Monday, July 11, 2016

Al Yankovic still Weird after all these years

Genius is a very over used term, but how else can you describe an artist who has constantly for the past 36 years put out quality work.  We also need to mention that this artist has successfully used every popular music style out there. I know it will come as a surprise that I am talking about Weird Al.

But by the numbers and cultural impact how else, other than Genius, can you describe Weird Al's career?

Numbers alone put Weird Al in very limited company.  There are few acts who have put out as many chart topping works for 3 decades. In fact there are only three artists who have had a top 40 single every decade since 1980, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Weird Al.

As for cultural impact, I am not sure other than Prince there has been a more versatile artist than Weird Al. Weird Al has parodied pop, boy band, punk, soul, rock and all styles in between. On top of the parodies, Weird Al has written many of his own songs in the style of the above mentioned styles. For many years you knew that you had arrived as an artist when Weird Al parodied your song. As for his own creations, after hearing Weird Al's song written in the style of Devo; Mark Mothersbaugh founder of Devo hated him for writing a better Devo song than he did.

I have to admit it took me way too long to finally see Weird Al in concert. He puts on a one of a kind performance that reflects his amazing career. Weird Al is a genius and deserves the respect that any artist with his history of chart topping success would.

Til next time, listen to the best, even if it's silly, you ears deserve it.

1 comment:

  1. i am so grateful to have known to love him for years! there was a great interview with him by Dan Rather. axis tv should still be showing it.

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