This is a personal matter for me because this was my first album I owned. I was in middle school, and begged my Dad for this CD/DVD and listen to it loads. Even now in my 30s I still listen to some of the tracks from time to time and it has been years since I reviewed an album so, why not look back just for fun. Click "read more" for my review.
Track 1: White & Nerdy
Parody of Ridin Dirty by Chamillionaire
I will never forget how my copy of this album was messed up and none of my CD players could play track one. Regardless, this is still one of my favorite singles and probably one of the best introductions to Weird Al in general. It is a Rap about being a nerd sung with a lot of pride and fast but catchy rhythm. Sadly, the video was not featured on the DVD side of the album because of release schedules, but even in 2006 there were plenty of places to watch it, including YouTube and Weird Al's official MySpace.
The song itself is extremely catchy and funny. The video is very well done with a lot of hidden Easter Eggs. Honestly, I cannot do it justice, if you have not heard it than please give it a try. 5/5
Track 2: Pancreas
Original, done in the style of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and Smile albums.
This is a difficult song for me to talk about because I really want to like this track, but I do not. I like the concept of singing about an organ most people know nothing about, the video is funny, and I appreciate silly topics taken seriously. But, I just do not enjoy listening to the song because I find this kind of music boring. Nothing against the Beach Boys, maybe just too much before my time. Still, I can accept this track as something that a lot of people could like, just not me. 2/5
Track 3: Canadian Idiot
Parody of American Idiot by Green Day.
This was one of my most replayed tracks because it is so catchy. The music is fast and dance worthy just like the original and the lyrics are sneaky. Now that I can understand some things better, I was worried this song would have aged poorly and sound too anti-Canada. But, no, the lyrics are actually pretty complementary to the country but sang in a way that sounds like mocking. One line that sums that point up, "what kind of freaks are that polite?" Not a masterpiece by any means, but pretty great for a track that was not even a single. 4/5
Track 4: I'll Sue Ya
Style Parody of the Beastie Boys but pretty much an original Weird Al Rap.
Yes Yes! I love this. The legal system is so terrible that petty dumb lawsuits are done constantly with the only goal being to steal money. This song lists a bunch of made up lawsuits that sound ridiculous but I could genuinely believe someone would attempt. Even makes fun of Gigli saying it did not need a reason to sue its leading actor Ben Affleck. Funny, Catchy, and the video is extra amusing. The only nitpick I would have is that angry voice Weird Al uses for the whole song can get tiring on the ears, but it fits the tone of the song. 4/5
Track 5: Palkarama!
I am not really a fan of the Palka's. They are one line from a bunch of different popular songs of the time sang to some Palka music. It is a funny concept and they are done really well, but I really do not care for Palka music so the experience is tainted to begin with. I will say, as a young person this track did get me to check out some of the songs featured and I ended up a fan of other artists. Also, listening to Weird Al sing "don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" is kind of funny. Overall, it is a personal taste on this one, I do not hate it but do not find myself seeking out to listen to it. 3/5
Track 6: Virus Alert
Style Parody of Sparks.
This is what I consider the funniest track on the album. It is about someone showing up at an office and warning everyone about a computer virus that causes all kinds of crazy things to happen.These arrange from messing up your hard drive to making you physically attracted to sheep and loads in-between. All song with fast catchy Art-Rock.
My brothers and I were in tears laughing the first time we listened to it and the music video only makes it better. One thing about Weird Al music videos is that they are like mini-movies (animated or live action) and not just showing the band perform. Please, give this one a listen. 5/5
Track 7: Confessions Part III
Parody of Confessions Part II by Usher.
This is an interesting one, not only a parody but a sequel to the original song. Parts 1 and 2 are mentioned, but this time instead of confessing to an affair or knocking said person up on the affair, it is a collection of confessing to smaller and grosser things. These crimes include but not limited too, lying, peeing in a sink, and mistreating pets.
Much more of a joke song than anything else. Not great but enjoyable, I will often listen too it alongside Usher's parts 1 & 2. 3/5
Track 8: Weasel Stomping Day
Any Robot Chicken fans? Yup, this track/video was made for the Adult Swim show Robot Chicken to be one of their sketches. (That is why it is short.) Not too much to say, it is a happy holiday song all about killing Weasels by stomping them with big shoes. Good for a quick laugh. 3/5
Track 9: Close But No Cigar
Style parody of Cake.
No doubt the least kid friendly track on the album, especially the video. This music video was animated by the Ren & Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi and stars Cigarettes the Cat from one of his web-series. I would honestly not recommend the video because it gets kind of disturbing even without the whole John Kricfalusi controversy.
The song itself is catchy but scared me away at first, but grew on me. Still, it has issues. It is about Cigarettes the Cat looking for his dream girl and going through 3. All of them great in every way except for one little nitpick the cat has with each of them and he dumps them violently. I understand it is meant as a spoof, but it comes off pretty masochistic. If you are sensitive avoid this track but if you are a fan of darker humor than give it a listen. 3/5
Track 10: Do I Creep You Out
Parody of Do I Make You Proud by Taylor Hicks
Anyone remember JibJab? The video is an animated one made by JibJab who made similar videos to a lot of songs from different artists. Although I am still not sure if this video was commissioned by Weird Al who he was just a fan of it and made it official. Regardless, it is very amusing.
The song itself is about a stalker sung from the stalkers perspective. (It does not in anyway promote or defend the serious crime of stalking.) Through the stalkers eyes he sees all his crazy things as romantic but always wondering if he is creepy. Obviously, he is and it ends with his arrest, (if the video is canon) but never loses that calming Taylor Hicks vibe despite the subject. I have been stalked before and I can enjoy this track so you can too. 4/5
Track 11: Trapped In The Drive Through
Parody of Trapped in the Closet by R Kelly.
Weird Al had a challenge on his hands with this one. Trapped in the Closet used to be considered un-parodiable because it was already so crazy. But, Mr. Yankovic did it by making it overly dramatic about something really trivial. The song is a story about a married couple trying to pickup dinner because neither of them wanted to cook. Everything goes wrong from a long line to the employees being not so good.
I really love this track and often use it as an 11 minute timer. Listening too it almost makes you want to keep following the lives of this married couple. 4/5
Track 12: Don't Download this Song
First single of the album released. It took me awhile to get it, but this track is actually making fun of the drama over pirating music. When it came out, Weird Al listed it for free download on his website and the video actually sneakily tells you ways to download music. The whole song is sung seriously with a church choir vibe as if it was a real public message. There are even references to real situations where the RIAA sued the elderly and 7 year old girls over burning CD's illegally. While I do not support online piracy, I have high respect for an artist who does not over-react to it. Kind of wish this song was featured on the South Park Episode Christian Rock Hard. 4/5
Honorable Mention: You're Pitiful
Parody of You're Beautiful by James Blunt.
This was a song that Weird Al was originally given permission to make but was later denied. Even though it was already finished and legally Weird Al does not need permission to make parodies, he always respects the artists if they do not wish their songs to be parodied. So, he released this one for free. Give it a listen just to spite the hypocrisy
Final Thoughts & Score
This album is fantastic. There are a lot of singles on it, but there could easily have been more. Whenever I listen to it back in the days of CD players, there were only 2 tracks I skipped and that was not every time. While I admit I could be blinded by nostalgia, I still highly recommend this album. I am almost certain there will be at least 1 track you like.
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