I have been a fan of Weird Al since his first album just before I became a teenager. He does parody without the mean spirit that seems to overwhelm others, he does it clean, and (most amazingly) he does it so well.
One of the things that surprises me the most is how talented his band is. Jon Schwartz teamed up with him in 1980, and in 1982 his core band was filled out with Jim West and Steve Jay. For 35 years (!!!!) they have played with him on albums and in concert, and they can play any style of music exceptionally well.
Listen to:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, and then listen to “Smells Line Nirvana” by Weird Al.
“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne and then “The Complicated Song” by Weird Al.
“American Pie” by Don McLean and then listen to “The Saga Begins” by Weird Al.
“Riding Dirty” by Chamillionaire and then “White and Nerdy” by Weird Al.
If it was just his incredible writing ability, he would not have lasted 35 years. His band and their talent has supported his weird and fantastic mind, and I think that is the most incredible part of his act.
I think “The Saga Begins” is my all-time favorite.
I could not agree more, but it goes farther than that. My audio engineering ear listens very closely to the production values. They spend an amazing amount of attention to replicating sound quality. "I am Santa Clause" spoof of "Iron Man" first pointed this out to me.
Listen close to the guitar tone. The drum sounds. Amazing reproduction of audio quality from forever ago.