Rank the songs on Mandatory Fun
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 3:18 pm
For anyone who's heard Mandatory Fun at this point, how would you rank the songs so far? Here's my list, from favorite to least favorite:
Word Crimes: I was really looking forward to this parody, and Al didn't disappoint. I love that this song's now completely devoid of any sexuality whatsoever, and as an English major, I couldn't possibly think of better subject matter. The part about the use of "I could care less" is fantastic. I also appreciate the jab at Prince a lot.
Jackson Park Express: I generally don't laugh out loud at Weird Al songs. I appreciate the humor, and I love the musicianship that he and the band exhibit and all the diverse styles that they tackle. That being said, this song cracked me up. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard at a Weird Al song. I could listen to another half hour of this song.
My Own Eyes: This song is incredibly catchy, but I'm probably biased, because I'm a huge Foo Fighters fan. It's executed perfectly.
Tacky: I was hesitant about this parody, because I wasn't sure if it was just going to be a song about clothes; although I'm sure that would have been funny in Al's hands, I'm way more impressed about all of the other things he brings up that are indeed tacky. The Comic Sans resume line gave me a mean ol' chuckle.
NOW That's What I Call Polka: I'm admittedly a little disappointed at the shortness of this medley, but I cannot deny that the transitions here are second to none. Even the one song I've never listened to before ("Timber") sounds well-executed. The execution of "Thrift Shop" is also very funny, particularly due to Al's background interjections ("I do!", "It's large!"), and the line "This is super awesome!"
Handy: I do not like the original, even a little. Al did an amazing job of skewering it, and his flow is unstoppable. And I'm glad he's finally gotten a chance to bring some of the concepts from "I'll Repair For You" to an official album.
First World Problems: I am a pretty casual Pixies fan, and from what I've hear, he nails the impression, and so does Amanda. I had no idea that she was going to be put to such use. It never occurred to me. But it's perfect.
Inactive: I was really looking forward to this song, because I genuinely like "Radioactive". I was disappointed the first time I heard this parody, but this has grown on me quite a bit, especially upon taking into account the pairing of the content with how bombastic the music is. Plus, since I think the original is legitimately catchy, I have to feel that way about the parody by default. If I had numbered this list, this song and "First World Problems" would be tied.
Sports Song: This is better than I could have hoped for. I can't wait to see the video.
Mission Statement: I realize that this song isn't super funny. Or I suppose it's not funny at all to a lot of people. But, see, I think it is funny. I have to wonder if Al used the whole "drawing a line between a band and a concept" like he did with The Doors and Craigslist. I love the idea of CSNY singing about corporate jargon. Not to mention, Al and the band nail the style. It's incredible.
Foil: Ugh. I had high hopes. I told all of my friends a year ago that if Al bypassed Lorde, he'd be making a huge mistake. In retrospect, I feel like not bypassing Lorde might have been a mistake. I've never been a huge fan of "A Complicated Song" because of the jumps between different topics. This is, more or less, how I feel about "Foil". I think the fact that the entire last third of the song is lopped off compounds this feeling I have.
Lame Claim To Fame: I tried to acquaint myself with SCOtS when it was confirmed that they'd be the recipients of a pastiche on the album, and what I learned is that SCOtS is not my cup of tea. I understand why people would enjoy the heck out of this song. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fan. This song and "Foil" are really the only two that have come up short for me, but I think the rest of the album is golden.
What do you all think?
*Edited to remove the spoiler tag since the album is out now.
Word Crimes: I was really looking forward to this parody, and Al didn't disappoint. I love that this song's now completely devoid of any sexuality whatsoever, and as an English major, I couldn't possibly think of better subject matter. The part about the use of "I could care less" is fantastic. I also appreciate the jab at Prince a lot.
Jackson Park Express: I generally don't laugh out loud at Weird Al songs. I appreciate the humor, and I love the musicianship that he and the band exhibit and all the diverse styles that they tackle. That being said, this song cracked me up. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard at a Weird Al song. I could listen to another half hour of this song.
My Own Eyes: This song is incredibly catchy, but I'm probably biased, because I'm a huge Foo Fighters fan. It's executed perfectly.
Tacky: I was hesitant about this parody, because I wasn't sure if it was just going to be a song about clothes; although I'm sure that would have been funny in Al's hands, I'm way more impressed about all of the other things he brings up that are indeed tacky. The Comic Sans resume line gave me a mean ol' chuckle.
NOW That's What I Call Polka: I'm admittedly a little disappointed at the shortness of this medley, but I cannot deny that the transitions here are second to none. Even the one song I've never listened to before ("Timber") sounds well-executed. The execution of "Thrift Shop" is also very funny, particularly due to Al's background interjections ("I do!", "It's large!"), and the line "This is super awesome!"
Handy: I do not like the original, even a little. Al did an amazing job of skewering it, and his flow is unstoppable. And I'm glad he's finally gotten a chance to bring some of the concepts from "I'll Repair For You" to an official album.
First World Problems: I am a pretty casual Pixies fan, and from what I've hear, he nails the impression, and so does Amanda. I had no idea that she was going to be put to such use. It never occurred to me. But it's perfect.
Inactive: I was really looking forward to this song, because I genuinely like "Radioactive". I was disappointed the first time I heard this parody, but this has grown on me quite a bit, especially upon taking into account the pairing of the content with how bombastic the music is. Plus, since I think the original is legitimately catchy, I have to feel that way about the parody by default. If I had numbered this list, this song and "First World Problems" would be tied.
Sports Song: This is better than I could have hoped for. I can't wait to see the video.
Mission Statement: I realize that this song isn't super funny. Or I suppose it's not funny at all to a lot of people. But, see, I think it is funny. I have to wonder if Al used the whole "drawing a line between a band and a concept" like he did with The Doors and Craigslist. I love the idea of CSNY singing about corporate jargon. Not to mention, Al and the band nail the style. It's incredible.
Foil: Ugh. I had high hopes. I told all of my friends a year ago that if Al bypassed Lorde, he'd be making a huge mistake. In retrospect, I feel like not bypassing Lorde might have been a mistake. I've never been a huge fan of "A Complicated Song" because of the jumps between different topics. This is, more or less, how I feel about "Foil". I think the fact that the entire last third of the song is lopped off compounds this feeling I have.
Lame Claim To Fame: I tried to acquaint myself with SCOtS when it was confirmed that they'd be the recipients of a pastiche on the album, and what I learned is that SCOtS is not my cup of tea. I understand why people would enjoy the heck out of this song. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fan. This song and "Foil" are really the only two that have come up short for me, but I think the rest of the album is golden.
What do you all think?
*Edited to remove the spoiler tag since the album is out now.