Description
Book SynopsisFeaturing even more insights on “Weird Al” Yankovic including his activities during a tumultuous 2020 and 2021, this expanded edition dives deeper into the world of the iconic man who has made a career out of making us laugh.
Funny music is often dismissed as light and irrelevant, but Yankovic’s fourteen successful studio albums prove there is more going on than comedic music's reputation suggests. Lily Hirsch weaves together original interviews with the prince of parody himself, creating a fresh take on comedy and music’s complicated romance. She reveals that Yankovic’s jests have always had a deeper meaning, addressing such topics as bullying, celebrity, and racial and gender stereotypes, and that his music served as a much-needed bright spot for many fans.
From his love of accordions and Hawaiian print shirts to his popular puns and trademark dance moves, Weird Al is undeterred by those who say funny music is nothing but a low-brow pastime. And thank goodness. With his good-guy grace still intact, Yankovic remains unapologetically and unmistakably himself. Reveling in the mischief and wisdom of Yankovic’s over forty-year career, this book is an Al-expense-paid tour of a true comedic and musical genius.
Table of ContentsForeword, by Dr. Demento
Introduction—Still Weird Al
Chapter 1—This Is the Life
Chapter 2—The Prince of Pop Parody
Chapter 3—Policing and Playing with Language
Chapter 4—Sugar and Spice and Everything Almost Nice
Chapter 5—The Art of Self-Deprecation
Chapter 6—President Al
Chapter 7—The Woke Joke
Chapter 8—Junking Gender
Chapter 9—Al-most Famous
Conclusion
