It's that time of our lives again. The parody composer Weird Al Yankovic has released his latest album "Mandatory Fun." Upon listening to it, I was left with one feeling: Why are people obsessed with this guy? He did a lot of good songs, but there's a lot of untapped material that I am unaware of. For the next two weeks, I will be listening and reviewing each day Weird Al's discography from "'Weird Al' Yankovic" to "Mandatory Fun" with thoughts on the highs and lows and answer the eternal question: Do I LOVE Weird Al Yet?
Album: "Dare to Be Stupid"
Release Date: June 18, 1985
Record Label: Rock 'n Roll Records, Scotti Brothers
Preconceived Notions: After "'Weird Al' Yankovic in 3-D" proved to be a mixed bag, I lowered expectations and thought that maybe his 80's output wasn't going to get better. Yes, his craft was getting better all the time, but he was too manic and still finding his voice. While it is nice to not see his name in the title of an album, it did suggest that maybe he was going to pander to his audience even more than his previous album. Of course, I just feel like his back-to-back-to-back releasing exhausted what made him interesting.
Track List:
- Like a Surgeon
- Dare to Be Stupid
- I Want a New Duck
- One More Minute
- Yoda
- George of the Jungle
- Slime Creatures from Outer Space
- Girls Just Want to Have Lunch
- This Is the Life
- Cable TV
- Hooked on Polkas
Best Song: "Dare to Be Stupid"
I have only heard OF this song before doing this experiment. However, the results are euphoric in a way that is almost perfect. As a huge fan of DEVO, I must admit that I got a lot of kicks out of his small tics and being able to do an amazing impersonation of Mark Mothersbaugh's strange cadence and lyrical subject matter. While it isn't a direct parody of a specific DEVO song, it feels like the perfect parody of any of their songs. I love this track undoubtedly and it sells me on how intricate Weird Al is when he is aping song styles.
Worst Song: "Slime Creatures from Outer Space"
Okay, the record is nearly flawless and this track knows its source material. There had to be a lesser song on the album. It is full of humor and the kitschy charm that is very appealing. He manages to bring to life the b-movie fun of a 50's novelty song with charm. If anything, the lo-fi production (which is on purpose) is a little too distracting and helps it to sound perfectly dated. Of every song on here, it is probably also more dated than it should be. Again, this is only in comparison to an otherwise perfect album.
Was That a Parody?: I have grown up listening to "George of the Jungle" theme song for years. Either he did a director vocal impersonation, or I have been hearing this song for years without knowing that Weird Al has done it. Wikipedia lists it as a cover, but I don't know. I will need to look into its legitimacy because I swear it's the only original version out there.
Most Dated Song: "Yoda"
Okay, this song is another vintage Weird Al standard. However, if it wasn't for Star Wars being the inevitable force in modern society, nobody would know about this song. While the narrative works well on its own, it blurs the line much like "Ricky" in being almost too familiar with its subject matter and isolating new audiences. It works on catchy, inspired technique, but how does a song about Yoda exactly have longevity? It is also one of the few on here to be very specific in its subject matter, which also kind of hurts it, but it's still a great song.
Strangest Song: "I Want a New Duck"
Out of nowhere, this masterpiece appeared and with the 1-2 punch with "Dare to Be Stupid," I fell in love with this album. It is self-explanatory. He wants a new duck. The song is all about what the perfect duck would be for him. It feels sincere and informative in exciting ways. Also, the innocuous duck chirps scattered throughout this song is amazing dedication to craft. Where the noises before felt arbitrary, they finally feel perfectly realized. I can't mention enough how much I love this strange song that actually works in making me wish that I wanted a new duck, too.
Great Notes: None that I have been able to find.
Final Thoughts: This album opens up strong and doesn't let go. After two albums that showed what Weird Al could do, he finally feels comfortable boasting about it in grand, goofy detail. His parodies are spot on and his bleak sensibilities are more perfectly intertwined with the songs. He has dropped the goofy sarcastic marketing that hurt his last album and instead created some of his best work to this point. I love this album and his ability to jump from genre-to-genre without any issue. His doo-wop and 20's swing songs are all fantastically composed next to the uncanny DEVO parody. This is sheer brilliance and even the lesser songs hold weight. The only thing that doesn't work for me? "Hooked on Polkas" is too manic and trying anything and everything to upstage the last one. It is fine, but ends abruptly.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Do I LOVE Weird Al Yet?: It took just three albums, but I understand his work now where his parodies and original songs are both intriguingly constructed. Love is looking to be almost there.
Polka Ranking (All Albums)
1. "Polkas on 45" (from "'Weird Al' Yankovic in 3-D" - 1984)
2. "Hooked on Polkas" (from "Dare to Be Stupid" - 1985)
Ranking (All Albums)
1. Dare to Be Stupid (1985)
2. "Weird Al" Yankovic (1983)
2. "Weird Al" Yankovic (1983)
3. "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D (1984)
UP NEXT: Polka Party! (1986)
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