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: "Straight Outta Lynwood"
Release Date: September 26, 2006
Record Label: Volcano
Preconceived Notions: Despite fully enjoying Weird Al now, I came across a lot of issues with "Poodle Hat." Had he lost his way after coming to fruition in the 90's? Yes, his good songs reflected a growth and familiarity with the changing platforms and technology. If he was to survive the next 11 years, or even just this album, he would need to adapt his material to be less based on his familiar tropes of TV and food. He would need to relate in new ways. I am kind of doubtful about it.
Tracks:
Tracks:
- White & Nerdy
- Pancreas
- Canadian Idiot
- I'll Sue Ya
- Polkarama!
- Virus Alert
- Confessions Part III
- Weasel Stomping Day
- Close But No Cigar
- Do I Creep You Out
- Trapped in the Drive-Thru
- Don't Download This Song
Best Song: "Trapped in the Drive-Thru"
For all of the issues that I had with "Poodle Hat," it seems like they were resolved in time for this album. Yes, the songs are arguably sillier, but there's also a lot more solid production and narration going through it. In particular, this parody of R. Kelly's hip-hopera "Trapped in the Closet" captures the frustrations of going to a drive-thru in all of its wonderful details. The tension builds and ends on a whimper. While I don't feel like audiences not familiar with R. Kelly's heightened piece of melodrama, it does work as an epic and hits all of the correct nuances. It is a great partner to "Albuquerque."
Worst Song: "Do I Creep You Out"
It is strange that this album is only eight years old and it still has songs on here that I have forgotten. Maybe it is a reflection of how disposable pop music can be, but I still can honestly say that I have no idea what Taylor Hicks' original song sounds like. Also, the song is essentially just a bunch of creepy jokes that are meant to be funny, but save for the audience cheer at the end, it sounds a little abusive and I don't get these self-deprecating love songs quite as much as he would like me to. It isn't awful by comparison to "I Wanna B Ur Lovr," but it still leaves a lot to be desired and is just very off putting.
Was That a Parody?: "Confessions Part III"
A much more successful version of "Do I Creep You Out" in that it takes confession mundane nonsense to new extremes. The closing riff of a woman walking out is excellent. Everything in between is really entertaining and rewards repeat listening. However, I couldn't tell you about "Confessions Part II" (or Part I for that matter). Again, this album has a strange issue with having a lot of songs that time hasn't been kind to. Even then, Weird Al has managed to excel them to excellent parody material and case in point here. I have no idea about the original song, but this is pretty funny.
Most Dated Song: "Don't Download This Song"
In an album full of gems, this anthem parody of 80's benefit songs like "Do They Know It's Christmastime?" is spot on. The beauty is that according to Wikipedia, he even released the song for free. It skewers online piracy culture simultaneously with the musicians who want to make money in greedy ways. It is a beautiful masterpiece of satire that sadly is only dated because of its references to Lars Ulrich and the fact that nobody buys CD's anymore. Otherwise, this song may be the most relevant original song he'll release this decade.
Strangest Song: "Weasel Stomping Day"
Do I really need to go into detail? Not since "Trigger Happy" has he released a song that has subverted two concepts together so perversely. There's the violence of stomping weasels with the catchy optimism of pop music. You'll even hear some stomping on this track. It is all sorts of strange in all of the right ways. Yes, I am very disjointed on my thoughts of Weird Al's violent songs, but when he does it right, he makes something unpredictable and timeless that I can't help but laugh along with.
Great Notes: The people behind Robot Chicken helped to make the "Weasel Stomping Day" music video, which goes to show how much Weird Al is willing to adapt to new culture.
Final Thoughts: I don't get what went horribly wrong with "Poodle Hat," but Weird Al just bounced back with a vengeance. Not only is this some of his most creative songs, but he is starting to venture out and write songs that capture a wider demographic. He knows his audience better and tracks like "White & Nerdy" and "Don't Download This Song" has all of the magic of pop hits with the wit that makes him seem relevant to modern audiences. Considering that he has remained more relevant than almost every artist he has adapted here just goes to show his influence and power. Even then, this is an unsuspecting gem of contemporary satire.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Do I LOVE Weird Al Yet?: I already answered this question, and I think that I will stand by it provided the rest of his work is more reflective of "Straight Outta Lynwood" and not "Poodle Hat."
Polka Ranking (All Albums)
1. "Polka Power!" (from "Running with Scissors" - 1999)
2. "Polkarama!" (from "Straight Outta Lynwood" - 2006)
3. "Polka Your Eyes Out" (from "Off the Deep End" - 1992)
4. "Polkas on 45" (from "'Weird Al' Yankovic in 3-D" - 1984)
5. "Angry White Boy Polka" (from "Poodle Hat" - 2003)
6. "The Alternative Polka" (from "Bad Hair Day" - 1996)
7. "The Hot Rocks Polka" (from "UHF" - 1989)
8. "Bohemian Polka" (from "Alpalooza" - 1993)
9. "Polka Party!" (from "Polka Party! - 1986)
2. "Polkarama!" (from "Straight Outta Lynwood" - 2006)
3. "Polka Your Eyes Out" (from "Off the Deep End" - 1992)
4. "Polkas on 45" (from "'Weird Al' Yankovic in 3-D" - 1984)
5. "Angry White Boy Polka" (from "Poodle Hat" - 2003)
6. "The Alternative Polka" (from "Bad Hair Day" - 1996)
7. "The Hot Rocks Polka" (from "UHF" - 1989)
8. "Bohemian Polka" (from "Alpalooza" - 1993)
9. "Polka Party!" (from "Polka Party! - 1986)
10. "Hooked on Polkas" (from "Dare to Be Stupid" - 1985)
Ranking (All Albums)
1. Running with Scissors (1999)
2. Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)
3. Dare to Be Stupid (1985)
4. Off the Deep End (1992)
5. Bad Hair Day (1996)
6. "Weird Al" Yankovic (1983)
7. Alapalooza (1993)
8. Even Worse (1988)
2. Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)
3. Dare to Be Stupid (1985)
4. Off the Deep End (1992)
5. Bad Hair Day (1996)
6. "Weird Al" Yankovic (1983)
7. Alapalooza (1993)
8. Even Worse (1988)
9. UHF (1989)
10. "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D (1984)
11. Polka Party! (1986)
12. Poodle Hat (2003)
13. Peter and the Wolf (1988)
UP NEXT: "Alpocalypse" (2011)
10. "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D (1984)
11. Polka Party! (1986)
12. Poodle Hat (2003)
13. Peter and the Wolf (1988)
UP NEXT: "Alpocalypse" (2011)
Comments
Post a Comment