogatory term in one of his parodies, and his response was "I didn't know that (that it was an ableist slur) but I do now, and I'm sorry."
The King of Parody, indeed!
@@kenbrown2808 That was because the word wasn't a slur in the US, but is used differently in other countries.
@@Primalxbeast correct, of course, but my point was that his response recognized his responsibility for the lyrics he selected instead of being an "I'm sorry you were offended" like many celebrities do.
I have seen Al twice in concert, and they are easily the most enjoyable and fun concerts I have attended. As good as he is recorded, he is even better live.
I get to see him for my first time in February and I'm so excited
I saw him in the mid 90s and it was so much fun.
I saw "Weird Al" Yankovic in concert back in 1999 and he did Fat at the end of the show. Despite being at the end of the set list he wore the fat suit on stage and did most of the choreography and even strutted down the aisle wearing it to end the show. The whole audience was electrified and wouldn't leave, he came up and did a couple encores. I never got to see him live again, but knowing him he's still probably putting on that fat suit even all these years later. :)
Weird Al is a genius. I'd love for you and him to have a sit down interview. I'll click "Play" on that immediately!
Me too.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 "And posting 'Me too' like some brain-dead AOL'er" ;)
@@HerbertAckermans Go away, hater. 😤
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 So you don't know Weird Al's "It's all about the Pentiums"??
@@HerbertAckermans Oh yes, I do! I thought you were meaning that to insult me. I forgot about that one. Love that song.
The direction in FAT was so precise. One of my fave moments is when the camera gets ahead in the lateral dolly follow shot aka tracking. Love Al. Another one rides the bus!
I think the true legacy of Weird Al is how he's outlasted so many of the acts he's parodied. I remember an "Adult Swim" ad bump back in 2006 saying that if you had a time machine and went back to 1986 and told people Weird Al would be more popular than he ever had been in 2006 people would think you're insane.
Or that an album of his would *debut* at number one in 2014!
Or that more people would know who Weird Al is than know who Oingo Boingo is.
While he's known for his spoofs and comedic chops, people forget (or don't even realise) how talented a musician he is. Some of his best work is his original compositions, and his band is excellent, in their ability to shift genres so effortlessly.
This is all true, plus, his band is (apart from remaining together for ~40 years now) absolutely AMAZING. They can roll any genre/style/sound from song to song. INCREDIBLE to see live in concert. They absolutely belong in the RRHoF.
Being a 50+ male, and thinking back... This was AWESOME. Even at the time "I" truly admired "Weird Al". I have no way to convey, but a simple thanks for his artistic vision. Thank you "Weird Al"!
I hear ya, he's been a part of my life since the 80s and he brought joy to me since the first time I heard him. I think he's underappreciated, so yes, thank you Weird Al !
Artistic vision in changing words of a song he didn't write? That's literally one of the least creative things imaginable. If you did it in any other medium, it would be considered borderline plagiarism. If he tried to break out in the internet age, he'd be a complete flop. He was only funny for people prior to the internet existing, because nobody had really seen it before. Prior to him, people wanted to actually be creative by writing their own songs. Weird Al couldn't do that though, because he has no musical talent whatsoever.
@@Chris-ey8zf what do you mean he didn't right his own songs ? If the words are different then it would be his. The music artists of today, copy songs word for word and use autotune, no originality at all
@@GTSN38 Are you serious? Even autotune artists have more creativity, because their songs are original to them. Stealing the notes, beat, rhythm, etc of a song and rewriting the words in the exact same cadence is the least creative thing possible. It's literally plagiarism in any other medium. If nobody else wrote music, and Weird Al was the only 'musician' on earth, then no music would ever happen, because he doesn't write songs.
@@Chris-ey8zf he practices an art form called parody. He's super creative and he has made 100% original songs.
My history with Al’s discography matches the change in technology. I had the first album on vinyl. “In 3D” was one of my first cassette purchases after I got my boom box in 1983, then “Alapalooza” was an early cd purchase, and his last album “Mandatory Fun” was a digital download.
Haha. That was my first Weird Al album. Still have it. And tried to collect the rest of them. Love weird al.
Super cool!
Seeing Al live is almost EXHAUSTING! The constant movement, costume changes and rapid pace is amazing! When this song started and he came out in that fat suit, I just about fell out of my seat laughing.
He’s really fun live!
You know that you've made it big in showbiz when you're popular enough for Weird Al to parody!
...I've BEEN saying that....Nirvana thought so!
There is that saying - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. You wouldn't parody something unworthy of it so you'd only pick the best.
You know you are a legend when Weird Al parodies your song! For sure! 😉
That's right!
Indeed. It's like being lampooned by The Simpsons. When it happens, you have arrived.
Saw Al as the opening act for the Monkees when my wife and I lived near Omaha, NE from 86 - 91.
For "Living with a Hernia," James Brown cooperated wholeheartedly. He lent Al his band, set, back up singers and dancers, costume and tutored Al in the moves.
Going from Eat It - MJ to Fat, also MJ... and doing it so brilliantly. So much appreciation for his talent.
Weird Al made a career by doing something we've ALL done a few times while listening to our songs...
misinterpreting the lyrics.
Now THAT takes a genius to capitalize on human error. I hope he never stops making parodies. Especially nowadays. We sure need laughter in our world right now.
And he misinterpreted them masterfully. I hope Weird Al does a parody on some more songs today because we sure as hell deserve it!
When I saw Al live at the Warner Theater in Erie PA for the *All About The Pentiums* tour, he put on the fat suit to perform the song. He did at least a dozen + costume changes for that show which blew me away. The best live concert I'll ever see.
As I age I appreciate “Living With A Hernia” even more than I did when it came out.I love his list of the types of hernias instead of naming US. cities!
*I FEEL BAD!*
I had a hernia when I was a little girl and this song made me feel better about myself!
I just passed the part where he said apparently medical conditions aren't funny... Speak for yourself, dude. I have a hernia that cannot be operated on... It makes the song ten times funnier.
We took our daughter to a Weird Al concert in the 90's. His band was off the charts! They sound better live than on the record!
My favorite song by Weird Al is "You Don't Love Me Anymore", which is one of his rare songs that isn't a parody or a polka. It's funny, of course, but it's also a legitimately beautiful song.
Agreed! I had that cassette and thought this is a beautiful song!
Yes!!!! Finally someone giving that song some love
Most of my favorites of his aren't parodies; The Check is in the Mail from his first album especially. Also The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota from UHF, Your Horoscope for Today, and the ones covering a group in general rather than a song, like I'll Sue Ya or Dog Eat Dog. Sometimes he betrays himself as an actual songwriter!
@@s.philRBW
Virus Alert is also a banger!
Probably my favorite original of his(or certainly in my top three), funnily enough, was from Polka Party. Good Enough For Now is amazing, and if you've never heard it, you should. :)
His palindromic parody of Bob Dylan called "Bob" is genius.
After AL's music came into my life in middle school in 94. I have now seen him live 5 times. Including last month I was gifted a Vip pass for my birthday to finally meet the man I have admired so much.
Super cool! You are lucky as hell, Karl!
He's a real nice guy and actually kind of quiet. I've met him about 4 times after concerts. His band are good guys too.
My VIP ticket is for next month. I'm super excited about it!
That's so cool! Al was my childhood hero. ...I'm super jealous, lol!
I've loved Al since hearing "Another one Rides the Bus" which my home town radio station played in honour of our new transit system. Witty, funny, genius. We almost did "One More Minute" as an air-band in high school, faculty didn't exactly like the idea!
Super cool!
You are correct my friend been a fan since the beginning!
I've been a back-up dancer for Weird Al a half a dozen times. Great guy, such a lowkey personality, not at all like his stage persona! Super nice to my son too. (Thanks Al!)
Ooohhh, LUCKYYYY!!!!! I am SO jealous!
I was always so amazed at how close Al’s parody video was to Michael Jackson’s video! You didn’t show it, but it was even down to the scene with the roller skater scene and the graffiti! Lol i was in my junior and high school years, in the 80’s, and I get such a thrill when I see younger generations into 80’s music. Thanks for this! I am subscribing to this channel. I love it
The 80s would not be complete without AL. My brother and I would listen together and just laugh. Great memories. Thanks Al!
There would be a whole lot less laughter in the world without him.
Polka Party! had some of my favorite “Weird Al” songs on it. “Christmas at Ground Zero” was a seasonal classic I still put on during the holidays. “Living with a Hernia” is one of his best parody songs he’s ever done because of how well he nailed the subject matter and captured the sound of the original.
However, I would just like to point out the best track on the album isn’t actually a direct parody, it’s an original song that’s a style parody of old country love songs, and that’s “Good Enough for Now.”
If you’re not familiar “Good Enough for Now” is where instead of committing to saying his lady is the best and all the other over the top things that are usually said in most love songs, he just keeps using such weak noncommittal language and undercutting the usual message, because it’s a love song being sung by someone who clearly feels like they’ve settled.
Every verse of that one is a gem, but here’s one of my favorites that will illustrate what I mean:
“Now, it seems to me I’m relatively lucky
I know I probably couldn’t ask for too much more
I honestly can say you’re an above-average lady
You’re almost just what I’ve been looking for”
So, it’s a bummer that it was commercial flop, because I feel like it was some of his best “original” work. I guess if you only like the songs that were parodies of massive hit songs, then I guess this one was a little light on those.
That's one of my favorite songs of his. Good enough for now...
That was one of Al's best...He parodied the whole classic Country Western genre with that one song. I can just picture a music video of Al wearing one of Porter Wagoner's old rhinestone suits standing on stage singing this.
That song might be one of his absolute most underrated songs he has ever done. and I agree, it is a better album than people credit it for being. It wasn't his best, but it was reasonably solid.
Toothless People was good too.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who loved Good Enough For Now. :D
I believe My Bologna was the first Weird Al song I heard, which introduced his genius to me. Personally I think his Star Wars songs, Yoda and The Saga Begins, are his best. The Saga Begins just shows his genius and his due diligence to get things right!
Thanks for the backstory. I love Weird Al. And thank you so much for having The Monkees "Headquarters" album prominently displayed in the background. That was a great album!
He is also the nicest, most gracious and approachable 'stars' you could ever hope to meet. He is still the funny kid writing goofy lyrics to songs to amuse his friends, just with a nicer house.
I spent 30 years telling people how funny UHF was, now it’s a cult classic. Told ya!!!
Yup!
Haha same! I went with my family when we were on vacation and my little sister freaked out after the table saw finger blood bath, so she and Mom left the theater and Dad and I stayed.
Yee
This means something! ;)
Well, forget the penny, you deserve that 10th spatula for free!
I remember when Polka Party came out. The record store didn’t treat it like a new album. It went straight to the bargain bin. I legitimately thought it was an old album with no singles that nobody liked, and I had no interest in it. It was 10 years before I realized it came out AFTER Dare To Be Stupid. I only got on board after my college roommate told me about Christmas At Ground Zero. That song should have been a hit!
I love Ground Zero, that one puts a huge smile on my face!
That’s a great one buuut…. Here’s Johnny, baby! That’s what it’s all about.
I immediately knew what this was when I saw the thumbnail! I remember my mom playing Weird Al for me on my way to preschool and kindergarten, and it was so enjoyable! When this song came on, I immediately thought of the TV show My 600 Lb Life. It was super funny. And then when I saw the video, I laughed even harder!
I knew from the thumbnail as well!!
@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz I hope you're having an amazing day!
@@charleyanne I hope you are too! Rock on! 🤘 🎸
Weird AL is awesome, intelligent, bright well aware of Pop culture and the music world. Humble and loves his fans and respects his peers who make music. He is one of a kind and I am glad he does the funny things he does to help us laugh, He is a real treasure!
So glad to see this era get the love it deserves. I graduated high school in '87, so "Fat" came right at the height of music love for me. Being pretty much the quintessential nerd, Weird Al was right up my alley. Thank you for the reminder!
I have been a HUGE Weird Al fan since the early 80’s. My first concert I ever went to was Al! He has had an amazing career with so many hits and favorites, but Bad is certainly his best song and video! Thank you for this tribute. I smiled the entire time.
All of the genres he has covered so well, I vote for him every time I go to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Bedrock Anthem is one of my favorite songs ever.
Even Worse is my overall favorite album. Had the honor to see Weird Al this past Monday (8-22-22) on his current tour. Even though all he is doing are originals, it was still a great night.
I started listening to him with White and Nerdy, then it moved to Fat, Eat It, All About the Pentiums, and more. This man was my high school and college years.
I love Weird Al. I remember hearing Avril Lavigne in an interview say that she knew she had finally become a big star when Weird Al contacted her about parodying her song Complicated. (Constipated still makes me laugh!) And to be honest I heard Weird Al's TLC parody Phony Calls before I knew who TLC was. And I still sing Weird Al's lyrics every time I hear Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls. Thank you, Weird Al, for the years of enjoyment!
Waterfalls is actually a Steve Poltz song he is another great musician co wrote you were made for me with Jewel also
I was more into Weird Al than I was pop music back in the '80's. With quite a few of his parodies, when I first heard them, I was unfamiliar with the original song it parodied & only found out later.
Been a fan of Al's since the 80s when I was a kid. I was finally able to see him in concert for the first time only a few years ago. Saw him again just recently at The Caverns (which is a really neat venue).
I love Weird Al's music! His songs always end up in my playlists.
Thank you for making this video! I am listening to this while I am working and reminds me of his song "Calling in sick". Freedom is only seven digits away!
I was so glad when Straight Outta Lynwood was the number 1 album.
Granted album sales aren't what they used to be but a #1 is still number 1.
Al deserves it.
My problem with weird Al is that every song is his best song. I have people look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about how talented he is because they say that all he does is just change the words to a song that's already popular. And I have to explain to him that not only does he change the words, he gives the song an entire new life and his vocals are so impressive that he can mimic the person that he is parodying. He is I think one of the most talented musicians out there. I hope to one day see him in concert. I would love to hear some more country parodies from him. In country all we have is Cletus t Judd and he's just not even in the same universe as weird Al
Those people have clearly never tried to write a parody of an existing song. Because they see how many song parodies exist they think that everyone could do it. It is not as easy as they think! You can't just "change the words". You have to come up with a consistent concept and then find words that fit this concept as well as the original melody and put them together in a way so that they make sense. It needs a real genius to make it look that easy. And while weird Al isn't the only guy who can do it, people who can do it in a way that sounds and looks right are few and far between. I know that I couldn't do it on this level, because I actually tried. Had some great ideas for parts of a song, but got stuck on the rest.
Obviously "those people" haven't heard his original songs (probably because they don't get made into singles), like Stuck In a Closet With Vanna White, or Young Dumb and Ugly.
@@robertabarnhart6240 I must admit, that I had never heard of those songs before watching this video. But he wasn't as popular in Germany in the 80's and 90's, so I only discovered him in the 2000's when the internet really blew up and the things that are easier to find are all parodies. So I mostly appreciate the man as a comedic genius with musical talent.
@@skyknight0408 Writing a parody is literally one of the easiest things possible in music. It takes 0 skill whatsoever beyond basic writing ability. Claiming what Weird Al does is somehow highly skilled is just laughable. He doesn't change the notes of songs. He doesn't write the music. He just changes words in an already written form, and it's not even clever half of the time.
@@Chris-ey8zf Congratulations. You just outed yourself as somebody who never tried to write a song parody!
It is not as easy as you claim. In any existing song, the notes and the text were written together to perfectly fit each other. Replacing any part of it with something else and making it sound just as good as the original is harder than you think. And performing it in a way that looks and sounds that close to the original artist is on a whole different level. I could count the people who are capable of doing it on my hands and about half of them can only make it sound good because their parody is in a different language than the original!
But if it's so easy, prove it! Write your own song parody, sing it, record it and upload it on youtube! If you can't do that much, you're proving I'm right!
Really one of the most under appreciated artists ever. He puts on an awesome show and works so hard at being and entertaining person. I really think he's one the artists that would have been better or nonexistent if he a different label. Really interested in what he makes self-published because this legend still ROCKS
If he started in the internet age instead of the 80s when MTV was novel, he'd be a complete nobody, because what he does isn't actually special or even creative. His music videos were more creative than any song he "performed" by rewriting lyrics. WIthout the music videos, he's got nothing to go on that makes him special. Any fool can rewrite a song.
@@Chris-ey8zf there have been others that also do parody and many that do it well. Al's live shows are really good. He really is an awesome entertainer. I think parody involves more than "any fool" can do. Before him there were others and currently parody is a very active space with lots of artists, many good .Even to today Al's lyrics, parody, and showmanship really are world class
While _Polka Party_ is one of his weaker efforts, I've always believed that its failure was due more to the album name and cover. It doesn't stand out at all, and if you don't look carefully you might even dismiss it as an actual collection of polkas.
I'm not like a mega weird al fan but I remember like him a lot as kid in the late 90s and I was looking at his cds in the store (I only knew I think eat it my bologna and fat) and I was like wtf is polka and why is it by weird al. So yea I think you might be on to something there
Weird Al is amazing and I wish him a long and successful life and career. He always delivers.
Even Worse was my first Weird Al album and it was on from there. Nearly every song on that tape was excellent.
My mom played Even Worse for me on my rides to preschool and elementary school. I remember enjoying every song.
My family and I saw him last night in KC. For the wife and daughter it was their first time. For me it was my third time. I can't believe how much music he has in his catalog. Never the same songs always different. He did an amazing cover of Psyco Killer. The only musician that could put a huge smile on my daughter's face for a solid 2 hours.
I bought Amish Paradise on a trip to Times Square and had it in my glove compartment for the next 10 years. I would play it multiple times on road trips/vacations with the kids. It's a part of our life now. Weird Al is an American Treasure.
I got to see Al and his band in concert in Albuquerque back in 2011 or 2012. We all know him as a peerless parodist, but he’s a _great_ live performer as well. He probably did 10-12 costume changes-including one into the “Fat” suit-and he did a long medley that even included quotations from “Albuquerque.”
"Albuquerque" from "Running With Scissors". I consider that to be the best Weird Al album. YMMV
Sounds like it was super fun!
@@joeldrews2761 that snorkel's been just like a snorkel to me
Will never forget the first time I saw this. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants (and pooped a little). It was just so damned perfect and funny! And clever, insightful, and intelligent! It really is Weird Al's best work!!
Yes. Weird Al or RUSH content is always a win to me. Thanks. If you've never seen Weird Al live, do so if you get the chance.
Sadly, Weird Al never parodied Rush.
He is super fun live, I heard.
I have. He's awesome.
Very true.
@@ProfessorofRock Which RUSH song would Weird Al parody? I'm thinking Limelight.... Lime Bite?
One of the things that he actually does just gets the permission from anybody and everybody and never is personal or defaming. He gets their complete approval which is a compliment
In the 1980s I made a mix tape that had my favorite Weird Al parodies on one side, and their original counterparts on the other side.
I love how Devo HATED Al’s Dare To Be Stupid because he “out Devo’d Devo”🤠🤘
I love the fact that Dare to be Stupid was in the original Transformers movie in1984. As 10 years olds we were all instantly hooked.
@@aspalovin damn right! I recall me & my friends cheering in the theater when it started playing! Heh Al & Eric Idle together, damn near perfect!! 🤠
Weird Al Yankovic IS a musical genius, and earned the respect of other musical geniuses, including MJ and Kurt Cobain ... yes, being parodied by Al IS the badge of honor that "you've made it" ... good to see that Al FINALLY got a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame COMPLETELY FUNDED BY FANS (yes, you PAY for those stars, and being fan-funded shows Al's reach and greatness, as opposed to some stars which were bought via grift -- DT anyone?!?)
As long as Al is making music, there is still some hope for the world ...
By the way, wasn't it "Fat" where Al threw up the "Woo!" cartoon-dialogue balloon?!?
Agreed!
That's what Kurt said... 🙂👍
Weird Al is a hilarious reminder of how fun the 80s were! Without him, we wouldn’t have Richard Cheese or bands like Steel Panther, not to mention all the great parodies on TH-cam!
And we’d also have a lot less humor in our world today. Thank god for the King of Parody!
There’s a commemorative plaque outside the men’s room in the hallway of the Journalism Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he recorded his earliest songs. I am proud to have used that very restroom often. He might be the university’s most famous alum.
Weird Al is the most stable, consistent, hilarious entertainer in living memory. "UHF" is still one of our favorite movies. And "Bad Hair Day" is awesome. It would be amazing to interview him.
Weird Al has "ruined" several classic rock songs for me. To this day when "Eye of the Tiger" comes on the radio, I sing along with the "Rye and the Kaiser" lyrics. More than once a passenger would think I was making it up, and I would tell them that it was Weird Al.
To this day, when "You're Beautiful" play on the radio (not often anymore), I always hear "You're Pitiful".
I do that intentionally to annoy friends and family in the car.😁
I heard Don Maclean gets saga begins mixed up in his head when he sings American pie
I bought it on eBay
@@cmc891 that is a classic
I was kinda of fan of Weird Al before this album. But this song cemented my fandom. By far my favorite video and song from him. What a classic!
For sure.
As a lifelong “Weird Al” fan and owner of all his albums, I gotta say that I reach for Polka Party more often than Even Worse. Even back in the late 80s. I like EW but to me it doesn’t feel like a whole album. Rather a collection of songs. It might be the lack of the traditional parody, I don’t know. Great show nonetheless.
Also, even Mother Nature loves Weird Al. His concert many years ago at the Evergreen State Fair (WA) was during a thunderstorm with lightning playing along the hills in the background. The first 8 songs, the lightning struck in time to the music or in emphasis to the lyrics. (And he didn't notice until the middle of Yabba Dabba Doo Now, startled, then kept on performing!)
I once went to a Karaoke night and requested *American Pie*, and then I sung Weird Al's lyrics for *The Saga Begins*. It took most in the room a stanza or two to realize what I was doing, but pretty soon I had the whole place laughing, and I'm nowhere near his level of genius or stage presence. That song was a fantastic parody because it totally told the story of Episode One.
I love just about everything Al's ever done, but I think my all time favorite is "Nature Trail to Hell (In 3-D)" I also like "Everything You Know is Wrong"
Great songs.
Fantastic choices!
Weird Al is amazing! Glad you're recognizing him as part of rock history, not just a gimmick. He's just as important as any other artist. Most of the time the artists who recorded the original song fully endorsed Al's parody version.
The two notable exceptions are Prince and Sir Paul did not want Al to record "Chicken Pot Pie" because it offends his vegitarianism.
He doesn’t deserve to be left out.
Weird Al is such an underrated musician. The man has done so many genres of music and his parodies always sound so good and close to the original.
Sometimes I get confused when I listen to a well known song and then Weird Al comes in and I’m like, “Oh.” 😝
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm not going to lie, there are some Weird Al parodies I like even better than the original. I think I'm a Clone Now, Amish Paradise (though the original is an awesome song), and a few others.
@@Riggswolfe Amish Paradise is gold!
I've seen Al twice. The professionalism of the show is fantastic. The musicianship is first rate and the concert is fun! There is such a good vibe at his shows. The ticket is worth every penny, everytime. Thanks Professor!
My first concert was Weird Al at the Oregon state fair in the mid 90s. Multiple costume changes, including the fat suit. Al and his band set a very high bar for a live performance.
When I hear a song too often (current radio is good at that) I go Weird Al and start making "alternative" lyrics. Fat was the ultimate comeback from Eat It, it had to be!
"Even Worse" may be my favorite album from Al. It's fantastic fun. I even enjoyed Polka Party. I would buy every album released on cassette at the Specs store either at the mall or in a plaza not far from my house. I used "Dare to be Stupid" to aggravate my sister and cousin one summer while staying with our grandparents. They in turn tortured me with Madonna.
It is super fun to listen to!
I remember that summer. I "smuggled" a tape player and a tape of "Dare To Be Stupid" into Boy Scout summer camp and my group of friends practiced singing "Yoda".
The polka medley on Polka Party is my favorite "Weird Al" song of all time! It's really great hearing those 80's hits sped up and combined together. The first time I heard it, I laughed so hard, I couldn't breathe!
This is the tape I listened to growing up when I would mow lawns. It is still a great song.
Has Weird Al ever been on SNL or the late night talk shows? I think that he would be a good musical act, especially since he still tours.
Weird Al on SNL…now that would have been a spectacle!
There's a group of people that have been lobbying for years to have him perform at halftime of the Super Bowl. I wish that would happen some day as you know he would put on the best halftime show of all time!
He got onto John Oliver’s rant about North Korea…
One of my favorites from him is "I got it on eBay" it's so true especially the part about being "sniped" on a last second Bid. "White and nerdy" is another favorite. He got mad rap skills! Growing up In Ephrata pa "Amish paradise" is still a favorite on the radio as we have a large amount of Amish in our area. When it came out it played a few times every day.
Wheeler?
"Living with a Hernia" was hysterical! My former coworker who was suffering from a hernia got a kick out of it when I sent him that video. 😂
One of my favorite Weird Al songs is an original, “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”. It sounds like this beautiful, tender ballad, but then you listen to the lyrics…😬😬😬
I remember when my son discovered Weird Al. He was playing a song for me, probably on youtube. I made some suggestions of other Weird Al songs from him to listen to, and he looked a bit shocked. What? Dad knows who Weird Al is?!? I had to point out just how far back Weird Al went. 🙂 In my case it was my college years when those albums you talked about came out, and Weird Al was certainly big on our campus.
Just saw him live a few weeks ago, doing all originals on this tour.... pissing a lot of people off, but honoring the real fans.
I saw him on that tour as well. It was fantastic, and really highlighted just how good of a songwriter Al truly is.
@@liquidsolids9415 and his band!!!
@@zanzibar3939 Agreed. They were awesome!
So many artists with a good enough sense of humor about themselves and their work to not only recognize talented parody but offering to help Weird Al any way they could! This doesn't happening in 2022, people take themselves far too seriously