“Weird Al” Yankovic has been the reigning clown prince of rock for nearly three decades. In many ways it’s ironic that Al’s longevity often surpasses those he’s parodied over the years. (What ever happened to El DeBarge, by the way?) Out in stores this very minute is Al’s latest, “Straight Outta Lynwood,” his twelfth solo album, in nifty dual disc format so you can enjoy video goodness as well.
Many an evening in young Joe’s life was spent listening to the likes of “Dare to Be Stupid,” “Polka Party,” “In 3-D,” and “Even Worse”. I thought they were funny, but in the meantime I also got exposure to songs and genres of music I wouldn’t have normally listened to. The capping moment for me was Al’s “Bob,” which offered a charming palindrome of a tribute to Bob Dylan.
Al was gracious enough to answer a few questions for his humble minions at Joe-Mammy.com. I don’t want to give anything away, but Al shares his secret to being a pimp, yo.
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Joe Mammy.com: It’s been 3 years since your last album was released, what have you been up to?
“Weird Al” Yankovic: I did a major international tour for Poodle Hat, I helped put together all the special features on The Weird Al Show DVD box set, I’ve been enjoying family life, and I’ve been spending a lot of time working on the songs, videos and packaging for this new album.
Joe: Your new album “Straight Outta Lynwood” is due out September 26, give us a rundown of the album.
Al: Well, there are parodies of Green Day, Usher, R. Kelly, Taylor Hicks and Chamillionaire (“White & Nerdy”). Plus there’s the requisite polka medley (“Polkarama!”) and six bizarre new original songs, including the first single “Don’t Download This Song.”
Joe: I see that you’ve got a number of videos on it. How did you choose the animators?
Al: I just started at the top of my list of favorite animators and picked up the phone. To my delight and surprise, just about everybody I approached was happy to sign on for the project. Bill Plympton, of course, is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and an icon in the world of animation. John Kricfalusi is the creator of Ren & Stimpy and I’m one of his biggest fans. Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken is one of my favorite shows, and they were able to make a great stop-motion animated piece that works as a video for me and programming for them. Jim Blashfield is another award-winning animator who has done videos for Michael Jackson, Paul Simon and Talking Heads. And David C. Lovelace and Thomas Lee are two of the most talented young Flash animators plying their trade on the Internet today.
Joe: How would you describe the current state of popular music—what’s good, what’s bad and who out there is worth checking out?
Al: You know, everything is subjective. The kind of stuff I like, you may not, and visa versa. Personally I’m more of an alternative rock guy, but I can appreciate a lot of popular music – it’s just that (like I’m teaching my 3-year-old daughter to say) it’s not my favorite.
Joe: You’re known primarily for “making fun” of other artists’ music. I’ve always found your work more affectionate towards its source material than mocking. Do you think that’s an accurate description?
Al: Yeah, I think so. I think it’s more of a challenge to do satire and comedy without being mean-spirited. There’s a place for that kind of comedy too, of course, but it’s just not what I personally like to do.
Joe: You’ve been at it for nearly thirty years; are there any moments that strike you as particularly memorable?
Al: Winning my Grammys would rank way up there. Also being a guest on The Simpsons – that’s one of the best TV shows of all time, and I’m sure it will be in syndication for the next 500 years. Being on that show is probably my best shot at immortality.
Joe: You’re known for having a core of ultra-devoted fans. Would you talk about what the fans have meant to you over your career?
Al: I do have some of the greatest fans in the world – they’ve always got my back. It means a lot to me that fans would take it upon themselves to try to get me a star on the Hollywood Blvd. Walk of Fame, or admitted to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It means a lot to me when I go on the road and I see a lot of the same faces at every show – people will follow me around the country… they’ll plan their vacation time around my touring schedule. A lot of my fans have really stuck with me and been very supportive. It’s very flattering, and it definitely helps motivate me to keep doing what I do.
Joe: The first single from the new album “Don’t Download This Song” (amusingly available for download on your website) I particularly enjoy. It’s definitely a bit more topically satirical than some of your work in the past. What prompted you to take a little poke at the RIAA?
Al: The topic of illegal downloading was just something I felt I needed to address. It’s been a huge problem for the recording industry, but I just felt that the RIAA’s reaction to it – basically criminalizing common file-sharers - has not been the most reasonable… ergo, this song.
Joe: Read any good books lately?
Al: I haven’t had much free time. The last thing I read was the back of my shampoo bottle. Apparently – and I didn’t know this – you need to “lather, rinse and repeat.”
Joe: Inquiring minds want to know: what’s the “Weird Al” secret to wooing the ladies?
Al: I tell ya, women just can’t resist a mean accordion solo.
Joe: Any parting words of wisdom for the kids at home?
Al: Dental hygiene is very important, so keep flossing, kids!
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Al’s latest album “Straight Outta Lynwood” is available in stores everywhere, including our very own Joe-Mammy.com Shop. For all the latest news, links, tour dates, goodies and absolutely free downloads (including an exclusive song not on the album!) be sure to check out WeirdAl.com.
