Novelty records have been chart-toppers as long as there have been charts. But novelty artists disappear quickly from the public's memory. Accordion-toting parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic has defied the odds, lasting in showbiz for over forty years. In 1984, Yankovic released his second album, “Weird Al” Yankovic In 3-D, with a food-focused parody of Michael Jackson's iconic “Beat It” as its centerpiece. At the time, it seemed inevitable he would be known forever as “The 'Eat It' Guy.”
However, the secret to Yankovic's longevity is present on this breakthrough album. His deftness with wordplay may inspire laughter, but his attention to sonic detail makes both the parody songs and comic originals on In 3-D as pleasurable to hear (and re-hear) as any other well-made pop record. The rise of MTV offered Weird Al's adeptness with audio mimicry a perfect visual analogue. The “Eat It” video is a modern classic thanks to how closely it reproduces the Jackson original but tweaks the details to highlight Yankovic's absurd humor and charming dweebiness. In 3-D not only created the roadmap for Yankovic's future, it also paved the way for musical-visual comedy acts like The Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords.
However, the secret to Yankovic's longevity is present on this breakthrough album. His deftness with wordplay may inspire laughter, but his attention to sonic detail makes both the parody songs and comic originals on In 3-D as pleasurable to hear (and re-hear) as any other well-made pop record. The rise of MTV offered Weird Al's adeptness with audio mimicry a perfect visual analogue. The “Eat It” video is a modern classic thanks to how closely it reproduces the Jackson original but tweaks the details to highlight Yankovic's absurd humor and charming dweebiness. In 3-D not only created the roadmap for Yankovic's future, it also paved the way for musical-visual comedy acts like The Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords.
Pay easily by card, Klarna, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Not happy? You always have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Read more in our terms. If you have any questions, email us at hello@memmo.org.
Memmo makes studying easier – wherever you are in the world. We bring your course books and smart study tools together in one place: summaries, quizzes, podcasts and flashcards. Plus Ted, your study buddy who answers anything you wonder. Over 50,000 students already study here – built to help you learn faster and stress less.