I think my first encounter with Weird Al's music was The Saga Begins, when I was 15. He wasn't very popular here in Norway before that, but after the introduction of file-sharing software, he quickly became popular among kids old enough to understand the English-language lyrics.
Let's hope a new album isn't too far off. 2014's Mandatory Fun had some truly great songs. I sometimes sing Foil in the shower.
Update (8/6/2020):
Actually, come to think of it, my first encounter with Weird Al might have been the film Naked Gun, although I didn't know who he was at the time.
There's a scene early in the film, when detective Frank Drebin returns heroically after defeating every single one of USA's enemies, when he steps off the plane and sees a press conference prepared, he steps up to the podium and starts talking, only to be interrupted with the explanation that Weird Al is on the same plane, and the press conference is for him.
One of the great things about that scene is that the joke is equally funny even if you don't get the reference. It's of course neat for Al's fans to see him on screen, but it might be even more funny that the returning hero is passed over for some silly-looking guy you've never even heard of.
An absolute 10! Read it, feel it, remember it. This is important. And yes, Weird Al is a healer!
I definitely felt it. Reading the part about him interacting with his fans, bringing them joy and relief, that actually brought a tear to my eye.
Me too!
I think my first encounter with Weird Al's music was The Saga Begins, when I was 15. He wasn't very popular here in Norway before that, but after the introduction of file-sharing software, he quickly became popular among kids old enough to understand the English-language lyrics.
Let's hope a new album isn't too far off. 2014's Mandatory Fun had some truly great songs. I sometimes sing Foil in the shower.
Actually, come to think of it, my first encounter with Weird Al might have been the film Naked Gun, although I didn't know who he was at the time.
There's a scene early in the film, when detective Frank Drebin returns heroically after defeating every single one of USA's enemies, when he steps off the plane and sees a press conference prepared, he steps up to the podium and starts talking, only to be interrupted with the explanation that Weird Al is on the same plane, and the press conference is for him.
One of the great things about that scene is that the joke is equally funny even if you don't get the reference. It's of course neat for Al's fans to see him on screen, but it might be even more funny that the returning hero is passed over for some silly-looking guy you've never even heard of.
"Weird Al is a spiritual technician doing important work down in the engine room of the American soul."
This comment was deleted on 8/6/2020
Great find! So glad you brought this to my attention. As I paid little attention to Weird Al back in the day. Loved it!