I think the biggest reason that "Polka Party" failed was the fact that, to be honest, the parodies suck.
OK, I like "Addicted to Spuds" and "Living With a Hernia." Beautiful. They can stay. But "Toothless People" and "Here's Johnny" are not that funny. I was just looking at this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_in_mu ... it_singles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_in_mu ... it_singles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Only "Rock Me Amadeus" and "Papa Don't Preach" appear ANYWHERE on Al's album (and only in the medley). I think parodies of "The Final Countdown," "Rock Me Amadeus," "We Are the World," "Shout," or "Take On Me" could've been HYSTERICAL! If only Al could've recorded a parody of one of them bad boys. "Polka Party!" would've rocked!
Polka Party
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- Way_Moby
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- weirdojace
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Re: Polka Party
I think the album title and cover was also a factor. Come on. That's a terrible name for an album and we all know it. Nobody looked at it and thought, "gee, that looks like something I should buy."
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Re: Polka Party
I think the cover is funny, but yeah, the title sucks. I think it should've been something unique like "Even Worse" or "In 3-D."
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Re: Polka Party
As I said above, this was supposed to be the album with the parody of "When Doves Cry" that never came to be. I think a triple whammy of Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince back to back would have put Al's career into a totally different place. Who knows what would have happened next. I have to say, while Polka Party's tracks are relatively weaker than his other 80s material, I think what made this album a commercial failure was quite simply the lackluster lead single.
I couldn't tell a dirt clod from a plate of caviar.
- JCM
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Re: Polka Party
Well, maybe Prince has loosened up and will allow a parody the next time Al asks. It's so depressing to see The Artist Formerly Known As' music untouched.
How old was that last signature? I mean, really?
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Re: Polka Party
He hasn't loosened up. In fact, just last week he declared that he no longer wants anyone to even cover his songs.
I couldn't tell a dirt clod from a plate of caviar.
- mrmeadows
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Re: Polka Party
Never.JCM wrote:Well, maybe Prince has loosened up and will allow a parody the next time Al asks. It's so depressing to see The Artist Formerly Known As' music untouched.
- JCM
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Re: Polka Party
If this is one of the most influential people in the world, I do not want to live in this world.TMBJon wrote:He hasn't loosened up. In fact, just last week he declared that he no longer wants anyone to even cover his songs.
How old was that last signature? I mean, really?
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Re: Polka Party
I think Toothless People is an awesome parody! I'm sure Mick Jagger didn't mind it either. Here's Johnny has always made me laugh and I dont think the album would be quite as good without it. The last two tracks on the album are the weakest IMO, but you gotta be insane not to love Christmas At Ground Zero. But I like all the other tracks alot more.
What a racket they're makin', Jack, they keep me up at night playin' their electric guitars!!
- JCM
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Re: Polka Party
I know you're entitled to your opinion and all, but you can't be serious.Yankomaniac wrote:I think Toothless People is an awesome parody! I'm sure Mick Jagger didn't mind it either. Here's Johnny has always made me laugh and I dont think the album would be quite as good without it.
How old was that last signature? I mean, really?