I Heart the Brilliant (and underrated) Weird Al Yankovic, Part 2

It saddens me that so many think of Al as “The ‘Eat It’ Guy.” Even some urban hipsters with whom I hang have called him “just a parody artist.” I have two major issues with this. Number One: Indeed, he is not just a parody artist, and Number Two: What’s that supposed to mean, “just a parody artist”? Do you think it’s easy? Would you say that Christopher Guest is “just” a mockumentary filmmaker because he is most famous for the films This Is Spinal Tap and Best In Show? Hell no you wouldn’t, and Weird Al deserves the same respect. It takes Al’s singular talent to create parody with scathing satire and a keen wit that’s also listenable.

I’ve previously shared my top original songs (which included some style parodies) in a post called “I Heart the Brilliant (and underrated) Weird Al Yankovic, Part 1, and now it’s time for me to offer my top ten straight-up Weird Al song parodies.

1. Couch Potato

Eminem writes catchy songs, but his lyrics leave much to be desired. Al’s lyrics in this “Lose Yourself” parody brilliantly encapture exactly how television gets under our skin and into every cell.

2. All About the Pentiums

A parody of “All About the Benjamins,” this song taught me all I know about PCs. And it’s so fun to sing along with!

3. The Saga Begins

“A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away, Naboo was under an attack . . .” I have never seen Episode 1, and I don’t have too– thanks to Al. It is no accident that he took a very familiar tune (“American Pie”) and told part of the Star Wars story, which is a story that’s also part of our national consciousness. 

4. The Brady Bunch

One of many Al songs that discuss the American obsession with television, “The Brady Bunch” is to the tune of “The Safety Dance.” The narrator of the song is presumably talking to his roommate, pleading with him not to watch The Brady Bunch, because there’s only one TV set so the narrator’s gotta watch it, too. (I love how it doesn’t occur to him that he could do something else).

5. I Can’t Watch This

From Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” “I Can’t Watch This” brings the listener back to the terrible TV of 1990, including certain commercials (like that tenacious Energizer bunny and the old woman who had fallen and couldn’t get up).

6. Achy Breaky Song

Miley Cyrus has a father, Billy Ray. And he was a one-hit wonder and his hit was annoying, as Al’s song suggests. In fact, he lists all the other atrocious things he’d rather hear than that “Achy Breaky Song.” Donnie and Marie, a Yoko Ono marathon, even Tiffany are all okay, as long as he doesn’t hear that nauseating “Achy Breaky Song.” Perhaps my favorite thing about it is that in order to create this parody, Al had to spend quite a bit of time with that irritating song. (I never liked the song, but it must not have been so bad because I enjoy singing along with Al).

7. Jerry Springer

A parody of Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week,” Jerry Springer is told from the point of view of a person who tapes each episode and is beginning to realize he’s got a problem. The audiences are so desensitized to things that are whack that the episodes have to grow more and more extreme. (It makes me sad that this one didn’t make the cut for The Essential Weird Al, available now).

Remastered for your pleasure!

8. White and Nerdy

Many artists appreciate Al’s parodies and consider them a badge of honor. Chamillionaire is one of those artists he’s even said that he had Al to thank for his Grammy for “Ridin’.”

9. Canadian Idiot

Green Day’s “American Idiot” is a brilliant song in itself, and Al’s version is less a parody but an extension of that song. “American Idiot’ satirizes what they see as failings with American attitudes (especially the media causing paranoia); “Canadian Idiot’ does the same. All of the so-described shortcomings of Canadians are actually turned back on America (and people who don’t see that don’t get satire). One of the biggest Canadian stereotypes is their politeness, but could it be that mocking Canadian politeness might suggest that Americans are a smidge too rude? And the Celcius thing– why does America reject the metric system? Seriously, people. It’s 2009.

A Facebook Meme, in Blog Form

The instructions are easy: list 25 movies that say something about you, then tag the friends you think are most likely to do it, too. Also, tag the person who sent this to you.

Oh, wait, this isn’t Facebook? And the meme isn’t movies, it’s 25 random things? Oh, well, my column, my rules.

1. FIGHT CLUB (1999)
Shows my complexity—sure, I’m generally a pro-Ikea, anti-violence kinda gal, but something about Brad Pitt and Edward Norton beating the crap out of each other without shirts is, well, fine with me.

2. HAROLD AND MAUDE (1971)
“That’s wonderful, Harold. Go, love some more.”

3. UHF (1989)
Shows my undying love for Al, plus my childlike whimsy. And I adore the commentary—Victoria Jackson cuts the call short because she’s making scalloped potatoes.

4. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE (2007)
The Simpson family are a huge part of my life, and in the movie, Marge swears in anger and we

I wish Bruce’s name was in my secret notebook. Oops. wrong movie.

see Bart’s doodle.

5. THE JERK (1979)
The first time I laid my eyes on Steve, I knew what romantic love was and although I was only 6, I don’t think my understanding has grown all that much more sophisticated in the almost 30 years since.

6. STRANGER THAN FICTION (2006)
Did you ever imagine Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, and Queen Latifah in the same film? Me neither, but strangely, it works.

7. OFFICE SPACE (1999)
TPS reports, flair, guarding our cake, working 45 minutes a week. Yeah, it’s touched us all.

8. EDDIE IZZARD’S DRESS TO KILL (1999)
The best of all of Izzard’s standup collections, and has taught me most of what I know about teaching.

9. WAITING FOR GUFFMAN (1996)
What is a small town without a Dairy Queen? Absolutely nothing.

10. DOG PARK (1998)
“Owen” is the saddest name in the world? I guess it is, but it had never occurred to me until I saw DOG

If you don’t well up when he says “don’t die, Champ,” you have no soul.

PARK.

11. Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN (2001)
I’ve been leery of public swimming pools since.

12. SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003)
It’s how I justify to myself my unorthodox teaching practices. I mean, at least I tie the music to the lesson plan.

13. SiCKO (2007)
If my raft made it, I wonder if a kind, generous Cuban surgeon would remove my tonsils?

14. FRENCH KISS (1995)
Makes me feel triumphant!

15. AKEELAH AND THE BEE (2006)
I saw this movie, went home, and subscribed to dictionary.com’s word of the day. If I don’t know it, I try to use it at least once that day. (The word of the day for Saturday, February 14: myopia. The Spanish word of the day: ganar).

16. SHORT CUTS (1993)
If you gotta go fishing, why not use your local fishin’ hole?

17. MARTY (1955)
Seeing this movie taught me not to take my feminism too seriously: Sometimes, we are just plenty of ripe

In 1965, she coulda painted anyone’s wagon.

tomatoes.

18. TORTILLA SOUP (2001)
I have the crazy down pat. Now, if only I had the metabolism to keep up, I’d fit right in with those hermanas locas.

19. SAME TIME NEXT YEAR (1978)
This movie showed me that it’s still possible to have a fulfilling life, even if things don’t work out the way you planned.

20. MAGNOLIA (1999)
The number one reason I still haven’t seen THERE WILL BE BLOOD.

21. A BRONX TALE (1993)
When I like a guy, I reach over and unlock the driver’s side door. I’m a keeper.

22. THE CHAMP (1979)
In my heart, Ricky Schroeder is still that sad, sweet, tow-headed little boy, and not a Republican.

24. PAN’S LABYRINTH (2006)
Everyone needs a healthy fantasy life.

25. CAT BALLOU (1965)
When I was little, my parents let me watch it whenever it was the Saturday afternoon movie, even though in retrospect, I realize that hearing Jane Fonda’s voice probably made them cringe.

I Heart (the brilliant and underrated) “Weird Al” Yankovic

Weird Al Yankovic:  Actor, director, singer, songwriter, accordion enthusiast, performer. Brilliant, underrated, and handsome.

It saddens me that so many think of Al as “The ‘Eat It’ Guy.” Even some urban hipsters with whom I hang have called him “just a parody artist.” I have two major issues with this. Number One: Indeed, he is not just a parody artist, and Number Two: What’s that supposed to mean, “just a parody artist”? Do you think it’s easy? Would you say that Christopher Guest is “just” a mockumentary filmmaker because he is most famous for the films This Is Spinal Tap and Best In Show? Hell no you wouldn’t, and Weird Al deserves the same respect. It takes Al’s singular talent to create parody with scathing satire and a keen wit that’s also listenable.

Because Al is often erroneously seen as fluffy, I am sharing my top ten best original Weird Al songs. And by “original,” I mean songs that are not parodies of any one song (although the style of music may be inspired by a specific artist or genre).

11. Since You’ve Been Gone (1996)

Al has a myriad of terrific breakup songs, and this one is my favorite to sing along with in the car, not to mention that it showcases yet another of Al and the band’s amazing talents: singing a capella do-wop style. Sure, anyone can try it, but few can pull it off as mightily as Al and the band.

10. Trigger Happy (1996)

In the style of a zippy Beach Boys tune, “Trigger Happy” cleverly juxtaposes the happy-go-lucky, hanging at the beach feel of the music with lyrics that offer insight into the disturbing mind of a gun nut.

9. One More Minute (1985)

This song magically whisks the listener back to the time of sock hops, malt shops, and suicide doors.  It marks the the moment the romance dies, not unlike Elvis’s’ “Are You Lonesome Tonight.”  However, while Elvis’s backup singers never had the chance to sing “leeches,” Al also gives us the best line that Elvis never could: “I’m stranded all alone in the gas station of love / And I have to use the self service pump.”

8.  Christmas At Ground Zero (1986)

While the song is brilliant on its own, the video (which is the first video directed by Al himself) adds even more. The label didn’t know what they were asking for when they wanted Al to do a Christmas song. What they got is a perfect little holiday ditty juxtaposed by horrifying images of nuclear holocaust which begs the question: how do we go about shopping, humming, and baking with unrelenting terror constantly hanging over our heads?  But then again, how do we not go about our business?

Or, don’t ponder and just enjoy the song. Fun to sing along with.

7. Melanie (1988)

“I have to go through your garbage /  Just to learn more about you.” Need I say more?

6. Dare to Be Stupid (1986)

This song has been described by Devo members as “the perfect Devo song.” The combination of Grandma’s cliches and commercial slogans is deeper than you think.

5. The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota (1989)

Al often ends his albums with a big ole extra long track. “Albuquerque” and ”Trapped in the Drive-Thru” are others of note, but “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota” is my favorite. And with good reason. It’s a funny jab at the campier sides of U.S. culture, but it’s not completely free of respect. In some ways, Al is picking on himself for getting some kitschy joy at the silly things.

4. Weasel Stomping Day (2006)

If you liked The Simpsons episode “Whacking Day,” you’ll love this catchy exploration of the Appeal to Tradition logical fallacy: “It’s tradition; that makes it okay.” Translation: the argument “this is how it’s always been done” does not hold water. And the use of music strikingly similar to the “Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner” commercials reminds me of another episode of The Simpsons, “Lisa The Vegetarian.” Remember the edutational film: ”I was a ’Grade-A’ moron to ever question eating meat.”

3. Truck Drivin’ Song (1999)

Al shows that he fully understands country music: the flavor, the themes, the passion, the joy.

2. You Don’t Love Me Anymore (1992)

In this beautiful, elegiac ballad, the narrator woefully ponders the subtle clues he’s picking up on that his partner might not love him anymore.

1. Frank’s 2000″ TV (1993)

A perfect little pop song that satirizes our cultural love of excess, television, and outdoing the neighbors. And I don’t say “perfect” lightly. There are only a few songs that I think are perfect pop songs:  “Overkill” by Men at Work, “What’s So Funny (’bout Peace, Love & Understanding), and  “Frank’s 2000″ TV.”

Why did i google pictures of Ricky Schroeder and Cat Ballou?

This week’s column at Matchflick is an homage to the 25 Random Things Facebook meme. I have offered 25 random movies. Here is a sample:

The instructions are easy: list 25 movies that say something about you, then tag the friends you think are most likely to do it, too. Also, tag the person who sent this to you.

Oh, wait, this isn’t Facebook? And the meme isn’t movies, it’s 25 random things? Oh, well, my column, my rules.

1. FIGHT CLUB (1999)
Shows my complexity—sure, I’m generally a pro-Ikea, anti-violence kinda gal, but something about Brad Pitt and Edward Norton beating the crap out of each other without shirts is, well, fine with me.

2. HAROLD AND MAUDE (1971)
“That’s wonderful, Harold. Go, love some more.”

3. UHF (1989)
Shows my undying love for Al, plus my childlike whimsy. And I adore the commentary—Victoria Jackson cuts the call short because she’s making scalloped potatoes.

Now I know you want to read more, so after you watch the Kittens on Kittens clip two or three more times, head on over to my column: http://www.matchflick.com/column/1874

New Optimism, New Ambition

Reading Justin’s post was as cathartic for me to read as I imagine it was for him to write:

http://theblarg.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/an-open-letter-to-george-w-bush/#comments

and I feel remarkably light, cool, happy. Seeing W on television didn’t fill me with the anger I usually experience; instead, I felt glad that I don’t wait tables in Crawford, Texas, so I will only have to see that stupid, smug smirk infrequently from now on.

I’m ready to do my part, President Obama (wow, that felt good to type . . . I need to type it again). PRESIDENT OBAMA, I will try to create at least as much as I consume. I will behave in ways that work to improve America’s standing. I will be more tolerant and do what I can to encourage others to also be tolerant. You’ve inspired me.

The nation’s fresh start makes me even more excited about working on the book.  That doesn’t mean I’ve worked on the book lately, per se, but I did change my phone’s alarm clock ring tone to the theme for The Simpsons so that I think about the book first thing in the morning and regularly throughout the day. 

Karma and I got a lovely letter from the president of the publishing company. He gave it a personal touch, talking about how his kids will feel about their dad’s company publishing our book, and he gave his opinion of which title (of the suggestions we submitted) we should give our book: Schooled by The Simpsons.  I like it! We just need to work out the rest of the title. Oh, and write the rest of the book.

In my head, I’ve been working out a new section working with The Simpsons and linguistics, and I’ve also been working on the thanks/acknowledgements section, which now also includes JAY LEVEY and WEIRD AL YANKOVIC, as they have granted us permission to use lyrics.  See, our book is going to include paper assignments and in-class activities that we use to teach certain rhetorical (and other) concepts, and anyone who’s met me knows that I use Weird Al in class, and I’m stoked to share my tactics with other teachers.  Plus.  I’ve got to say, I’m excited to be able to thank Al in the book and to send him his requested copies. It will be an honor.