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[–]alyankovic[S] 3155 points3156 points  (52 children)

Someone asked me how different my life would have been if my parents had gotten me guitar lessons instead of accordion lessons. (They just deleted their question.) Anyway...

I probably wouldn't have a music career right now. The reason Dr. Demento played my material on the radio when I was a teenager wasn't because it was so GOOD, it was because it was such a novelty hearing a kid rocking the accordion. Dr. D. probably wouldn't have given my tape a second listen if I had been playing acoustic guitar. And if I hadn't gotten that early encouragement, I highly doubt that I'd be doing a Reddit AMA right now.

[–]rburp 1543 points1544 points  (17 children)

if I hadn't gotten that early encouragement, I highly doubt that I'd be doing a Reddit AMA right now

And at the end of the day, that's what it's all about, isn't it?

[–]_hiterally_litler_ 1262 points1263 points  (9 children)

False. Numerous studies have shown that "The Hokey Pokey" is what it's all about.

[–]alejandradd 2515 points2516 points  (188 children)

Hi, Al!!

Was the video for Tacky really a single shot, or was there some seamless edits?

[–]alyankovic[S] 4147 points4148 points  (157 children)

While it looks like there MIGHT have been an edit somewhere, I absolutely guarantee you, that was all done in ONE CONTINUOUS SHOT. That was a bit of a challenge for me, because I start the video on a 5th floor fire escape, and I reappear on street level wearing completely different clothes. That means - for EVERY TAKE - as soon as the camera was off me I had to run down 5 flights of stairs WHILE CHANGING MY CLOTHES so I could be on camera again at the end. Definitely got my workout THAT day!

[–]mpls_hotdish 1589 points1590 points  (90 children)

How many takes did it, um... take?

[–]KefkasGhost 283 points284 points  (10 children)

"I hear they got it on the seventeenth take." -Can't Watch This

[–]Extraneous_ 1086 points1087 points  (71 children)

27

[–]aidanpryde18 870 points871 points  (53 children)

In a row?

[–]TheDude-Esquire 1286 points1287 points  (18 children)

Try not to do any takes on your way through the parking lot.

[–]PizzaGood 276 points277 points  (8 children)

It's funny, while watching that video for the first time, I guessed that you would be back on camera and probably wearing other clothes (having seen you in concert before) - then when Kristen Schaal got in the elevator and went down many floors, I was thinking "damn, he's got a long way to run AND change" - but you did it.

[–]campyspornshack 549 points550 points  (18 children)

Mad props to that SteadiCam operator!

[–]beernerd 1078 points1079 points  (97 children)

If you were to rebrand yourself (e.g. Snoop Dogg > Snoop Lion) what would your new name be?

[–]MrHeather 1239 points1240 points  (163 children)

Hi Al!

You said once that you were accused of not having a songwriting "style", on account of most your originals being style parodies. I'm not sure that's a fair criticism.

If someone were to write a style parody of "Weird Al" Yankovic the songwriter, which of your compositions should they study to glean your songwriting essence?

[–]alyankovic[S] 1661 points1662 points  (148 children)

Hmm. Well, there were a number of original songs on my first few albums that weren't in any particular style or modeled after any particular artist - off the top of my head, let's say "Midnight Star" or "Nature Trail To Hell"... but that was many years ago and I like to think I've become a better songwriter since then. I guess "Hardware Store" would fall in that category as well - that was ORIGINALLY going to be in somebody else's style, but then I scrapped that idea and made it a pure original.

[–]too_clever_username 159 points160 points  (12 children)

A "Nature Trail to Hell in 3D" movie would be awesome now that 3D is back in vogue.

[–]DragonR 808 points809 points  (70 children)

Hardware Store is my favorite Weird Al original. Just wish I could see it live!

[–]jlight210 341 points342 points  (39 children)

sigh would you look at all that stuff?

[–]Hiei2k7 705 points706 points  (37 children)

deep breath

THEY'VE GOT: Allen wrenches, gerbil feeders, toilet seats, electric heaters, trash compactors, juice extractors, shower rods and water meters; walkie-talkies, copper wires, safety goggles, radial tires, BB pellets, rubber mallets, fans and de-humidifiers; picture hangers, paper cutters, waffle irons, window shutters, paint removers, window louvers, masking tape and plastic gutters; kitchen faucets, folding tables, weather stripping, jumper cables, hooks and tackle, grout and spackle, power foggers, spoons and ladles; pesticides for fumigation, high-performance lubrication, metal roofing, waterproofing, multi-purpose insulation, air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, smoke detectors, tire gauges, hamster cages, thermostats and bug deflectors; trailer hitch de-magnetizers, automatic circumcisers, tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers; soffit panels, circuit breakers, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, calculators, generators, matching salt and pepper shakers.

sucking in breath on the floor

[–]ursacrucible 244 points245 points  (10 children)

I had arguments with my dad for years, swearing I heard 'automatic circumsizers' in this song and he just thought I was crazy!

[–]TwistedSwisster 280 points281 points  (6 children)

THEY'VE GOT: Allen wrenches; oananstsjkliall jaksbsnwlaoamms avagajsjtka; sjakeisgal; wkskabslwnbs and shhsksnwbs; czksbt caksists; dishakaksusb ; Sharjah and gsjsbahh; bsjsu; shaijsswe; wksiabsuaha; bakHsu and kahys; kshavsvsggagajsmsnbsgagsjkipolalawinnnsjduuhv; matching salt and pepper shakers

[–]cjteeple 81 points82 points  (6 children)

Mr. Heather? Can't you just like, text him or something? :-)

[–]MrHeather 138 points139 points  (5 children)

I tell ya, every day is a struggle to restrain myself from spamming Al with a hundred specific questions about his work. I thought this was a more appropriate venue. :)

[–][deleted] 1042 points1043 points  (50 children)

Hi Al, In the song "Everything You Know is Wrong", in the third verse with the room beside the noisy ice machine, did you sing that all the way through without breathing? I really need to know because I have been trying for years and have never been able to do it.
Love ya!

[–]alyankovic[S] 1475 points1476 points  (37 children)

Frankly, I don't remember - but if I had to bet, I would guess that was done in at least 2 passes. I'm not too proud to edit! So you don't need to have lung envy anymore.

[–][deleted] 282 points283 points  (18 children)

Yaay! Thanks for answering! And I'll desist with the lung envy now! :)

[–][deleted] 58 points59 points  (5 children)

OMG I practiced this song for months and months years trying to achieve weird-like status

[–]PhasersSetToKill 3807 points3808 points  (134 children)

Why dont you have a album called Weird Album?

[–]alyankovic[S] 4182 points4183 points  (93 children)

How do you know I DON'T??

[–]ziggah 1881 points1882 points  (42 children)

Ahh to remain unreleased until your death. Wait, you don't age.. HE's holding out on us folks!

[–]Zook 941 points942 points  (36 children)

It will be released when we die :(

[–]Ridley87 2353 points2354 points  (29 children)

Such a hipster album. You must be underground to listen to it.

[–]SoISaysToDaGuy 725 points726 points  (15 children)

Yes. And if they bury you by a river, make sure it's one of the smaller outlets. You don't want to be near the mainstream...

[–]Snipufin 788 points789 points  (13 children)

Who wouldn't want Weird Al's Bum?

[–]ThatSteeve 204 points205 points  (8 children)

You mean: Weird Album? I know what you're picturing as the cover! Dirty!

[–]happymaskmonster 548 points549 points  (23 children)

Who is better at macramé, Snoop Dogg or Eminem?

[–]alyankovic[S] 1708 points1709 points  (22 children)

Snoop! You kidding me? He's the shizzle at macramizzle.

[–]happymaskmonster 244 points245 points  (3 children)

That's what I always assumed. Please forgive me for doubting you, /u/Here_Comes_The_King

[–]AgentTypo 537 points538 points  (32 children)

I see that you're going to be at comic con next weekend!, Have you ever been before?

Any plans of dressing up and wondering around incognito?

[–]alyankovic[S] 1541 points1542 points  (27 children)

I don't think I've ever been to ComicCon in an official capacity before, but I went about ten years ago as a fan. It was a bit overwhelming - I got stopped about every two feet, so I wasn't really able to see much of anything. Since then I found out that celebs are supposed to wear stormtrooper outfits on the convention floor. (Good thing to keep in mind - if you see any stormtroopers walking around ComicCon, be sure to get their autographs, 'cause they're pretty much guaranteed to be SUPER FAMOUS.)

[–]NachozRule 782 points783 points  (16 children)

Or you could pull a Bryan Cranston and wear a Weird Al mask!

[–]Neebat 257 points258 points  (3 children)

Strangely, they don't make them in his size.

[–]CM_Dugan 2425 points2426 points  (170 children)

Al,

Is it easier to parody music now than it has been in previous decades? How has the process changed between the 80s/90s and now?

Also: UHF 2?

[–]alyankovic[S] 3362 points3363 points  (100 children)

The mechanics are pretty much the same, and in fact, because I've been doing it for so long I like to think that I've gotten better at it. The synapses in my brain are hard-wired that way now. The challenge for me is in finding new ways to be funny (i.e. not repeating myself too much), as well as finding ways to differentiate myself from the millions of other people now doing parody videos on YouTube.

[–]TJ_McWeaksauce 1193 points1194 points  (36 children)

Weird Al Yankovic talking about how he has to work to differentiate himself from YouTubers.

What a crazy world we live in!

[–]dreweatall 558 points559 points  (25 children)

That hard work is what separates him from being Weird Al and being YouTubers

[–]darianb1031 329 points330 points  (43 children)

It'll be called 2HF.

[–]togro20 166 points167 points  (25 children)

2HF Confirmed.

[–]thegillinator 107 points108 points  (4 children)

Come on- the obvious choice is VHF!

[–]mootinator 81 points82 points  (11 children)

Does anyone really know what UHF is anymore? Should it about a fledgling Youtube channel instead? U2BHF?

[–]GodsComic 72 points73 points  (2 children)

So then the bad guys would be RIAA and MPAA filing copyright infringement complaints over stolen content?

[–]Qalpal 707 points708 points  (5 children)

UHF 2: Al-ectric Boogaloo

[–]youreyouryore 3117 points3118 points  (96 children)

You got any bear claws?

[–]alyankovic[S] 3921 points3922 points  (72 children)

Wait a minute, I'll go check.

NO!!! WE'RE OUTTA BEAR CLAWS!!!

[–]happysteve 229 points230 points  (8 children)

Al, please return to this page one month later to reply back.

[–]mpls_hotdish 696 points697 points  (38 children)

No, we're outta bear claws.

[–]MisterCheeks 436 points437 points  (31 children)

You're a bit too calm to be reciting that line.

[–]guinfred 456 points457 points  (15 children)

NO! WE'RE OUTTA BEAR CLAWS!!!

[–]DangerousDac 235 points236 points  (13 children)

Well in that case - In that case WHAT DO YOU HAVE?!

[–][deleted] 238 points239 points  (12 children)

All we got is this box of one dozen starving, crazed weasels.

[–]insertSpork 161 points162 points  (10 children)

Yeah, okay, I'll take that.

[–][deleted] 48 points49 points  (6 children)

So he hands me the box and I open up the lid and the weasels jump out and they immediately latch onto my face and start bitin' me all over

[–]zenithopus 25 points26 points  (1 child)

AGGGHHHHDGGGHHH AHH GET EM OFF ME

[–]justking 1449 points1450 points  (109 children)

Parody has blown up on the Internet over the past few years. What are some creations of others that you admire?

[–]alyankovic[S] 3230 points3231 points  (107 children)

I've been a big admirer of Epic Rap Battles of History for a long time. Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd are great guys and terrific songwriters, and they consistently turn out a high quality show - it was a real pleasure to be Sir Isaac Newton for them.

[–]Vmoney1337 1746 points1747 points  (87 children)

I thought it was hilarious that you and Bill Nye are doing an AMA on the same day and you rapped against him in that ERB.

Here's the link to the rap

[–]Cop_and_speeder 274 points275 points  (24 children)

Was that chali 2na?

[–]CrabbyDarth 239 points240 points  (20 children)

As black science guy Tyson? Yes.

[–]itakmaszraka 80 points81 points  (16 children)

Chali 2na is such a great rapper. His concert was the best hip-hop show I ever been to.

[–]TheGamerTribune 94 points95 points  (1 child)

Nye's seen it. Said it was an honour to go against Newton played by THE Weird Al.

[–]zzy3 42 points43 points  (6 children)

Wow, i completely lost it when Neil D. Tyson showed up. That was great.

[–]Starzajo 1701 points1702 points  (62 children)

Mr. Yankovic:

We are all aware of and impressed by your policy of asking for permission to parody someone's works. What is the most memorable reaction an artist has had to a request to parody them? What are some of the best reactions artists have had to a parody of their work?

[–]alyankovic[S] 2974 points2975 points  (50 children)

One of my favorite reactions was from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. I did a parody of "Money For Nothing" in my movie UHF, and when I asked him for permission, he said, "Well, yeah... but you have to let me play GUITAR on it!!" So.... he did!

I was tickled by Chamillionaire's reaction to "White & Nerdy." I ran into him on the Grammy red carpet a few years ago, right after he had won the award for Rap Song of the Year. He thanked me, because he said my parody made it undeniable that his song ("Ridin'") was, in fact, the Rap Song of the Year!

[–]Balldropperbro 989 points990 points  (17 children)

That's awesome! Key & Peele are in the White & Nerdy music video. Did you have a feeling back then that they would become as big as they are now?

By the way, Chamillionaire seems like such a down to earth dude.

[–]Senor_Met 348 points349 points  (3 children)

Holy shit, how did I never realize that? I knew those guys from MADtv back before that video even came out (I think) and I've watched that video a hundred thousand times.

[–][deleted] 451 points452 points  (9 children)

White & Nerdy is going to live on so much longer than the original.

[–]MaxxBreak 127 points128 points  (2 children)

It's got almost double the views on youtube.

[–]darianb1031 367 points368 points  (7 children)

Kurt Cobain asked if the Nirvana parody would be about food. Still love that story.

[–]some_asshat 339 points340 points  (4 children)

And he said, "You know you've made it when Weird Al does one of your songs."

[–]AprilMoose 784 points785 points  (55 children)

Hi Al! You're a hero of mine and I'm trying to become a better cook. What's your favorite go to recipe?

Also my coworker, Sue, would like to know if you're going to do a "Game of Thrones" song like you did with the "Saga Begins".

[–]alyankovic[S] 1819 points1820 points  (54 children)

  1. Here's my favorite recipe: PEANUT BUTTER BALL. First, take a glob of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, it doesn't matter... it REALLY doesn't matter, don't be so indecisive, just pick one or the other... it will taste the same eventually, so why are you being so stinking picky, just PICK ONE already)... then put in on a slice of bread, wad it into a ball and cram it into your mouth. Voila!

  2. No plans to do anything like that, but I wouldn't rule it out.

[–]You_Stealthy_Bastard 137 points138 points  (17 children)

Do you still make the occasional Twinkie-Wiener Sandwich?

[–]too_clever_username 292 points293 points  (13 children)

You missed a step in that recepie: Deep fry them and then dip them in grape jelly.

Edit: Sorry, two steps. You missed two steps. I don't think that deep frying them while dipping them in grape jelly would work. That being said, if you're into that sort of thing, be my guest.

[–]Breaking_Badger 2277 points2278 points  (109 children)

Ok, first off, Thank you for doing this! This is awesome. Second, I need...NEED you to answer this.

Four or five years ago, you played a show at the Fraze Pavillion in Dayton, OH. It was the first time I ever saw you live. The crowd was packed, everyone was super pumped. Your show started, and it was going awesome, until...

You and the band came out dressed as Amish, which could only mean Amish Paradise. You started playing, the video on the screens, and 45 seconds or so in...you stopped. You waved your hands and said "Wait a minute wait a minute...You people don't wanna hear this song! How about we play, uh, Radio Radio!" And you launched into Radio Radio. No explanation, you never finished the song. Every person around was completely confused.

From that day, it has been the sole mystery in my mind surrounding you. I have to know. What happened that made you stop? PLEASE ANSWER THIS. HELP ME, WEIRD AL YANKOVIC, YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE.

Edit: Jesus. I passed out and this blew up. You guys killed my phone/alarm clock with karma and comments. At least my night shift starts on a happy note. AND THE MYSTERY HAS BEEN SOLVED. Upvotes for everyone!

[–]Lessthanzerofucks 1377 points1378 points  (47 children)

[–]xenthum[🍰] 869 points870 points  (32 children)

Amusing. So Yankovic is paying homage to Costello, who was doing the same to Hendrix, who was doing the same to The Doors when they were on Ed Sullivan.

DOES IT GO DEEPER?!

[–]ptabs226 198 points199 points  (3 children)

He answered that in a New York Times Article - Referenced on the Radio Radio Wikipedia page.

Source

And when your computer servers crash midway through your show, just as you and your band are about to play your sendup of the treacly James Blunt love ballad “You’re Beautiful” (which you, of course, call “You’re Pitiful”), you’d better have a cover of “Radio Radio” by Elvis Costello and the Attractions ready to go in its place.

Following a concert in which he had dressed as various characters including a long-bearded rapper (for “Amish Paradise,” his take on the Coolio song “Gangsta’s Paradise”) and a giant peacock (for “Perform This Way,” his notorious parody of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”), Mr. Yankovic said his straight-faced cover of “Radio Radio” was an improvised solution to a technical glitch.

“It’s my old D.J. training,” explained Mr. Yankovic, who is about to put out his first new album in five years. “I panic when things are dead onstage.”

[–]sabot99 198 points199 points  (0 children)

If I'm not mistaken, it was a reference to a stunt by Elvis Costello on Saturday Night Live in 1977.

Here's the clip

[–]pattyb23 209 points210 points  (1 child)

I assume he was doing this as a tribute to when Elvis Costello was on SNL. Here's more info about that moment in history: http://www.openculture.com/2013/09/the-stunt-that-got-elvis-costello-banned-from-saturday-night-live.html

[–]TheSpoom 658 points659 points  (10 children)

Radio Radio is what they do in a live set when the stage audio system fails in some way. It's their equivalent of "please hold, we are having technical difficulties." You may have also noticed their stage manager flying around talking to people!

Source: Been to four Al shows, saw it happen once.

PS: Their bassist Steve Jay is a cool guy, I talked to him about it after the one Radio Radio show I saw; apparently their headphones stopped working that one time I saw.

[–]sonofstev 367 points368 points  (3 children)

Whenever the show isn't going well behind the scenes, like sound or technical issues, Al's band plays Radio Radio in protest.

[–]jesseberger 51 points52 points  (1 child)

I'm guessing its was a homage to Elvis Costello. This may help solve your mystery.

[–]MrSocko23 568 points569 points  (20 children)

Hi, Al! Thanks for giving me a reminder to keep things weird all these years. My first awareness of you was when I thought Coolio was making fun of that Amish song I kept hearing.

I have 2 questions:

  1. How come you haven't done any movie (or even TV show) based songs in a while now? Is it because the days of big blockbusters that everyone is in tune with are a thing of the past, or more just the fact that the right idea hasn't come about?

  2. What is your favorite kind of bagel?

Thanks!

[–]alyankovic[S] 711 points712 points  (15 children)

  1. The latter.
  2. Jalapeño.

[–]MrSocko23 516 points517 points  (9 children)

Ah, I should have known. Even your favorite bagel has a little Al in it. Thanks!

[–]Geldtron 164 points165 points  (4 children)

I'm gonna start calling them Al'apeño's

[–]Demasu 832 points833 points  (122 children)

Hey Weird Al! Gotta say that I love your music and videos. I went to a concert of yours once and it was one of the best ones I've ever been to.

What would you say your favorite song to perform live is? Do you think any of your new songs from Mandatory Fun will be more fun to perform than that one?

Thanks for making awesome music!

[–]alyankovic[S] 1590 points1591 points  (120 children)

I love performing all my big parody hits live, but I have to say, I still get the biggest kick performing my original (Beck pastiche) "Wanna B Ur Lovr," because I get to leave the stage, go out into the audience and faux-seduce all the ladies. You just never know what's going to happen when you leave the stage, so it's always exciting and it forces me to be in the moment.

There are a bunch of songs from the new album that I'm really looking forward to performing live. I think "Tacky" might be pretty fun, because that might possibly include some audience involvement as well!

[–]scaram0uche 1013 points1014 points  (28 children)

For my 15th birthday you sang to me that my "eyes are even bluer than the water in my toilet" as you held my hand. It was a magical night.

[–][deleted] 176 points177 points  (3 children)

My first concert was a Weird Al show in Jacksonville, FL during the Off the Deep End tour. I was in 6th grade and didn't have money, but the tickets were sold out anyway and I was devastated. Even worse, and that same week, somebody stole my collection of every single Weird Al cassette out of my backpack. I found out who it was and he threatened to beat me up if I told anyone. I kept hoping my parents would surprise me or something but then it was the day of the show and it was evident that I wasn't going. It was a bad week. My brother worked at a music store. Someone from Al's camp called the store and said they needed a guitar for Al to smash on stage in exchange for tickets. The store laughed at this offer, but my brother really wanted to get the tickets for me, knowing Weird Al was basically the only thing I listened to other than video game music. He actually called me at school to let me know about it. I agreed to give up my Epiphone acoustic guitar to get tickets for Al and I was so excited that I can still remember it. I even got out of school early to get ready for the show. It was the best concert I've ever been to. Al was doing the song "You Don't Love Me Anymore (edit: corrected by commenter with an exceptional memory)" on a bar-stool under a spotlight, and he kept looking down at the guitar like he was going to start playing it. But every time he got close to playing a chord, he would look up and start singing again, never playing a note. My 12-year-old self thought this was the funniest shit that happened since Gremlins 2. At the end of the song, he got up, sang the last few words, and after looking like he was about to put his head in his hands and cry, he instead flew into a rage and smashed the guitar - my guitar - to smithereens and walked off stage. I cheered and screamed at the absurdity of watching my prized guitar destroyed by my idol. I had never been so happy and will never forget it.

[–]edhiggins 934 points935 points  (31 children)

You did this to my wife, and totally made our years. We have many blurry photos of you holding her hand, as well as some grainy video of you humping the chair next to me.

Thanks for everything, Al!

[–]Omnipotent_Goose 1171 points1172 points  (22 children)

Weird Al Takesyourbitch.

[–]rrb 144 points145 points  (0 children)

When it is Weird Al, it is never "faux" seduction.

[–]just_blue_turtlin 29 points30 points  (0 children)

If anyone hasn't been to a weird al show, that Wanna B Ur Lovr bit was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. The whole place went bananas when you did that.

[–]bryguy894 22 points23 points  (1 child)

The shame of being called out as the tacky audience member will be nullified by the ecstasy of interacting with Weird Al!

[–]IBoughtYouFor30p 607 points608 points  (45 children)

Mr Yankovic -

I have been to a few of your concerts (even meeting a future boyfriend at one), and I was always in awe of your energy. Not only are your concerts long and your performances exciting, but you have so many costume changes.

My question - What do you to get yourself ready for your live appearances? Is there a workout routine? Special diet? Vow of silence like Celine Dion?

(And a huge thank you, Mr Yankovic, for being a huge part of my childhood, teenage years, and now.)

[–]alyankovic[S] 2888 points2889 points  (35 children)

An hour before the show, I shower and comb out my hair, and then I just relax and have a little quiet time. I rest my voice, suck on a cherry cough drop - save my energy. Then, 20 minutes before the show, I get dressed, put in my in-ear monitors, and do my vocal warm-up exercise. Then, right before I walk out on stage, I do a WHOLE BUNCH OF CRACK!!!

Just kidding, of course. I don't shower before the show, silly!

[–]Stixx_27 388 points389 points  (15 children)

I feel like this paragraph belongs in one of your songs. I'm singing it to the tune of 'Albuquerque' right now!

[–]Goluxas 197 points198 points  (8 children)

WHOLE BUNCH OF CRACK

EVERY SINGLE MORNING

[–]crimea_river 29 points30 points  (2 children)

Hey, Mom, what's up with all the CRACK????

[–]MannyBerry 111 points112 points  (1 child)

I read this as if it were a verse in "Albuquerque"

Was not disappointed.

[–]notpandora 1064 points1065 points  (141 children)

I was discussing the new album with a friend and I was surprised you didn't include any parody of Let it Go from Frozen, when I realized I can't remember you ever parodying a song from any Disney films or other animated films/cartoon shows. Is there a technical/legal reason for this or do you have your own reasons?

Thanks!

[–]alyankovic[S] 2136 points2137 points  (129 children)

You know what, I was very close to doing a parody called "Make It So" about ST:TNG... but then I checked online, and of course, somebody had done that already. And apparently it had gotten enough attention online to make the Disney legal department ask them to take it down! I couldn't think of an idea that I liked as much as "Make It So," so... I gave up!

[–]ScrObot 703 points704 points  (20 children)

I bet Patrick Stewart would totally be on board guesting on that track.

[–]DangerousDac 140 points141 points  (2 children)

As a massive TNG fan - and massive fan of The Saga Begins - I gotta admit, my heart broke just a tiny bit at this news.

[–]notpandora 328 points329 points  (4 children)

Our greatest regret as a species should be the missed opportunity here. I am going into mourning.

[–]ZacPensol 111 points112 points  (9 children)

Brilliant idea... but now I don't wanna seek out the 'original' "Make it So" because it'll be tinged with the disappointment that Al almost made a better one.

[–]JesusSama 56 points57 points  (0 children)

You could always make it and just cough somehow it got leaked. cough

[–]Errol 162 points163 points  (23 children)

As the duo that did "Make It So", this pleases me extremely! _^

[–]zapbark 105 points106 points  (1 child)

There are so many parodies of that song on Youtube that I doubt there is much creative room to work there.

If he accidentally uses the same rhyme as someone on one of the thousands of youtube parodies, suddenly they can accuse him of "stealing from them".

[–]TheDarkTylerRises 358 points359 points  (3 children)

Have you gotten any feedback from Iggy Azalea, Lorde, Robin Thicke, Pharrell or Imagine Dragons from the parodies?

[–]alyankovic[S] 493 points494 points  (2 children)

Not yet. I personally communicated with both Iggy and Pharrell prior to recording the parodies, but I don't know if anybody has heard them yet.

[–]hscer_ 159 points160 points  (0 children)

"They didn't want to hear a final recording before you released it?" - that former Lady Gaga manager

[–]kevalev 643 points644 points  (45 children)

You had a polka Pokemon song on Pokemon: the Movie 2000's soundtrack. What did you think of Pokemon at the time and what do you think of it now? Did/do you play any of the games?

[–]Melancholia 581 points582 points  (36 children)

[–]theydeletedme 65 points66 points  (0 children)

I sense my 4th grade self crying that he never experienced this.

[–]seifer93 102 points103 points  (15 children)

It makes me wonder what other songs have been lost in history.

[–]immauser 28 points29 points  (3 children)

Dare to be Stupid was in the original Transformers cartoon movie. I forgot to ask but I'd really like him to explain that one sometime!

[–][deleted]  (13 children)

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    [–][deleted]  (4 children)

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      [–]Hideous 52 points53 points  (1 child)

      I should hope he plays Sports Song from the new album.

      [–]Aeide 498 points499 points  (15 children)

      Hi Weird Al! Thanks so much for doing this AMA. As a kid growing up in the '90s, Bad Hair Day was one of the first albums I ever bought. Your music has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old and you've stated that there's a good chance Mandatory Fun could be your last traditional studio album. Are you still planning to release songs on a more individual basis or are you looking at getting back into a studio, perhaps under a new label? And if you release songs indivually, will there be any sort of schedule or just more of a song-by-song basis?

      Finally, how do you keep your curls so damn tight?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 1003 points1004 points  (14 children)

      I haven't made any real plans beyond the release of my current album, but since everybody's asking... I'll probably just be releasing singles (possibly EPs) going forward - I really don't think the album format is the most efficient or intelligent way for me to distribute my music anymore. I highly doubt that I would sign with another label. I guess I might be open to a distribution deal, but... we'll see. Anyway, I certainly wouldn't want to have my releases on any kind of a schedule - that would be too much pressure, and it might actually start to feel like a JOB!

      And, I keep my curls tight through sheer will power.

      [–]daybreaker 256 points257 points  (4 children)

      If this means you'll be getting out parodies and/or original songs faster since you dont have to rely on a full album, I am all for it.

      But please keep putting out polka medleys as well!

      [–]spudenfinkle 96 points97 points  (1 child)

      He could do a yearly polka medley, like DJ Earworm and his mashups.

      [–]fakename311 327 points328 points  (24 children)

      How much involvement does the band have in what you choose to record?

      Do they sometimes say “let’s do something like Pixies,” or is it always you saying “I want to do something in the style of Pixies can you guys work on that”?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 725 points726 points  (22 children)

      I'm afraid the band has no real say in what we record - but I know that whatever I throw at them, they will deliver 100%. Best band in the world.

      [–]cartoonistaaron 253 points254 points  (18 children)

      My dad is a lifelong musician and I remember when I was a kid, annoyed as he would be by my incessant playing of your music, he was always super impressed with the band and their ability to pick up a multitude of styles so well. (I remember him asking "wow, who's playing guitar on 'Beverly Hillbillies?' It's the best version of that riff I've heard aside from Marc Knopfler!")

      [–]kevinturnermovie 243 points244 points  (15 children)

      [–]cartoonistaaron 124 points125 points  (8 children)

      Yeah, it was... I was going for irony there. (Is that irony? I don't know anymore.)

      [–]Fuego_Fiero 69 points70 points  (4 children)

      Actually that's a very good example of dramatic irony, where the audience knows something the speaker doesn't.

      [–]m0d3r4t3m4th 150 points151 points  (0 children)

      Word Crime!

      [–]Nivv2 46 points47 points  (5 children)

      What products do you use to keep your luscious locks as beautiful as they were 15 years ago?

      [–]marcoosha 242 points243 points  (29 children)

      Salutations Al! Welcome back to Reddit.

      My question is about your polkas. How do you know which songs you want to put in there and how do you arrange them (musically and tempo-wise) so that they all mesh together? This is your 12th album polka, and it keeps getting better and better.

      Will we also see you upload more polkas when you want to go digital distribution?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 479 points480 points  (28 children)

      A lot of times if I really want to do a parody of a song, but I can't come up with an idea that I think is clever enough, I will put that song in the polka medley. Also, I'll choose a song for the medley if I think it will sound particularly funny as a polka, or if there is an opportunity in the lyrics for me to add sound effects or some other kind of gag. Once I have a dozen or so songs approved, I'll just play those songs on the accordion and find a comfortable key for me to sing them in, and then see which order seems to flow the best. Then I'll do a demo and arrange all the horn charts, and then the band and I will go into the studio and polka down with our bad selves!

      Sorry to say, I'm not sure if there will be another recorded polka medley after the one on the new album. They are a lot of work to put together (mostly for my manager, who has to deal with stacks of paperwork each time). But I think the polka medley will always be a part of the live show, so maybe it will just continue to evolve over time. This is all conjecture, of course... I have NO IDEA what I'm doing next.

      [–]lunchtabler 82 points83 points  (5 children)

      I have a well-listened-to Weird Al polka medley playlist that I've added to with every new release. They're my favorite part of your albums! You're almost at a full hour of polka medleys (51 minutes now, 53 with Polkamon)!

      I have a suggestion for a last polka medley to bring it up to an hour total: finish it up with a Weird Al Polka Medley (of your back-catalog) and then hang up your polka medley hat!

      I will also give you lots of money and upvotes for a yearly medley. Really, any medley will do it!

      [–]I_Lase_You 1720 points1721 points  (74 children)

      Hey Al! Here's a Welcome to reddit lase I made for you: (Link) So for the question: Have any artists ever approached you and requested for you to do a parody of one of their songs?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 2685 points2686 points  (44 children)

      That happens sometimes in social settings - an artist will make a comment at a party or awards show like, "Hey Al, when are you going to do a parody of one of MY songs?" I don't know if they're being polite or making conversation, but that's always nice to hear. Actually, last year I was in New York doing a satellite radio tour, and Graham Nash was in the very next room... and it just so happens I had just recorded my CSN pastiche "Mission Statement" (which is on the new album). So I walked over to say hi... he sees me, and the first words out of his mouth are, "So, when are you gonna do a parody of 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes'??" I whipped out my iPhone and played "Mission Statement" for him. Instant request! (He loved it, BTW.)

      Oh, and awesome laser art - thanks!!!

      [–][deleted] 311 points312 points  (0 children)

      That was beautiful.

      [–]marcoosha 77 points78 points  (2 children)

      Well that was just serendipitous

      [–]spiderjjr45 319 points320 points  (16 children)

      Madonna famously requested "Like a Surgeon"

      [–]Pnooms 1367 points1368 points  (96 children)

      Do you know of Danny Sexbang and his group Ninja Sex Party? I know he takes a ton of inspiration from you and he considers you quite a role model for his comedic music. Him and Arin hanson (Egoraptor) also have a group called Star Bomb which does comedic songs about video games.

      Followup question, they (Arin and Danny) do a show called GameGrumps on youtube that's quite popular and it was recently brought up that they would love to have you as a guest for an episode. Would you consider that? Just hang out, play video games, and shoot the breeze with those awesome guys?

      Here's an example where they play Dennis the Mennace and have a blast (special custom song near the end) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWPYF5thVPw

      [–]alyankovic[S] 2224 points2225 points  (81 children)

      Yes, I know those guys and I like their stuff (although I probably wouldn't play their material for my daughter!) Happy to do the show... they can feel free to contact me through my record label or my manager.

      [–]Pibbface 1077 points1078 points  (40 children)

      Cue /r/gamegrumps exploding.

      [–]Shimmybot 379 points380 points  (21 children)

      I've already exploded

      [–]Alexrock88 152 points153 points  (15 children)

      Actually someone's gonna have to clean that up

      [–]taliastar 131 points132 points  (4 children)

      Don't move. I'll go get you a towel. </donald duck>

      [–]nightscape42 23 points24 points  (0 children)

      Hopping out of the way back machine after this AMA.

      [–]Troggie42 21 points22 points  (0 children)

      That shit explodes biweekly, this will be complete annihilation though.

      [–]XeraxLion 175 points176 points  (7 children)

      Weird Al confirmed for Guest Grumps! Everyone wins! They realize friendship's more important!

      [–]loptthetreacherous 31 points32 points  (0 children)

      THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN!

      [–]Pnooms 159 points160 points  (2 children)

      You have no idea how happy this makes me and GameGrumps community at just the possibility of this happening. Thank you for answering!

      [–]Anderos787 39 points40 points  (1 child)

      You did it /u/Pnooms!

      Weird Al Yankovic confirmed for GuestGrumps!

      [–]celadonshopper 38 points39 points  (1 child)

      Will we ever get another AL TV?

      [–]McDom 223 points224 points  (20 children)

      If you could give one quotable line of (general; inspirational?) advice - the kind one could put on a tea towel - what would it be? And do you have a mantra or motto which has helped you through tough (creative) times?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 657 points658 points  (19 children)

      The answers are one and the same... "DON'T DRINK BLEACH."

      [–]Vmoney1337 585 points586 points  (21 children)

      Hi Al, quick story I've always wanted to share with you:

      Back when I was in Russia, my 7 year old brother really loved your Music. Hell, I loved it too. Anyways, he really wanted "Straight outta Lynwood", so I bought it and downloaded it from iTunes, since it's nearly impossible to get purchase new albums in Russia. Anyways, I gave it to him and he listened to it, but then he came across "Don't download this song". He threw a huge fucking fit because I downloaded it from iTunes, and he wouldn't listen when I tried to explain to him that you meant pirating music. I had to get one of my American friends to ship it over because he wouldn't go near the burned, downloaded disc. Anyways, we got the disc and it was all good from there.

      Anyways, for my question, what's personally your favorite song that you've written?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 570 points571 points  (11 children)

      Oh... this week it's "Jackson Park Express."

      [–]DidYouDeserveGold 88 points89 points  (3 children)

      What is it next week?

      [–]mpls_hotdish 183 points184 points  (2 children)

      "Another One Rides the Bus"

      [–]mustardtruck 207 points208 points  (14 children)

      You've mentioned that, before UHF's release, the folks at Orion Pictures were grooming you to be a regular movie star. Did you have any ideas for future films you wanted to write and star in?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 426 points427 points  (12 children)

      You mean, besides UHF 2 through 8? Hmm... from what I recall, I was just starting to tinker around with another screenplay idea, but I stopped working on it after it became painfully clear that Orion wasn't going to follow through on their promise to "make me their new Woody Allen."

      [–]Troy_Bond 200 points201 points  (0 children)

      All things considered, I think you may have dodged a bullet there.

      [–]cdjaco 46 points47 points  (1 child)

      I'm still holding out for the UHF "Special Edition" release with more CGI marbles in the oatmeal, and a lens flare or two around Stanley Spadowski's mop.

      [–]bubblegumtate22 157 points158 points  (28 children)

      Do you plan on writing more Star Wars song parodies as the new movies are released? Do you have any unreleased Star Wars song parodies that got lost in the pipeline?

      I have been a big fan ever since I got "Dare to Be Stupid" and it became the first album I listened to on repeat. Thanks for being a legend!

      [–]alyankovic[S] 335 points336 points  (27 children)

      I used to joke that "I do a Star Wars parody every 20 years, like clockwork!" Well... I guess we're not TOO far away from the next 20-year anniversary! I really don't know if I'll ever do another Star Wars song - I've already got 2 of them in the live show, and more than that would probably be pushing it! But hey - never say never. (Oh man... did I just quote Bieber??)

      [–][deleted] 81 points82 points  (6 children)

      I still sing the lyrics to "The Saga Begins" every time I hear "American Pie."

      [–]Katey5678 30 points31 points  (0 children)

      Sometimes I'll be singing along to "American Pie" and accidentally start singing about Anakin.

      [–]sawddit 384 points385 points  (5 children)

      Hey Weird Al!

      The first concert I ever went to was one of yours when I was 8. I waited outside your trailer and you went out and shook everyones hand, including mine! Then three years later I met you after a different show, while you were signing my copy of Running With Scissors I asked if you remembered shaking my hand three years ago, and you said "yes! you were the guy whose hand I shook three years ago". I tell everyone I know that you remembered me.

      My Question is, do you remember this?

      Proof (you pointing at me while signing my shirt)

      [–]Pixel_Me_That 370 points371 points  (18 children)

      Hey Weird Al!

      Which one of your parodies have you had the most fun with so far?

      Also, Bill Nye was on here earlier. What was it like being in an ERB video battling against "him"?

      [–]alyankovic[S] 628 points629 points  (17 children)

      Well, I will say that "Tacky" was the most fun I ever had on a video shoot. It was over MUCH too soon... I would have been happy shooting that thing all day and night! It was a huge honor to work with such a talented, professional, FUNNY group of people (Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho, Eric Stonestreet, Kristen Schaal and Jack Black).

      And it was an honor and a privilege to engage in a rap battle with Bill Nye's doppelgänger.