Search results for ""Lily E. Hirsch" "Weird Al: Seriously""
Rowman & Littlefield Weird Al: Seriously
Book SynopsisThis book is the first to address in a serious way the impact and meaning of the music of “Weird Al” Yankovic. Though everyone knows his name, Yankovic is often dismissed as a novelty. His music builds on a rich American tradition of parody song, with many levels of signification—humorous, insulting, political, often at the same time. His songs, including his original compositions, make us laugh but also have a point of view, be it on society, popular culture, food, or words themselves. Very few other artists have created music so dense in meaning and for so long, and it’s high time we recognize Yankovic’s cloyingly humorous appeal. Through original interviews with the man himself, Lily Hirsch addresses Yankovic’s relationship to past parody song as well as his unique approach to the art form. Focusing mainly on his fourteen studio albums, the book explores his music based on themes like insult, politics, race, and word abuse. It also discusses his reputation as one of the music industry’s good guys. In today’s age of incivility (political and otherwise), his nice-guy persona stands out and has helped win him fiercely loyal fans who’ve found in his music a certain acceptance and affirmation. This book is for those fans but also invites music enthusiasts of all stripes to consider and reconsider Yankovic’s music.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
£25.00
Bloomsbury Academic Nowhere to Go but Up
Book SynopsisLily E. Hirsch is a writer, musician, and reformed academic (former professor at Cleveland State University). Her work has been featured in national publications such as Ms. Magazine, the Guardian, and the Washington Post, as well as humor sites like Slackjaw, Belladonna Comedy, and Frazzled. She is the author of eight previous books including Weird Al: Seriously and Can't Stop the Grrrls: Confronting Sexist Labels in Music from Ariana Grande to Yoko Ono. She lives with her kids, husband, and very old dog in Bakersfield, California.
£31.05
Rowman & Littlefield Weird Al: Seriously
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. DementoIntroduction—Still Weird AlChapter 1—This Is the LifeChapter 2—The Prince of Pop ParodyChapter 3—Policing and Playing with LanguageChapter 4—Sugar and Spice and Everything Almost NiceChapter 5—The Art of Self-DeprecationChapter 6—President AlChapter 7—The Woke JokeChapter 8—Junking GenderChapter 9—Al-most FamousConclusion
£14.24
