Weird Al Yankovic- "Whatever You Like"

[Thig Lyfe]

Originally Posted by Micjones

You equate "genius" with a man whose sole claim to fame is comedic spoofs of popular songs?

Some of his best songs aren't spoofs of anything. "Why Does This Always Happen To Me?" springs to mind as one of my favorite Weird Al songs, and it's 100% original.

I don't buy your argument that Weird Al "couldn't make it in music or comedy so he does this" because in reality, isn't he making it in both at once? I don't think he looks back at his career wishing he had "gone legit". This is what he was meant to do.

Weird Al, though understandably annoying to some people, is the greatest song parodist of all time. It takes a certain amount of genius to keep those song parodies funny for thirty years.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by SportsRacer

Some of his best songs aren't spoofs of anything. "Why Does This Always Happen To Me?"

He's known for parodies, not his original material.

I don't buy your argument that Weird Al "couldn't make it in music or comedy so he does this" because in reality, isn't he making it in both at once?

What artistic merit does spoofing someone else's original musical work (with virtually the same arrangements and musical compositions) have?

I can't imagine that he wouldn't chase a serious musical career if he really did have the requisite skill set to do so. Especially at this point in his career... He's established a base. This would be the perfect jumping off point for such a career move. Why not? Because he'd never be taken seriously as an artist.

I don't think he looks back at his career wishing he had "gone legit". This is what he was meant to do.

I tend to agree. My point is what he's done isn't worthy of being tabbed "musical genius". I think that requires artistic merit of your own.

It takes a certain amount of genius to keep those song parodies funny for thirty years.

I suppose that depends on who you ask.
And also on how you measure the comedic value of spoofs.

I think the guy owns the song parody lane.
He's done very clever work during his long career.
I just think it's a bit ridiculous to assign the term "genius" to that.

[bobbything]

Originally Posted by Micjones

He's known for parodies, not his original material.



What artistic merit does spoofing someone else's original musical work (with virtually the same arrangements and musical compositions) have?

I can't imagine that he wouldn't chase a serious musical career if he really did have the requisite skill set to do so. Especially at this point in his career... He's established a base. This would be the perfect jumping off point for such a career move. Why not? Because he'd never be taken seriously as an artist.



I tend to agree. My point is what he's done isn't worthy of being tabbed "musical genius". I think that requires artistic merit of your own.



I suppose that depends on who you ask.
And also on how you measure the comedic value of spoofs.

I think the guy owns the song parody lane.
He's done very clever work during his long career.
I just think it's a bit ridiculous to assign the term "genius" to that.

With no due respect, you don't know shit from shinola, sir.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by bobbything

With no due respect, you don't know shit from shinola, sir.

Such the silver tongue.

I suppose when you don't have an argument to stand on you dust off an insult from the WWII era.
Fair enough.

Let's break out the Bing Crosby records while we're at it...