cbmartinez
12-06-2004, 12:03 PM
Artist: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Album: Dare To Be Stupid
Label: Volcano/Way Moby/Rock N’ Roll
Genre: Comedy/Parody/Rock
http://members.aol.com/dohtemarts/dtbs.jpg
“Weird Al” Yankovic: Vocals, background vocals, keyboards and accordion
Jim West: Guitars, banjo, and background vocals
Stephen Jay: Bass guitar and background vocals
Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz: Drums, percussion and background vocals
http://weirdal.com/
1. Like A Surgeon (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/likeasurgeon.html)
2. Dare To Be Stupid (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/daretobestupid.html)
3. I Want A New Duck (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/iwantanewduck.html)
4. One More Minute (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/One-More-Minute-lyrics-Weird-Al-Yankovic/BD1053ACB732C6504825690E002040AB)
5. Yoda (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Yoda-lyrics-Weird-Al-Yankovic/F4876FE67E1E2ACA4825690F00159AA1)
6. George Of The Jungle (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/georgeofthejungle.html)
7. Slime Creatures From Outer Space (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/slimecreaturesfromouterspace.html)
8. Girls Just Want To Have Lunch (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/girlsjustwanttohavelunch.html)
9. This Is The Life (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/thisisthelife.html)
10. Cable TV (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/cabletv.html)
11. Hooked On Polkas
Review:
I believe it was 6th grade when I picked up my first Weird Al album, Running With Scissors. Running With Scissors is one of the funniest items I have ever bought and I’m still able to listen to, laugh at and enjoy it. Though I have been chided at times because I proudly sport my Weird Al CDs right next to my contemporary CDs of C.K.Y. and Poison The Well, I refuse to let anything happen to the CDs. Anyway, Running With Scissors greatly spurred my interest for Weird Al and about a year late I picked up Dare To Be Stupid , Al’s third album. When I looked at the crazy, bizarre cover of random objects, I knew I was in for a thrill. Dare To Be Stupid was released in 1985 and had given birth to Weird Al classics like “I Want A New Duck” and “Like A Surgeon.” Not only are the covers great and witty, but many of the Weird Al originals on here are some of my favorites. Goofy songs like “Slime Creatures From Outer Space” and “One More Minute” never fail to make me smile, no matter how many times I hear them. But Dare To Be Stupid is by no means the best Weird Al album. The album comes off as being very immature, (okay, so Al isn’t about being mature, but this one in particular is a little too goofy) which is understandable as he was new into the comedy business and needed to find his distinct formula for making a CD. And the CD is a bit short, clocking in at 37 minutes. But minor flaws aside, Dare To Be Stupid is an extremely funny album and though it’s not Al’s best, is filled with genius lyrics and zainy music.
The album starts off with the sounds of a heart monitor and soon Stephen Jay’s bass comes in, quickly followed by Al’s keys and Jon Schwartz’s rhythmic drumming. Al sings a quick verse filled with comical medical lines and then comes the chorus. “Like a surgeon, cuttin’ for the very first time. Like a surgeon, organ transplants on my mind.” One of Al’s funniest and most famous parodies, “Like A Surgeon” is the story of a bad surgeon and of course is a parody of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin.” The song fades out as the heart monitor lets out a sustained beep. “Dare To Be Stupid” begins immediately with goofing keys, drums and bass. The song is filled with extremely weird lines like, “You can turn the other cheek, you can just give up the ship, you can eat a bunch of sushi then forget to leave a tip,” and, “Settle down, raise a family, join the PTA. Buy some sensible shoes and a Chevrolet. And party 'till you're broke and they drive you away, it's OK, you can dare to be stupid.” The song continues in this crazy manner with Al switching from his normal voice to his signature deep voice. As crazy and immature as it may be, “Dare To Be Stupid” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Next up is “I Want A New Duck,” a parody of “I Want A New Drug” by Huey Lewis & The News. The song starts with a nice little distorted guitar riff and Al begins singing about wanting a duck. “I want a new duck, one that won't try to bite. One that won't chew a hole in my socks, one that won't quack all night. I want a new duck, one with big webbed feet. One that knows how to wash my car, and keep his room real neat.” The song comes complete with ducks quacking in rhythm with the song. “I Want A New Duck” has some funny lines, but I wouldn’t call it my favorite song. “One More Minute” starts off with a slow doo-wop line, backing vocals and all, and I actually just flat out skipped it at first, without even listening. One day I decided to give it a listen and it instantly became one of my favorite songs. It’s starts out as a depressing love ballad about Al’s girlfriend leaving, but he soon triumphantly exclaims, “That’s right, you ain’t gonna’ see me crying. I’m glad you’ve found somebody new. ‘Cause I’d rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass, then spend one more minute with you.” Needless to say,I was on the floor laughing. And that was just the beginning. Other lines include, “I guess I might seem kinda’ bitter, you got me feeling down in the dumps. 'Cause I'm stranded all alone in the gas station of love and I have to use the self-service pumps” and, “I'd rather clean all the bathroom in Grand Central Station with my tongue, than spend one more minute with you.” “One More Minute” is undoubtedly one of the funniest songs on the CD and possibly one of Weird Al’s funniest originals.
As “One More Minute” ended, I heard the familiar guitar line of The Kinks’ “Lola” and I instantly knew what song it was, “Yoda.” The opening lines will have you laughing as Al whispers, “I met him in a swamp down in Dagobah, where it bubbles all the time like a giant carbonated soda.” The final lines are my favorite as Al comically explains, “I know Darth Vader's really got you annoyed
But remember, if you kill him, then you'll be unemployed,” and, “Well, I heard my friends really got in a mess. So I'm gonna’ have to leave Yoda, I guess. But I know that I'll be coming back some day, I'll be playing this part 'til I'm old and gray. The long-term contract I had to sign says I'll be making these movies till the end of time with my Yoda.” The song even comes complete with an impressive bassline. “Yoda” is arguably the best song on Dare To Be Stupid . “George Of The Jungle” is the next song, and I’m not quite sure why it’s on there. I’m not sure if Al wrote the song or he just felt like covering it, but it’s on here. Anyway, I usually skip the track but I guess it’s enjoyable the first time. The next track is the amusing “Slime Creatures From Outer Space,” a fun little song about aliens invading. Again, though it may be a bit immature, I love the song. It starts with a funky slap bassline and continues with some strange noises and some trumpets. Al’s vocals soon enter singing about an alien invasion. Great lines include, “They got slimy lizard skin, and an evil lookin' grin. And they sure could use some manicures. They got hands all covered with fungus, they got eyes like some kinda’ bug. I sure hope they don't come in here, I just shampooed the rug.” Al and a computerized voice trade off during the chorus and the songs fades out as Al frantically asks questions. “Slime Creatures From Outer Space” is another favorite. Though Al’s parody skills are unmatched, they can come off as silly and not work. Which is exactly what happens in “Girls Just Want To Have Lunch,” a parody of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” In my opinion, the song comes off as lame. After a few listens it just gets annoying and bland. There are a few memorable parts, the burps and eating sounds in the bridge and some funny lyrics, by “Girls Just Want To Have Lunch” is a track you could afford to skip. Next up is “This Is The Life,” which does a decent jump at picking up the CDs momentum and laughs. Another Weird Al original, “This Is The Life” tells the story of a rich man who is bragging about his life. Thought it might come off as lame to many, I enjoy it. “I eat filet mignon seven times a day, my bathtub's filled with Perrier. What can I say, this is the life” and “You're dead for a real long time, you just can't prevent it. So if money can't buy happiness, I guess I'll have to rent it,” are just a few of the humorous lines found in this classic Al song. Another Al original is next, “Cable TV.” “Cable TV” is a mediocre song about a man obsessed with TV. A bit repetitive, “Cable TV” isn’t the strongest track on the CD, but still makes for an enjoyable listen. Al finishes Dare To Be Stupid with one of his traditional polkas, in which he turns pop songs into polka songs, this time entitled “Hooked On Polkas. The songs he polkafies are:
“State of Shock” by The Jacksons w/Mick Jagger
“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
“What's Love Got To Do With It?” by Tina Turner
“Method Of Modern Love” by Hall & Oates
“Owner Of A Lonely Heart” by Yes
“We're Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
“99 Luftballons” by Nena
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“The Reflex” by Duran Duran
“Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” by Quiet Riot
“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
It’s great to contrast the original songs with Al’s polka version and “Hooked On Polkas” is another fun, successful chapter in Al’s polka trademark songs.
Album: Dare To Be Stupid
Label: Volcano/Way Moby/Rock N’ Roll
Genre: Comedy/Parody/Rock
http://members.aol.com/dohtemarts/dtbs.jpg
“Weird Al” Yankovic: Vocals, background vocals, keyboards and accordion
Jim West: Guitars, banjo, and background vocals
Stephen Jay: Bass guitar and background vocals
Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz: Drums, percussion and background vocals
http://weirdal.com/
1. Like A Surgeon (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/likeasurgeon.html)
2. Dare To Be Stupid (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/daretobestupid.html)
3. I Want A New Duck (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/iwantanewduck.html)
4. One More Minute (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/One-More-Minute-lyrics-Weird-Al-Yankovic/BD1053ACB732C6504825690E002040AB)
5. Yoda (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Yoda-lyrics-Weird-Al-Yankovic/F4876FE67E1E2ACA4825690F00159AA1)
6. George Of The Jungle (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/georgeofthejungle.html)
7. Slime Creatures From Outer Space (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/slimecreaturesfromouterspace.html)
8. Girls Just Want To Have Lunch (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/girlsjustwanttohavelunch.html)
9. This Is The Life (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/thisisthelife.html)
10. Cable TV (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weirdalyankovic/cabletv.html)
11. Hooked On Polkas
Review:
I believe it was 6th grade when I picked up my first Weird Al album, Running With Scissors. Running With Scissors is one of the funniest items I have ever bought and I’m still able to listen to, laugh at and enjoy it. Though I have been chided at times because I proudly sport my Weird Al CDs right next to my contemporary CDs of C.K.Y. and Poison The Well, I refuse to let anything happen to the CDs. Anyway, Running With Scissors greatly spurred my interest for Weird Al and about a year late I picked up Dare To Be Stupid , Al’s third album. When I looked at the crazy, bizarre cover of random objects, I knew I was in for a thrill. Dare To Be Stupid was released in 1985 and had given birth to Weird Al classics like “I Want A New Duck” and “Like A Surgeon.” Not only are the covers great and witty, but many of the Weird Al originals on here are some of my favorites. Goofy songs like “Slime Creatures From Outer Space” and “One More Minute” never fail to make me smile, no matter how many times I hear them. But Dare To Be Stupid is by no means the best Weird Al album. The album comes off as being very immature, (okay, so Al isn’t about being mature, but this one in particular is a little too goofy) which is understandable as he was new into the comedy business and needed to find his distinct formula for making a CD. And the CD is a bit short, clocking in at 37 minutes. But minor flaws aside, Dare To Be Stupid is an extremely funny album and though it’s not Al’s best, is filled with genius lyrics and zainy music.
The album starts off with the sounds of a heart monitor and soon Stephen Jay’s bass comes in, quickly followed by Al’s keys and Jon Schwartz’s rhythmic drumming. Al sings a quick verse filled with comical medical lines and then comes the chorus. “Like a surgeon, cuttin’ for the very first time. Like a surgeon, organ transplants on my mind.” One of Al’s funniest and most famous parodies, “Like A Surgeon” is the story of a bad surgeon and of course is a parody of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin.” The song fades out as the heart monitor lets out a sustained beep. “Dare To Be Stupid” begins immediately with goofing keys, drums and bass. The song is filled with extremely weird lines like, “You can turn the other cheek, you can just give up the ship, you can eat a bunch of sushi then forget to leave a tip,” and, “Settle down, raise a family, join the PTA. Buy some sensible shoes and a Chevrolet. And party 'till you're broke and they drive you away, it's OK, you can dare to be stupid.” The song continues in this crazy manner with Al switching from his normal voice to his signature deep voice. As crazy and immature as it may be, “Dare To Be Stupid” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Next up is “I Want A New Duck,” a parody of “I Want A New Drug” by Huey Lewis & The News. The song starts with a nice little distorted guitar riff and Al begins singing about wanting a duck. “I want a new duck, one that won't try to bite. One that won't chew a hole in my socks, one that won't quack all night. I want a new duck, one with big webbed feet. One that knows how to wash my car, and keep his room real neat.” The song comes complete with ducks quacking in rhythm with the song. “I Want A New Duck” has some funny lines, but I wouldn’t call it my favorite song. “One More Minute” starts off with a slow doo-wop line, backing vocals and all, and I actually just flat out skipped it at first, without even listening. One day I decided to give it a listen and it instantly became one of my favorite songs. It’s starts out as a depressing love ballad about Al’s girlfriend leaving, but he soon triumphantly exclaims, “That’s right, you ain’t gonna’ see me crying. I’m glad you’ve found somebody new. ‘Cause I’d rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass, then spend one more minute with you.” Needless to say,I was on the floor laughing. And that was just the beginning. Other lines include, “I guess I might seem kinda’ bitter, you got me feeling down in the dumps. 'Cause I'm stranded all alone in the gas station of love and I have to use the self-service pumps” and, “I'd rather clean all the bathroom in Grand Central Station with my tongue, than spend one more minute with you.” “One More Minute” is undoubtedly one of the funniest songs on the CD and possibly one of Weird Al’s funniest originals.
As “One More Minute” ended, I heard the familiar guitar line of The Kinks’ “Lola” and I instantly knew what song it was, “Yoda.” The opening lines will have you laughing as Al whispers, “I met him in a swamp down in Dagobah, where it bubbles all the time like a giant carbonated soda.” The final lines are my favorite as Al comically explains, “I know Darth Vader's really got you annoyed
But remember, if you kill him, then you'll be unemployed,” and, “Well, I heard my friends really got in a mess. So I'm gonna’ have to leave Yoda, I guess. But I know that I'll be coming back some day, I'll be playing this part 'til I'm old and gray. The long-term contract I had to sign says I'll be making these movies till the end of time with my Yoda.” The song even comes complete with an impressive bassline. “Yoda” is arguably the best song on Dare To Be Stupid . “George Of The Jungle” is the next song, and I’m not quite sure why it’s on there. I’m not sure if Al wrote the song or he just felt like covering it, but it’s on here. Anyway, I usually skip the track but I guess it’s enjoyable the first time. The next track is the amusing “Slime Creatures From Outer Space,” a fun little song about aliens invading. Again, though it may be a bit immature, I love the song. It starts with a funky slap bassline and continues with some strange noises and some trumpets. Al’s vocals soon enter singing about an alien invasion. Great lines include, “They got slimy lizard skin, and an evil lookin' grin. And they sure could use some manicures. They got hands all covered with fungus, they got eyes like some kinda’ bug. I sure hope they don't come in here, I just shampooed the rug.” Al and a computerized voice trade off during the chorus and the songs fades out as Al frantically asks questions. “Slime Creatures From Outer Space” is another favorite. Though Al’s parody skills are unmatched, they can come off as silly and not work. Which is exactly what happens in “Girls Just Want To Have Lunch,” a parody of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” In my opinion, the song comes off as lame. After a few listens it just gets annoying and bland. There are a few memorable parts, the burps and eating sounds in the bridge and some funny lyrics, by “Girls Just Want To Have Lunch” is a track you could afford to skip. Next up is “This Is The Life,” which does a decent jump at picking up the CDs momentum and laughs. Another Weird Al original, “This Is The Life” tells the story of a rich man who is bragging about his life. Thought it might come off as lame to many, I enjoy it. “I eat filet mignon seven times a day, my bathtub's filled with Perrier. What can I say, this is the life” and “You're dead for a real long time, you just can't prevent it. So if money can't buy happiness, I guess I'll have to rent it,” are just a few of the humorous lines found in this classic Al song. Another Al original is next, “Cable TV.” “Cable TV” is a mediocre song about a man obsessed with TV. A bit repetitive, “Cable TV” isn’t the strongest track on the CD, but still makes for an enjoyable listen. Al finishes Dare To Be Stupid with one of his traditional polkas, in which he turns pop songs into polka songs, this time entitled “Hooked On Polkas. The songs he polkafies are:
“State of Shock” by The Jacksons w/Mick Jagger
“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
“What's Love Got To Do With It?” by Tina Turner
“Method Of Modern Love” by Hall & Oates
“Owner Of A Lonely Heart” by Yes
“We're Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
“99 Luftballons” by Nena
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“The Reflex” by Duran Duran
“Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” by Quiet Riot
“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
It’s great to contrast the original songs with Al’s polka version and “Hooked On Polkas” is another fun, successful chapter in Al’s polka trademark songs.