Straight Out of Lynwood (Music CD) by "Weird Al" Yankovic

Yankovic, Al (Artist).   Straight out of Lynwood (Audio CD & DVD). 

ASIN:  B000H9HWSM. Label:  Volcano.

Format:  Dual Disc.  Release Date: 2006.

Listener Annotation

“Weird Al” is at it again—taking today’s hits and putting his own twisted spin on them!  Also included is a DVD of seven of Weird Al’s best music videos.

Description

Songs include:  1. “White & Nerdy”  (Parody of “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire)  2. “Pancreas”  3. “Canadian Idiot” (Parody of “American Idiot” by Green Day)  4. “I'll Sue Ya'”  5. “Polkarama!”  6. “Virus Alert”  7. “Confessions Part III” (Parody of “Confessions Part II” by Usher  8. “Weasel Stomping Day”  9. “Close But No Cigar”  10. “Do I Creep You Out” (Parody of “Do I Make You Proud” by Taylor Hicks  11. “Trapped In the Drive-Thru” (Parody of “Trapped in the Closet” by R. Kelly   12. “Don't Download This Song”.

DVD tracks include:  1. “Don't Download This Song” (Directed by Bill Plympton)   2. “I'll Sue Ya'” (Directed by Thomas Lee  3. “Virus Alert” (Directed by David C. Lovelace)   4. “Close But No Cigar” (Directed by John Kricfalusi)  5. “Pancreas” (Directed by Jim Blashfield)  6. “Weasel Stomping Day” (Directed by Robot Chicken).

Critical Evaluation

Nobody can do what Weird Al does, the way he does it!  He has a way of taking a hit pop or rock song, changing the premise and some of the lyrics and Bam!--another Weird Al hit.  This Dual Disc format provides not only the hit songs and music videos, but also Karaoke versions of the entire album including a scrolling lyric sheet for each track.

About the Artist

Alfred Matthew Yankovic was born in 1959 in Lynwood, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles.  When Yankovic was young, he learned to play the accordion after his parent purchase one from a door-to-door salesman.  He went on to do well in high school, graduating as valedictorian.  From there, he went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in architecture (later claiming that it is because that major was listed first in the course catalog!).  It was at Cal Poly that Yankovic had a radio show, and earned the nickname “Weird Al”.  His first published work was a parody of “My Sharona” by The Knack, called “My Bologna”.  Al began his successful career, which has spanned twelve albums, numerous compilations, a box set, movies, and videos.    For more information, go to: http://www.weirdal.com/

Genre

Comedy

Song Parody

Music (Pop/Rock)

Discussion points

How do you think artist feel about being parodied by Weird Al?  How would you feel?

What is your favorite Weird Al song and why?

What song do you wish that Weird Al would parody next?

Audience/Interest Age

All ages

Challenge Issues/Challenge Response Ideas

None

Why I included this work

Straight Out of Lynwood incorporates really popular music with clever satire.  Weird Al’s style of humor is smart and hilarious.

Great Quote from the Lyrics:

From “I’ll Sue Ya”:  “…I sued Colorado…’cause you know, I think it looks a little bit too much like Wyoming; I sued Neiman Marcus… ‘cause they put up their Christmas decorations way out of season; I sued Ben Affleck… aw, do I even need a reason?”