Posted on 07/19/2014 9:30:46 AM PDT by a fool in paradise
The success of any great piece of art is determined by a few key factors. Does it accomplish what it sets out to achieve? Does it illuminate some essential aspect of the human condition? Does it change those who are exposed to it — rewire the circuitry, add new ideas that disturb the status quo? Does it build on the art of others, in the process crafting something profoundly new? Most important, does it advocate for the enduring relevance of tinfoil?
Under these guidelines, Weird Al Yankovic's new "Mandatory Fun" is a stone cold masterpiece. Its goal remains the same since Yankovic changed the game with "My Bologna" and "Eat It": parodying hit songs to create gut-busting laughter. Thirty years later the Weird One hits every note....
Weird Al Yankovic
"Mandatory Fun"
(RCA Records)
4 stars
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Yeah, having a melody that everyone knows right away from hearing it a million times but having mocking clever lyrics and wacky music was a huge in for Al. If you have never been annoyed by the originals in the first place it’s a harder bridge to cross for sure.
Freegards
Who was it that did the classic “When It’s Apple Blossom Time In Orange, New Jersey, We’ll Make A Peach Of A Pair”?
I no longer know the originals of songs he parodies so the only versions of those songs that I know are as done by Weird Al.
For example, "Amish Paradise." I still never heard the original "Gangster's Paradise" but I somehow think I am the better for it.
I saw Weird Al perform at a local college. His show was outstanding. He is a very talented musician, very funny, and his routine was very entertaining.
Not only that the "melodies" of some songs like the GRAMMY WINNING (it beat out the Beatles' Yesterday for song of the year!) Winchester Cathedral are difficult to make (more) fun of.
Homer and Jethro still gave it a try.
Winchester parody begins at 5:55
Winchester Cathedral...
You're driving me mad...
I don't know who sings it,
but it's mighty sad.I'll really be glad when
this song disappears.
It's set music back now
at least 50 years.
The Kinks music has a lot of humor in it, too.
Looks like Weird Al has his Tiny Tim vibe going on
Now THAT is a clever song, typical Weird Al quality, and even cleverer video. Best grammar song since:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDwXHTcodNg
Excellent. The guy doesn’t age, although I do notice his conspicuous gray roots. BTW this proves the greatness of the song Happy. It has enough energy to support an ecosystem of parodic material.
Saw it. Couple of days ago, hilarious.
Yep I used to listen to Dr D on the Might Met (KMET) ever sun night.. Weird all was a guy that just sent in tapes.. still my favorite Weird Al was another on rides to bus.
by the way Oingo Bring got part of it start on Dr. D
Yeah, baby. HUGE Zappa can right. In fact, I have Camarilla Brillo playing as I type.
A very good album.
I counted two duds on it: “My Own Eyes” and “Mission Statement”, on the first listen, don’t thrill me. The rest are pretty darn good.
“Word Crimes” is brilliant.
“Sports Song” is just funny, if not necessarily appropriate for little or insensitive ears.
“First World Problems” and “Lame Claim to Fame” do a good job ribbing modern navel gazing.
< /I know way too much about stuff that I don't need to know>
Ha! — “Hands Across Your Face”
One more reason to like the Ramones.
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