The genius of "Weird" Al Yankovic

[mesa/boogieman]

Heck yes I said it. He is one supremely talented man.

His lyrics to the song "Bob" may be the most amazing words ever penned in a song, and I'm not kidding. Every single lyric is a palindrome

Madam I'm Adam
Too Hot to Hoot
UFO Tofu
Go Hang a Salami I'm a lasagna hog

 

[sonicspackle]

Al's great! His originals are every bit as good as his covers.

 

[userphan]

Al is one of the greats and if you don't agree you're wrong

 

[jcmark611]

To speak to his genius, he's outlasted practically everyone he has parodied.

 

[lhallam]

Al is a very good musician and comedian. I keep missing his tour but really want to see him sometime. He covers a lot of styles.

 

[vanderkalin]

I hated Ridin' Dirty but when I heard White and Nerdy I laughed myself sick.

 

[B Money]

his parodies are great, but his album cuts are truely whacked out in the best kind of way.

My personal favorite is a song off "in 3D" called 'Mr.Popeil', about all those Ronco TV commercials. There's a refrain in that song where Al yells in the background:
"It slices!
It Dices!
Just look at that tomato!
You could even cut a tin can with it....but you wouldn't, want to!"

I dont know why I find that so funny, maybe you have to be familar with the commercials he is spoofing, but its brilliant to me.

 

[Jube2550]

The 80s wouldn't have been the same without him. He was the TGP pub/lounge critic in all of us for the time period. Playfully permitted (by the stars he parodied) to make fun of their pomp. So many people laughing along, what would the mega-ego star world be without him?..more ego I'd think. He probably has more fans than people care to admit, not to mention and IMO, he is a talented musician. The shtick may be old but he always seems to come up relevant.

 

[Tonedef]

I've seen him in concert twice. His shows are incredibly entertaining and the musicianship of his road band is awesome. If you ever get the chance don't miss one of his tour stops.

 

[Chrome Dinette]

I can't imagine being in a band with someone who didn't like Weird Al.

This is so densely packed with comedic genius, it rivals Caddyshack:



I will never understand why Jimmy Page has always denied Weird Al when he wanted to do either parodies of LZ songs or an LZ polka medley, especially when considering LZ's track record with, ahem, appropriating material.

 

[Pedro58]

Al's great! His originals are every bit as good as his covers.

Agreed. Except that they both suck. I don't like Weird Al.

 

[michaelvincent]

If you grew up in the 80s, it's hard to look back with anything but love for Weird Al.

 

[mds]

He's great. Super creative and puts on a great show.He'll always get flack for being a family friendly act and a parody artist, but the longevity of his career is amazing and he can cop almost any style and be funny.

 

[jcmark611]

I've seen him in concert twice. His shows are incredibly entertaining and the musicianship of his road band is awesome. If you ever get the chance don't miss one of his tour stops.

That band is also his studio band and they've been together since Al broke in the 80's. I think he and the drummer met when Al was in college.



4:35, Al gets to play with The Tonight Show band, and stick around to the very end for a huge coincidence.

 

[Whiskeyrebel]

Absolute agreement on the chops of his band - they are also his recording band going by the credits. Just look at the range of styles they do! Marie and I have seen Al in concert about a half dozen times and in terms of purely putting on a show, I haven't seen him outdone. Our daughter's first concert was Weird Al for her third birthday.

I would love to throw one of his original tunes into a set. Maybe "One More Minute".

 

[Zingeroo]

Al's an absolutely killer accordionist. I love when he goes into a polka.
Face it, polka is fun music. It's drinking music.
And I loved UHF.

 

[MKB]

This has to be the best. I like his version better than the original.



This one too.



He's a genius, and is only getting better.

 

[MrTAteMyBalls]

"My favorite M.C. is M.C. Escher."


me too, Al. Me too.

 

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Yeah, I love his stuff! He is sharp as a knife and clever beyond words!

 

[Stardrake]

I've loved Weird Al since I heard the original (accordion-only) version of "My Bologna" on the Dr. Demento Show in 1979. I actually have a copy of the single of "Another One Rides the Bus"--the label went under just after the single was released!

I've seen him twice. The first time was at Valleyfair (the local big amusement park). It was the IN 3-D tour. He had been scheduled for 2 shows, but so many people showed up to see him he added 4 more shows at the last minute. That's a man who appreciates his fans!

Second time was the RUNNING WITH SCISSORS tour--and anyone who hates costume changes in a concert would've HATED this show! Even the complete fat suit from "Fat"! A true showman.