Weird Al with Donnie Osmond in “White and Nerdy”; Source: YouTube |
Weird Al Yankovic is not only the most popular song parody writer of all time, he’s also a major geek. This week, Weird Al released his first new album in three years, Mandatory Fun and we’re glad to have him back. Over the years, he’s proved not only a funny guy, but also someone who’s down with the geek community. Here are his five geekiest songs so far.
5. “White and Nerdy” (2006)
“White and Nerdy” is a parody of “Ridin'” by Chamillionaire. The song is one of his most popular, including being Yankovic’s first top 10 hit, his first certified platinum single. The moment in the video where Yankovic vandalizes the Wikipedia page for Atlantic Records with the words “YOU SUCK” is a reference to the company’s refusal to let him release his parody of James Blunt’s song “You’re Beautiful.”
4. “All About the Pentiums” (1999)
“All About the Pentiums” is a parody of Sean “Puffy” Combs’ song, “It’s All About the Benjamins.” Weird Al got permission from Puffy so late in production of his record that he had to write the lyrics at the last minute. He wrote while his band recorded the music, and recorded vocals only two days before the album went to be mastered. It’s got some great computer-related trash talk.
3. “I Think I’m a Clone Now” (1989)
Parodying “I Think I’m Alone Now” by Tiffany, this song was a featured single on his hit album, Even Worse. While his other single “Fat” gets more press, “Clone” was the geekier of the two.
2. “The Saga Begins” (1999)
“The Saga Begins” is a parody of Don McLean’s song, “American Pie.” It’s pretty much The Phantom Menace from Obi-Wan’s perspective. Weird Al actually wrote the song before he ever saw the movie, based on Internet rumors, but it’s surprisingly accurate. The song made director George Lucas so happy that it was included in the bonus features on the 2011 Blu-Ray release of the complete saga. It’s made a huge impact on pop culture. Don McLean said his kids sang the parody so much that he sometimes sings it accidentally in concert.
1. “Yoda” (1985)
“Yoda” is a parody of “Lola” by The Kinks. Written and inspired by Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the song is told from Luke Skywalker about Master Yoda. Weird Al struggled for five years after writing it to get permission to release the song from the music company and artists involved. The song went on to be a hit, and continues to be one of his most popular songs.
Which is your favorite song?
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<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="34656 ">8 Comments
I confess – I've seen all of those. We even have his greatest hits on DVD. Out of those, Yoda is my favorite.
The Pentiums one is a little dated now but the others are good.
Yoda wins for the nostalgia, but Palpatine playing the piano is a close second.
I love "The Saga Begins."
Mr. Weird… he has been one of my favorites for 30 years, to pick one favorite is like seeing three different nose pictures for the best of the three and being asked to pick a nose. Ha, I know that was stupid.
I see what you did there
Lucky!
Wow, haven't heard Weird Al in a while.