This week’s special batch goes out to Big Takeover reader and tastemaker Jekbmc.
Weird Al – Dare to Be Stupid (Scotti Brothers)
The title cut is an original tune done in the style of Devo, which arguably could have been a decent cut for Devo themselves. Al performed this feat this once more on Bad Hair Day with the parody song “Gump,” which might have suited Presidents of the United States of America just as well as their own quirky single “Lump.” My favorite cut is “One More Minute,” describing the many ways Al would rather spend his time than waste another 60 seconds with an ex-lover.
Weird Al – Running With Scissors (Volcano)
I’m not that much of a Star Wars geek, but I’d still rather hear “The Saga Begins” than Don McLean‘s “American Pie.” If I get to choose, I prefer Dare to Be Stupid‘s “Yoda,” since it’s based upon the Kinks track “Lola.” Favorite track: the utterly ridiculous 11 minute epic “Albuquerque.” It’s quite possibly the finest moment by Al and his band. Supposedly, it’s a style parody of the Rugburns. Since Al’s loving imitation rocks, I need to check out some original Rugburns ASAP.
Weird Al – Polka Party (Scotti Brothers)
“Dog Eat Dog” is a Talking Heads-styled take on corporate culture. “Sometimes I tell myself, this is not my beautiful stapler …” The song predates Dilbert by four years. “Christmas at Ground Zero” is always good for promoting holiday cheer.
Weird Al – Off the Deep End (Scotti Brothers)
Includes a parody of Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Favorite track: “You Don’t Love Me Anymore,” in which Al starts to notice the not-so-subtle hints that his special someone is no longer returning his affection.
Weird Al – Poodle Hat (Volcano)
There’s really no sense denying it: “Bob” is utterly brilliant. It’s done in a style similar to Bob Dylan‘s “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” and all of the lyrics are palindromes. Even the title is a palindrome. Get it? “Oozy rat in a sanitary zoo.” “May a moody baby doom a yam.” Wish I’d thought of the idea first.
Weird Al – In 3-D (Scotti Brothers)
This 1984 release included the hit Michael Jackson parody “Eat It,” cementing Al’s career. As a kid, I always liked singing along with “Nature Trail to Hell.” My dad didn’t care for it so much. I can no longer locate my copy of this album.
Weird Al – Even Worse (Scotti Brothers)
This one includes Al’s next big Michael Jackson parody, “Fat.” The humor is definitely helped by the video presentation, especially during the intro skit’s “Ding Dong, yo” bit. My favorite track is “You Make Me,” an original song in the style of the late great Oingo Boingo. Al was playing this tune on his most recent tour.
Weird Al – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff (Scotti Brothers)
This collection’s best known tune is “Beverly Hillbillies,” a parody of Dire Straits‘ “Money For Nothing.” Favorite cuts include the short ‘n’ stupid “Let Me Be Your Hog” and “Generic Blues.” “Make it talk, make it talk! … okay, now make it shut up.”
Weird Al – Alapalooza (Scotti Brothers)
Includes “Jurassic Park,” to the tune of the maudlin “MacArthur Park.” Favorite track: the “Harvey the Wonder Hamster” anthem. Make a playlist of nothing but repeated plays of this song, and take it on a road trip with family some day. Go ahead, try it. Make sure you know how to get home on foot.
Weird Al – Bad Hair Day (Scotti Brothers)
Includes “Amish Paradise,” which Coolio was apparently not too cool with, initially. The royalty checks probably softened the blow. Chamillionaire was much friendlier regarding “White and Nerdy” from 2006’s Straight Outta Lynwood, and even appeared in the video. That song stands as Al’s biggest hit to date. My favorite cut from Bad Hair Day is “I’m So Sick of You,” which takes its musical cues from early Elvis Costello singles like “Pump it Up.”
