First of all, congratulations are in order for Mr “Weird Al” Yankovic who for the very first time in his career has reached the top of the Billboard 200 charts with his album ‘Mandatory Fun’.
The OG, Original Gangster, Parody Hit Maker is back with some of his finest work to date and it’s great to see how well the internet has responded to his comeback. His success is no doubt feeling pretty sweet given the fact that there are so many parodies and parody channels on YouTube, making it difficult for anyone to stand out. But “Weird Al” isn’t just “anyone”. He is the Influencer, the Master. His return to the scene has been somewhat of a schooling – a masterclass in how to make fun, without being mean.
Given the viral nature of the videos “Weird Al” released this week, I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen his amazingly clever take on Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’, with his, ‘Word Crimes’ or Pharell’s ‘Happy’ changing to ‘Tacky’ (which by the way, I find very difficult to listen to as it sounds so much like the original which I’ve already assigned to the “annoying” bin!).
So I thought I would share with you some of my personal favourites from the album that (coincidentaly) have not received as much publicity as some of the others:
My Own Eyes
The moment I heard this song, I immediately googled the Foo Fighters. Could they have released a new song that I didn’t know about, which is the basis for, ‘My Own Eyes’? The fact is, they didn’t. That’s how on point this parody is. Unlike ‘Handy’, ‘Foil’ and ‘Tacky’, this song is a parody of the style of music created by the Foos, rather than a particular song and “Weird Al” nails it. Like many other Foo Fighters fans, I’d love to see Dave Grohl et al cover this song at one of their gigs. I think my brain would explode!
Favourite Line: “I saw and old man’s final breath, I watched him die from Bieber Fever”
Now That’s What I Call Polka
What can put a smile on your face faster than polka versions of some of the biggest hits of 2013 and 2014? The answer is NOTHING! This medley has happy juices flowing right through it – I challenge you not to dance when this is on!
Favourite Line: “I want to scream and shout, and let it out (fart sound)”
[Rofl – I know I have the sense of humour of a 7 year old!]
Mission Statement
This is another style parody drawing influence from Crosby, Stills and Nash. I can’t say that I’m familiar with their music but in a Rolling Stones article, “Weird Al” is quoted as saying, “I wanted to do a song about all the ridiculous double-speak and meaningless buzzwords that I’ve been hearing in office environments my entire life. I just thought it would be ironic to juxtapose that with the song stylings of CSN, whose music pretty much symbolizes the antithesis of corporate America.”
I think you’ll all agree that he pretty much nails it here. I mean, if you had a drink every time you recognised buzzwords from this song, how many of you would be pissed by the end…? Humm… Looks like everyone! This song is genius, as is the video.
Favourite Line: “Synergy…..”
First World Problems
One of “Weird Al’s” strengths is his ability to keep his finger on the pulse when it comes to trends and popular culture. “First World Problems” has only recently become part of our vernacular, so to build a song around this is a brilliant move. It’s fresh and it’s funny. Extra points goes to doing it in the style of The Pixies.
Favourite Line:
“My Sonicare won’t recharge, now I gotta brush my teeth like a Neanderthal”
What are your favourite songs from the album?
