World of Weird Al Yankovic

With the news that Al will be appearing on the music night of the upcoming charity event rather than the comedy night, and now the tweet that he'll be playing a Pixies song with the band (Whatever form the Pixies will end up taking ) on the heels of his anything but by the numbers performance with the Roots, it's becoming more apparent that Al has gone from the music industry's performing monkey, to being seen for his humble, down to Earth nature, and dare I say it, his talent.

This will be the second time in about a month that Al will be performing with "real" musicians. Note that I am not saying that to disparage TBITB, I'm referring to the (unfair) mass perception that they're a novelty band. In fact, I'd even go as far to include bands that Al's appeared with to do a song in concert (Presidents, Barenaked Ladies) in the category of "novelty" since their music is fun, often funny, and is more about having a good time than trying to change lives. But on top of that, thanks to Twitter, we're learning a lot more about Al's place in the music (and entertainment) world in regards to his peers. That strikes me as a long ways away from the (Sometimes coming off as half-handed and forced) comments like "It's an honor for Al to parody a song" (And certainly a long way away from "Stay away from me" ).

Comments like "It's an honor" to me, have always seemed to be varying degrees of genuineness. Maybe it's just my untrusting nature, but outside of artists who've gone above and beyond the usual reaction (Like Kurt Cobain or Chamillionare), it just seems like it's a generic stock answer, and while some artists are genuinely thrilled and honored, it feels like others would just rather avoid the question and aren't too thrilled or honored at all (See: Blunt, James). In contrast, now when you see a comment like the one from ?uestlove of the Roots "Thank god Al is cool", it comes off as more genuine (Especially since we know Al is cool...not just from a music standpoint, but as an all around great guy).

There's still, and always will be haters, both music listeners and artist themselves. That's fine. Most of them aren't worth the energy (I've said it before and I'll say it again...one of my biggest regrets about being a part of this fanbase is reading about us taking the bait when people are obviously looking for a fight. It's an unnecessary headache as far as I'm concerned. But then again, I'm also pretty sure we're not the only fanbase that does that). There are people that will always see Al as nothing more than a novelty artist who does Michael Jackson parodies.and just rode MJ's coattails. I've been of the opinion that Al will never be taken seriously enough to get a fair chance atbeing inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I sent them a couple tweets during the tweet in (Though only one was about Al),and I do believe he deserves it, but that's as far as my support has gone.

To me though it just seems as, if not more, worth it that the real Al Yankovic and his alter ego are finally getting what's been due (And maybe even past due). to them all along.

I'd say he's well on his way. He hasn't been fully accepted yet, but if things continue the way that they're going, he'll be there soon.

I think part of his "acceptance" weighs on whenever he gets into the Rock Hall.

He's definitely more accepted as a musicians now than he used to be, but still has a way to go.

And there will always be people who insist he's nothing but a novelty act who leeches off other peoples' music for a living.

Big Spoon @ November 05, 2009 12:50 am wrote: I'd say he's well on his way. He hasn't been fully accepted yet, but if things continue the way that they're going, he'll be there soon.

Agreed. I have an unfortunate feeling that if he ever gets into the RNRHOF we'll be seeing a lot of commentaries along the lines of, "Really, this guy that can't even write his own music got in over [any random, long-forgotten, even obscure back in their heyday band who has made not one iota of impact on music--take your pick]?" But at the same time, I expect they would be outnumbered by the "Wow, that's awesome, I never would've expected that but good for him!" responses.

There's definitely been an increase in the number of credible musicians/parody targets singing his praises in recent years. And I think in the media, the words "Weird Al's at it again" used to be accompanied by a bit of an eyeroll, but now it's an excited reaction.

In all honesty--I think this was brought up in a topic a few months ago--I would say that if there has been any single biggest catalyst in Al becoming more accepted by the mainstream and music community, it's YouTube parodists; the majority of whom prove that "just changing the words" doesn't automatically equate to quality. Whether you like him or not, you have to give him credit for being talented enough to make a career out of it.

I was thinking about this just today. Other signs: Ray Manzarek playing on Craigslist. Paul McCartney collaborating...

I think Al is definitely reaching respect amongst his musical peers, which is great for his career.

I think the big advantage to Al performing with bands other than his own is that fans of those bands will see him who might not, otherwise, and realize what an excellent performer he is.

Al's band is beyond excellent, of course, but when they perform with Al, it's like they're invisible. I don't know what weird switch non-Al-fan people have in their brains, but when the lyrics are funny, it's like they become incapable of recognizing musical goodness when it's right there in front of them.

I think Al's pretty much accepted now. He's had a top ten song, numerous interviews, and performances with respected bands within a span of 3 years. Anyone who still doesn't see Al for who he is, even the Rock Hall themselves, just isn't worth convincing anymore. Also, Paul McCartney collaborated with him? Links, links!

JCM @ November 06, 2009 02:17 am wrote: Also, Paul McCartney collaborated with him? Links, links!

Cameo in "Al's Brain."