World of Weird Al Yankovic

I don't think we've ever had a topic like this, and search doesn't really help, so here goes. 90% of the time I prefer Al's parodies, since I don't usually like very much in the way of current mainstream music, and who doesn't love music to have some humor in it? That said, there are a few songs where I prefer the original for one reason or another. I'm not taking style parodies into account here, but what are some of the songs Al has parodied that you would take over Al's version?

"Another One Rides the Bus" - I love AORTB, partially because it's so musically different than the original. That said, I do miss the groove sometimes. I have a feeling the early songs will come up frequently in this topic.
"She Drives Me Crazy" - I know Al said he was going for a cartoony voice since Roland Gift's is so hard to duplicate...but I really don't like the vocal here. It's too over-the-top on the choruses and hard to understand during the verses. Plus, I don't really feel that the joke progresses any; it's pretty one-note...although I love the hitchhikers line.
"Bohemian Polka" - Yeah, it's not a parody, but still.
"Misery" - I don't think anyone will really argue this one.

I won't get into unreleased songs here, but "Pacman" definitely would make the list.

Then there are some where I enjoy both versions about equally: "Beat It," "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Rico Suave" (shut up!), "eBay" (shut up again!)

All in all, Al has a pretty awesome track record.

Bohemian Polka - Not a parody, but Anth put it on his list, so I am too. I love the song, but the original is just so epic, it's impossible to cover it and make it better. (Even if that cover is a polka)

Syndicated Inc. - I love the music here. IMO, it's the only good part of the song (and not just the accordion solo, the entire thing). Other than that, the song is horrible, though.

I Want A New Duck - As much as I enjoy the song, I love I Want A New Drug. It's catchy and works really well. And as funny as the quacking can be, that musical segment of the song is a million times better without it.

The Saga Begins - This one was tough for me to put down. Although this is one of my favorite Al songs of all time, similar to BP, the original is just so damn epic and awesome that it's impossible to outdo.

And IMO, SDLC isn't so bad. The voice Al does reminds me of the Kermit/Miss Piggy cover that I listened to as a kid.

The Brady Bunch, Phony Calls, and The Plumbing Song, all simply because I don't think Al's voice sounds that great in them.

She Drives Like Crazy
Syndicated Inc.
Phony Calls
The Brady Bunch
Bohemian Polka
Trash Day

..and probably a few more.

Piano Man is FAR better than Ode To A Superhero. Can not believe that hasn't been mentioned yet.

girls just want to have lunch
addicted to spuds
ricky

TMBJon @ September 10, 2009 10:38 pm wrote: Piano Man is FAR better than Ode To A Superhero. Can not believe that hasn't been mentioned yet.

YES, thank you. I can't believe I forgot to add that to my list.

Taxman > Pacman.

PAcman is far superior musically to Taxman, IMO. Piano Man is better than OTAS, definitely. And not being a big Queen fan I still feel that AOBTD is better than AORTB.

Another One Rides The Bus
Bohemian Polka
...there are others...