Weird Al Yankovic #1 album on charts. Questions (1 Viewer)

[Willie Neslon]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/24/showbiz/music/weird-al-mandatory-fun-number-one/

So I am reading that Weird Al Yankovic has the #1 album in the country. I have to say, this shocks me. My first question is, what does this say about the state of the music business? And two, why would someone buy a Weird Al Yankovic album? I am not bashing Weird Al, i think he's talented and hard working. His marketing of the videos this time around was probably a big reason for the success of the album. I enjoy the video but can't imagine listening to the song more than once. How many times can someone listen to a parody song? I'm also surprised at his longevity in the business. Thirty years in and he has a #1 album.

 

[butcher boy]

We, as a society, are stupid and easily entertained.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

And two, why would someone buy a Weird Al Yankovic album?

I've got literally every single one of his albums, and some of them were among my most-listened-to albums at certain stages in my life. I'm weird, though.

 

[jon_mx]

Willie has become a bitter old man since the tax collectors have gotten to him.

 

[Gawain]

Big fan of Tacky and Word Crimes. Both deserve to be rated higher than the original songs.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Reddit did it.

 

[Freelove]

I still listen to My Bologna at least once a day.

 

[Willie Neslon]

And two, why would someone buy a Weird Al Yankovic album?

I've got literally every single one of his albums, and some of them were among my most-listened-to albums at certain stages in my life. I'm weird, though.

Do you listen to regular music or mostly parody songs?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I should add that I haven't listened to the whole of the new album yet. I've just started each song, realized that I didn't know what it was a parody of, skipped ahead to the next one, and repeated the process.

I like "Word Crimes," but on the whole, my first impression is that this album doesn't compare favorably to Alapalooza, Bad Hair Day, Poodle Hat, or Straight Outta Lynwood.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Big fan of Tacky and Word Crimes. Both deserve to be rated higher than the original songs.

Happy is a great song.

 

[SacramentoBob]

He makes funny versions of hugely popular songs. It's a recipe for success apparently.

 

[TxBuckeye]

You seem to forget, this is the country that has a love affair with reality TV. It's pretty obvious it's filled with cultural morons.

 

[Willie Neslon]

You seem to forget, this is the country that has a love affair with reality TV. It's pretty obvious it's filled with cultural morons.

You don't have to be dumb to like it, I just don't understand buying it. If you like the song wouldn't you just buy the original? Or you like hearing the words Weird Al wrote over and over?

 

[Osaurus]

I celebrate his entire catalog

 

[Uwe Blab]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/24/showbiz/music/weird-al-mandatory-fun-number-one/

So I am reading that Weird Al Yankovic has the #1 album in the country. I have to say, this shocks me. My first question is, what does this say about the state of the music business? And two, why would someone buy a Weird Al Yankovic album? I am not bashing Weird Al, i think he's talented and hard working. His marketing of the videos this time around was probably a big reason for the success of the album. I enjoy the video but can't imagine listening to the song more than once. How many times can someone listen to a parody song? I'm also surprised at his longevity in the business. Thirty years in and he has a #1 album.

People are finally beginning to know his rise and fall and rise again to fame. Its a really unbelievable and compelling story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcNuiri2dV0

 

[The Big Guy]

The top 40 lists now are based on you tube and not record sales as in the past. There has been a huge sharing of his video links all across fb and other sites.

 

[butcher boy]

The top 40 lists now are based on you tube and not record sales as in the past. There has been a huge sharing of his video links all across fb and other sites.

Wouldn't this make keyboard cat the top charted artist of all time?

 

[Willie Neslon]

The top 40 lists now are based on you tube and not record sales as in the past. There has been a huge sharing of his video links all across fb and other sites.

#1 best seller on Amazon.com. #1 on billboard in units sold

 

[NCCommish]

It sold 100,000 to be number one on the Billboard chart. It's number one because no one else who is anybody released anything and there was a media blitz to promote it. Well unless you consider Kid Bop 26 an instant classic I guess. Didn't see videos for it on the WSJ though.

 

[chauncey]

I don't really enjoy his schtick but did see the video for Word Crimes last week and laughed my ### off. And learned the difference between its and it's.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I don't really enjoy his schtick but did see the video for Word Crimes last week and laughed my ### off. And learned the difference between its and it's.

Made me read up more on the Oxford Comma

 

[DrJ]

Also own all of his albums. Kids like them as well. Went to our first show 2 years ago, hopefully he tours off of this one.

 

[QuizGuy66]

He should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Real talk.

-QG

 

[mphtrilogy]

Much rather see Al #1 than a lot of other crap out there..

 

[BroadwayG]

A lot of white and nerdy people just eat it up

 

[Cliff Clavin]

People are finally beginning to know his rise and fall and rise again to fame. Its a really unbelievable and compelling story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcNuiri2dV0

Would watch.

 

[SlaX]

And two, why would someone buy a Weird Al Yankovic album?

I've got literally every single one of his albums, and some of them were among my most-listened-to albums at certain stages in my life. I'm weird, though.

Same. Although I haven't bought the new one yet. I find it amazing how he's kept himself relevant and fresh in the age of the internet and with an endless stream of parody sources that will never come close to his level. I also love that he embraced all of that to help launch his new album.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I actually heard this on the radio this morning.

Word Crimes is better than that crappy hack ripoff by Alan Thicke's kid. Al's version is actually good on its own I think.

He actually goes through the process of seeking permission from the original performers to do the songs which he probably doesn't really have to do since they are spoofs. Kudos to him.

 

[eoMMan]

I get the impression he's a peckerhead in real life based on quotes I've read. Can anyone confirm or deny?

 

[Willie Neslon]

Much rather see Al #1 than a lot of other crap out there..

This is kind of what I was thinking. The state of the industry is at such a low that his album tops the charts. It's not a knock on him but it's sad if you think about it.

 

[Willie Neslon]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Over/under of the # of English teachers who think they're being hip when they show this video when school gets back in session?

 

[QuizGuy66]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

And anyone can write hundreds of songs as well.

Nobody has done what he has done as consistently and succesfully and at some high quality as him. Other performers play one style, maybe two, he is versatile enough to do tons of styles. He has been charting for decades, sold million of albums. Having him parody your song is an honor in and of itself that most acts consider a sign of having arrived. He does brilliant style parodies as well - creating from whole cloth songs that tribute the style of many bands both well known as well as lesser-heralded great bands like Sparks.

Again, if what he does is so easy why hasn't anyone else been able to have the same kind of success in the genre that he has?

And how many "original" artists really just built off of what prior artists did or stole/made their own songs? Regardless of how many millions of fans "can't be wrong"? And yes I'm referencing an all time great who deserves the accolades but was quite derivative with many of his hits.

-QG

 

[Zow]

You seem to forget, this is the country that has a love affair with reality TV. It's pretty obvious it's filled with cultural morons.

You don't have to be dumb to like it, I just don't understand buying it. If you like the song wouldn't you just buy the original? Or you like hearing the words Weird Al wrote over and over?

Because Weird Al's version is better.

Disclaimer: I haven't purchased an album is like 18 years (when I was 12).

 

[Willie Neslon]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Again, if what he does is so easy why hasn't anyone else been able to have the same kind of success in the genre that he has?

-QG

I think it's because he was the first one to do it during the mtv video era. Some label took a chance on him and it worked out. Once that happened he had the market cornered. Anyone who came along after would have been seen as a Weird Al rip-off and no label would have bankrolled videos for that person. Yes, on the internet there are other people who do parody songs but nobody comes close to the name recognition of "weird Al".

My question was more about the state of the music industry if he has the #1 selling album. I think that says much more about the industry than it does weird Al. This is just a really low point for music if a parody artist is outselling everyone else. As a long time musician myself I really hope that changes and soon.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Please post it.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Again, if what he does is so easy why hasn't anyone else been able to have the same kind of success in the genre that he has?

-QG

I think it's because he was the first one to do it during the mtv video era. Some label took a chance on him and it worked out. Once that happened he had the market cornered. Anyone who came along after would have been seen as a Weird Al rip-off and no label would have bankrolled videos for that person. Yes, on the internet there are other people who do parody songs but nobody comes close to the name recognition of "weird Al".

My question was more about the state of the music industry if he has the #1 selling album. I think that says much more about the industry than it does weird Al. This is just a really low point for music if a parody artist is outselling everyone else. As a long time musician myself I really hope that changes and soon.

you are just now realizing that album sales are low nowadays/

 

[Willie Neslon]

You seem to forget, this is the country that has a love affair with reality TV. It's pretty obvious it's filled with cultural morons.

You don't have to be dumb to like it, I just don't understand buying it. If you like the song wouldn't you just buy the original? Or you like hearing the words Weird Al wrote over and over?

Because Weird Al's version is better.

Disclaimer: I haven't purchased an album is like 18 years (when I was 12).

It's not better because it's the same song with funny lyrics. It's a goof. It wouldn't exist without the original.

 

[Willie Neslon]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Please post it.

I just wrote it, I didn't record it.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Please post it.

I just wrote it, I didn't record it.

lyrics are fine.

 

[Willie Neslon]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Again, if what he does is so easy why hasn't anyone else been able to have the same kind of success in the genre that he has?

-QG

I think it's because he was the first one to do it during the mtv video era. Some label took a chance on him and it worked out. Once that happened he had the market cornered. Anyone who came along after would have been seen as a Weird Al rip-off and no label would have bankrolled videos for that person. Yes, on the internet there are other people who do parody songs but nobody comes close to the name recognition of "weird Al".

My question was more about the state of the music industry if he has the #1 selling album. I think that says much more about the industry than it does weird Al. This is just a really low point for music if a parody artist is outselling everyone else. As a long time musician myself I really hope that changes and soon.

you are just now realizing that album sales are low nowadays/

You may be right.

 

[Willie Neslon]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Please post it.

I just wrote it, I didn't record it.

lyrics are fine.

I just have that one line and the melody so far.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

good schtick as usual.

 

[Willie Neslon]

good schtick as usual.

I'm a musician. Give me a $100,000 advance and a state of the art recording facility and I'll come up with a great parody album by Christmas. It won't sell because my name is Neslon and not Weird Al but in terms of critical reception it will be on par with the genius that is Like A Surgeon and Eat It.

 

[SlaX]

good schtick as usual.

I'm a musician. Give me a $100,000 advance and a state of the art recording facility and I'll come up with a great parody album by Christmas. It won't sell because my name is Neslon and not Weird Al but in terms of critical reception it will be on par with the genius that is Like A Surgeon and Eat It.

You think that no one else has tried to cash in on Weird Al's territory? All have tried and failed.

 

[Uwe Blab]

good schtick as usual.

I'm a musician. Give me a $100,000 advance and a state of the art recording facility and I'll come up with a great parody album by Christmas. It won't sell because my name is Neslon and not Weird Al but in terms of critical reception it will be on par with the genius that is Like A Surgeon and Eat It.

You DO love music, but you're not that guy.

 

[Willie Neslon]

good schtick as usual.

I'm a musician. Give me a $100,000 advance and a state of the art recording facility and I'll come up with a great parody album by Christmas. It won't sell because my name is Neslon and not Weird Al but in terms of critical reception it will be on par with the genius that is Like A Surgeon and Eat It.

You think that no one else has tried to cash in on Weird Al's territory? All have tried and failed.

Right because they'd be seen as a second rate rip-off.

 

[Tom Servo]

good schtick as usual.

I'm a musician. Give me a $100,000 advance and a state of the art recording facility and I'll come up with a great parody album by Christmas. It won't sell because my name is Neslon and not Weird Al but in terms of critical reception it will be on par with the genius that is Like A Surgeon and Eat It.

You think that no one else has tried to cash in on Weird Al's territory? All have tried and failed.

You can try to do what he does, but to parody the song AND the style of music being used takes talent. Most YouTube parody suck; his do not.

 

[Waylon Jennings]

My favorite Willie Nelson song is Always on My Mind

 

[Freelove]

I remember seeing the video for Fat when I was young and being entertained but to buy the record and listen to it over and over?

Some say he belongs in the hall of fame? He takes other people's work and changes the words. I could "write" hundreds of songs per day doing this. Just wrote one called "Watchin' that Nash" about Nash Bridges based on Jumpin' Jack Flash. He took the three most popular pop songs of last year. Maybe the middle schoolers who listen to those songs are the ones buying the album? Again, not a knock on him or his talent. For sure he owns the genre.

Please post it.

I just wrote it, I didn't record it.

lyrics are fine.

I just have that one line and the melody so far.

Gonna have to ramp that up to hit the hundreds per day mark.