Weird Al Yankovic

 

 

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For my money, this is Al's best. People rip his originals a lot but I find them funnier than his parodies most of the time because he has free rein to make his lyrics as insane as he wants (which is often quite extreme). As far as the songs go:

Ricky: You gotta love this, except for that annoying Lucy singing. To fully appreciate it, however, you need to see the video and Al's facial expressions as he portrays Ricky Ricardo (especially preparing for his club performance).

Gotta Boogie: People rip this one to shreds but I love it. The first time I heard it I was unfortunately driving on the highway, and when he first sang the entire opening line I almost crashed! It's totally unexpected and completely insane, the entire song. Who hasn't had such an experience?

I Love Rocky Road: Decent, notable for Al's skilled accordian (as are most songs in his early career). I prefer this to the original but I don't like the original very much...still, I enjoy this from time to time.

Buckingham Blues: Instantly forgettable.

Happy Birthday: Fantastic song, this. Al doesn't seem to mind that his voice is sliding all over the place as he screams the lyrics, but that just makes it all the funnier. You can't help but get wound up listening to this song, despite it's gloomy prospects for humanity (they are accurate, though, aren't they?).

Stop Dragging My Car Around: I haven't heard the original of this but how could it get better? The only complaint is Al's vocals, for one of the only times in his career, gets rather annoying after about four lines.

My Balogna: Ups the tempo of the original with fabulous results, Al's first parody (I think it was originally from the late 70s) brilliantly skewers My Sharona (I dare you not to laugh at the burp at the end of the accordian solo).

The Check's In The Mail: Not great...listenable when you have the time.

Another One Rides the Bus: I don't think I've ever heard a more underproduced song, but it is absolutely hilarious. Like "Happy Birthday," Al lets his voice do whatever it wants as he sings over instrumentation stripped down to his accordian, some horns, and a guy banging on a box in the place of proper purcussion.

I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead: A great song about Al's (then-current) outlook on life, and why not live like this? It is funny now to hear him skewer vegetarianism (right on!) when now he is a vegan...I wonder if he regrets this song now?

I'm Such a Groovy Guy: Judging by the reviews, this song can make you laugh or make you annoyed depending on whether or not you get that he is KIDDING. I think it's safe to assume he is, and his vocals are priceless.

Mr. Frump in the Iron Lung: People like it, but I just don't get it.

Final assessment: buy this album instantly. It's the perfect prelude to Weird Al's great career (in addition you should get his video collection).

How can I forget to write a review for America's favorite spoof artist, Weird Al Yankovic? For over 20 years, he has lyrically torn apart every pop, rock, and rap artist on MTV, and his 10 albums are hilariously wholesome time capsules that are well-preserved in a world of sex and violence. Weird Al's 1983 debut album is quite unique in itself because of its minimal production value. Back then, had just received a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and his band members had little money to spend. What dominates the record's 12 tracks are Al's trademark accordian, Rick Derringer's lead guitar, Steve Jay's bass, and John Schwartz's drums. One should also notice how raw and rugged Al's vocals are on here. It's perfectly clear that he wanted to poke fun at himself so that audiences wouldn't take him too seriously as a singer. Despite its low budget sound, this album still indicates that the group is versatile in their material. Is anyone ready to rumba?!
Cult fans will greatly enjoy the album's unforgettable parodies. "Ricky," which alters the lyrics of Toni Basil's cheerleader hit "Mickey," is a duet between Al Yankovic and Tress MacNeille. In addition, the song pays homage to the 1950's sitcom, "I Love Lucy." The now famous single, "I Love Rocky Road" is a Joan Jett spoof that will make ice cream fanatics lick all 31 flavors! "Stop Draggin' My Car Around" is a melodic Stevie Nicks alteration that lets Al complain about the annoying tow trucks that lurk around parked vehicles. Oscar Meyer will grin from ear to ear thanks to the tune "My Bologna," a classic Knack parody that Al first recorded in a college bathroom! "Another One Rides the Bus," which rips apart Queen's funk hit, is as cheap a recording as it gets. Featuring just Al's accordian and John Schwartz's banging on a suitcase, this particular song was performed live on the Dr. Demento Show in 1980.
Mainstream listeners will also be impressed by Yankovic's original, wacky tunes. "Buckingham Blues," which pays tribute to the British monarchy, is a country song that features a hot harmonica. "Happy Birthday" is a wild and funny ditty that puts candles, cake, poverty, and nuclear war in a blender. During "The Check's in the Mail," Al adapts the role of a selfish, sneaky lawyer who does everything he can to dupe his clients. This track can best be described as a soft mix of jazz, tap dancing, and a banjo. "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead" encourages every breathing adult to indulge in as much recreation as possible before ending up six feet under. In "Such a Groovy Guy," Yankovic plays a handsome hunk who turns out to be an abuser towards women. The only two mediocre tracks on this album are the gross "Gotta Boogie" and the morbid "Mr Frump in the Iron Lung." Still, the album's overall quality is quite a treat to hear; it is as much a guilty pleasure as a hot bowl of Chef Boyardee!
If you have never heard of Weird Al Yankovic, the Prince of Parody, then this album is naturally the perfect introduction. I recommend you purchase this zany time capsule while you still can. And remember: don't leave your sandwich in the backseat!

This is a Good debut
Heres The Track Rating
1.Ricky 7/10
2.Gotta Boggie 4/10
3.I Love Rocky Road 10/10
4.Buckingham blues 8/10
5.Happy birthday 10/10
6.Stop Draggin My car around 9/10
7.My Bologna 8/10
8.The Checks In The Mail 9/10
9.Another One rides The Bus 9/10
10.Ill Be Mellow When Im Dead 7/10
11.Such A Groovy Guy 8/10
12.Mr Frump In The Iron Lung 10/10

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5.0 out of 5 stars Actually, the saga begins here... with his first album
On Weird Al's first album, his send-ups do not duplicate the instrumentation of the originals, but rather rely on his accordion and some silly rude noise sounds. Read more

Published on Nov 13 2003 by Daniel J. Hamlow

4.0 out of 5 stars This CD is Great!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok Here it is

1. Ricky 1/5 its ok, but i don't like it that much.
2. Gotta Boogie 2/5 ok song when i'm in the mood to boogie.
3. Read more

Published on Oct 9 2003

4.0 out of 5 stars A modest start for the prince of parody
"Weird Al" Yankovic has established himself as one of the world's funniest people in the last 20 years, and he shows his knack for comedy even with his first album. Read more

Published on July 14 2003 by Kevin P. Gareau

4.0 out of 5 stars A man, an accordion, and a wicked sense of parody...
I actually lived in a town where the local transit system paid for the rights to use "Another One Rides the Bus," so I actually remember "Weird Al" Yankovic before he was actually... Read more

Published on July 3 2003 by Lawrance M. Bernabo

3.0 out of 5 stars Awsome artist! best music! Not his best...!
I am probably one of the biggest Weird Al fans there is, and this disc kicks [booty] for a debut, but not half as good as his future discs, for example: Bad Hair Day (his best... Read more

Published on Jun 1 2003 by madratter

5.0 out of 5 stars FIRST AND BEST!
Ricky:3/5 Well... never judge an album by it's first song.
Gotta Boogie: 5/5 come to think of it I don't want a boogie either. Read more

Published on May 13 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars The original collecters item
This is "Weird Al's" first album and is a must for any collector or true "Weird Al" fan. Being his first album the parodies aren't as close sounding to their original versions as... Read more

Published on April 23 2003 by James N Simpson

3.0 out of 5 stars Sorry, Weird Al...
Being a Weird Al fan, I know he could have and should have made a better first impression. This CD is just all around not that funny and stupid. Read more

Published on Mar 30 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pretty good start
This is the cd I listen to the most. Even though I wasn't born when this cd came out it still made me laugh.
1. Ricky 4/10
2. Gotta Boogie 6/10
3. Read more

Published on Mar 18 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars It started it all!
While some younger fans may be disappointed by the simplicity of the songs on this album, these are the roots of Al-ism and everything it has become. Read more

Published on Jan 25 2003 by Walter Reade

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