Have to agree. And you often find thing later, that you didn't catch the first time. Or just didn't understand. I don't know if he writes it all himself anymore, but either way he's really smart. Not to mention fun as hell :)
Weird Al is just the loveliest, most humble guy...this is how you succeed, just be kind and decent to people and you will pull through. Of course, huge talent helps too...
Can't say enough about this guy he's such a badass in his own way, super smart, and he seems so grounded and just a great ambassador for comedy and music in general.
I love the parodies, but why doesn't Weird Al get enough credit for his ORIGINAL compositions? Bob, Albuquerque, One More Minute, Why Does This Always Happen to Me? Etc. He's not just a one-trick pony!
+Lesley Wentzell Exactly! And not forgetting Trigger Happy - musically and lyrically so clever, so funny and a little sick - just the way I like my "Weird Al" songs :)
Google... Thanks for recording and posting this. Been an Al fan for his entire career, and this is likely the closest I'd ever get to meeting him in person. Really appreciate it.
He makes a great point that many parodists today are missing. They're so fast to jump on the knowing joke of a given song, like the rapey vibe of Blurred Lines. But that's too obvious. Instead, he ignores that and figures out what would best fit the beat, lyrics, etc. That's what separates typical parodists (which are also funny very often) from Weird Al. He is able to tap into the consciousness of modern society and focus on the most minute details instead of going for the quick laugh. Which puts him heads above the rest. In fact, this is a huge reason why even the best internet parodists besides Weird Al don't get huge releases.
He is wearing a Lavalier mic clipped to his shirt. Unfortunatley it is poor mic placement. whoever placed it has it aiming away from his mouth. Rookie move.
Thank goodness for headphones. I found the volume too low at first, but had no problems with it after jacking in the phones and turning up the dial all the way.
Dirtfire Thank you SOOOO much for reminding me of the caption button. You would think Google of all places would consider the audio set up for a video shoot, geez!
This great interview with "Weird Al" Yankovic at Google is akin to nerd heaven. The only thing that could possibly top this would be if "Weird Al" Yankovic were to be a guest on "The Big Bang Theory".
It's so fun to hear him talk about his new album and the process and considerations that went into it. Not only is the music itself awesome, but the videos and marketing are also interesting. I like how you can tell he is very humble while also being proud of his work. As a songwriter, hearing that he goes through a bunch of bad ideas to get to the good ones is inspiring. Great interview. I'm loving Mandatory Fun. :)
It shouldn't really matter to the art that people do, but I always get a nice feeling inside when talented artists I love also seem to be great and down-to-earth guys... Somehow it makes it easier to give them my money...
He's such a lovely, genuine man. I just adore him as a person. I can't really get into his songs but that's the only thing. Everything else about him, I'm a great fan.
Trapped in the drive thru was great. Not only was it a hilarious parody..but it told a story of something that pretty much all of us have gone through. He made it relatable. Absolutely Brillaint. He is a lyrical genius.
We totally need to get Weird Al, Tim Minchin, Lonely Island, Uptown Julie Brown, Tenacious D, Bob Rivers, Axis of Awesome, and every other comedy songwriter you can think of to do a parody of "We Are the World."
Great idea! Even greater if the money would go to charity... Hm... Might be a problem there. It would probably make enough money to abolish poverty and world hunger... That would make an awful lot of people unemployed, and might even weaken the hold of certain dictatorships over their population... And it would everybody laugh and be in a better mood world wide... Which would make a lot of priests and self-help gurus unnecessary, and might even abolish religions and the need for alcohol! All in all, we'll have to think about it before taking such a big step!
FOTC already did one for New Zealand (Feel Inside and Stuff Like That). BUT, yes, it would be awesome if the larger comedy musician community at large did one.
Thank-you for remembering Julie Brown. I love my lil' Valley Girl sweetheart with a great brain to go along with her great bosoms. (I'm a gay dude born in 1987 here, don't hate me.) I love that audacious redhead strumpet of charm!!
you can see his level of intelligence , not many humm, aahh, or pause to think, he just spew his reply really face and in a smart way plus he's all smile, cheers Al you are as important to so many as poor Robin williams, cheers
Weird al has been in the public spotlight and a nice, good guy for 40 years.
10 років тому+4
Great interview! Weird Al is an amazing person. I really sorry that i haven't know his music before. Thanks Google for putting this up, even though the bad audio.
Nobody asked about his amazing originals. I want to know about how Weird Al goes about writing songs that are not parodies or pastiches, like "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead", "Gotta Boogie", and "Virus Alert". While the parodies are top notch quality, his originals blow me away.
Just _how_ can the audio quality from a clip that comes from Google be _that_ awful? • Give Weirld Al a microphone • Tell the interviewer how to hold a mic • Have someone post-edit the audio
I can NOT believe that Weird Al hasn't been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!!!! We need to start a petition!! Yankovic's 12 million albums sold, seven Platinum albums and four Grammy wins are more impressive than some of the figures of artists already in the Hall of Fame. Perhaps the biggest feather in his cap is that he is one of only three artists to earn Top 40 hits every decade since the '80s, along with Madonna and Michael Jackson!! "Rock & Roll" is a genre, but it's also an attitude... and nobody exemplifies it more than Weird Al!!! Let's make it happen!!!
'First World Problems' is the best Weird Al Song. Ahh, I can relate to it so much. Second best? Albuquerque or Hardware Store. Argh! I can't decide, because it's all good!
I love how Weird Al have worked with so many celebrities, but he never seemed to be a part of that world. He's one of the rare artists who have transcended celebritiy-ism. So hard not the love that guy.
Decades ago my step grandfather had the idea of buying some polka music so he went to a record store and started going through the cassettes then found one with the name Yankovic which he recognized. He brought it home, put it in the cassette player and part way through a song said what the heck is this. He called up my aunt and she explained Weird Al Yankovic to him.
1.) Lapel/lavalier mics were so 1970s-1990s. They're inefficient for today's sound standards. Start using headset mics. 2.) Have a sound technician on staff at the event to make it loud and clear. 3.) Don't skimp on having equalizers/notch filters in-line in-between the mixer and house amps, so they can control acoustic feedback. 4.) Add a compressor/limiter in-line in-between the mixer and recording device; this will guarantee that your recordings won't clip all the time.
I like the interview BUT I must say that I am amazed that one of - if not THE - forefront tech companies can't handle proper mic and sound technology...
One time I went to an American-style diner and they were playing music and at one point I thought they were playing 'Beat it' but then I listened closer and they were playing 'Eat it' and I was like "Woah, Weird Al"
I think this is the first time I’ve heard Weird Al speak candidly! I feel like I can identify with him much more now. His little too much approach to humor has caricatured him so much that, though it’s very entertaining, it’s hard to know what he’s really like
At twenty minutes in when they get to the Q and A segment, the question I would have asked is why Al never did a parody of Harry Potter, but it is probably because J. K. Rowling is so protective of her work. I'm sure the same thing goes for anything Disney.
Disney actually provided Weird Al with an Authentic Jungle Crusie Tour guy outfit for him to use after Skipper Dan came out. And the fact the song even came out means Disney said yes because he asks first
Weird Al you're sexy and great voice, did you have voice lessons? Such a great person. His movie is so funny everyone needs to see it. Al needs to be the entertainment for the Superbowl halftime show. Al your parents would be very proud of you. Thanks for staying true to your kindness.
He seems like a really, genuine, humble, nice guy.
TheGottvald he reminds me of a high school science 🔬 teacher 👩🏫👨🏿🏫
Yup, he’s the best
He's one of my favorite people on the planet! I'd give anything to meet him! I've always looked up to him and everything he's accomplished.
Whenever I listen to one of Al's songs, I always have a massive grin on my face. Thanks for bringing some much joy over the years, buddy!
Have to agree. And you often find thing later, that you didn't catch the first time. Or just didn't understand. I don't know if he writes it all himself anymore, but either way he's really smart. Not to mention fun as hell :)
Mozdk1 Smarter material tends to last a lot longer as well.
+Dianne Owens I had the same 'problem' seeing him live in concert recently ... face-ache for the rest of the evening :)
Weird Al is just the loveliest, most humble guy...this is how you succeed, just be kind and decent to people and you will pull through. Of course, huge talent helps too...
This man is a national treasure.
This man is a -national- Global treasure.
@@lemmingsplat5279 This man is a ̶g̶l̶o̶b̶a̶l̶ universal treasure.
I met Al after a concert in MN a couple years back and he is so genuine and giving! Absolutely love the man! :)
Can't say enough about this guy he's such a badass in his own way, super smart, and he seems so grounded and just a great ambassador for comedy and music in general.
I love the parodies, but why doesn't Weird Al get enough credit for his ORIGINAL compositions? Bob, Albuquerque, One More Minute, Why Does This Always Happen to Me? Etc. He's not just a one-trick pony!
+Lesley Wentzell Exactly! And not forgetting Trigger Happy - musically and lyrically so clever, so funny and a little sick - just the way I like my "Weird Al" songs :)
sairhug Right on!! :D
OMG you didn't just reference that shit. >:(
not to mention pancreas, hardwear store, and close but no cigar. oh and virus alert!
He managed to successfully imitate Frank Zappa's style in Genius In France, man's truly a legend
Born and raised a Weird Al-ien! Love him and hope he never stops making his parodies.
Google... Thanks for recording and posting this. Been an Al fan for his entire career, and this is likely the closest I'd ever get to meeting him in person. Really appreciate it.
Weird Al is such a great roll model. A real class act.
Weird Al gives me the impression of being one of the most gracious celebrities alive.
This man is a musical genius. No other words are needed.
Saw Weird Al at the LA County Fair with Dr. Demento in 1980.
Love this guy.
He makes a great point that many parodists today are missing. They're so fast to jump on the knowing joke of a given song, like the rapey vibe of Blurred Lines. But that's too obvious. Instead, he ignores that and figures out what would best fit the beat, lyrics, etc. That's what separates typical parodists (which are also funny very often) from Weird Al. He is able to tap into the consciousness of modern society and focus on the most minute details instead of going for the quick laugh. Which puts him heads above the rest. In fact, this is a huge reason why even the best internet parodists besides Weird Al don't get huge releases.
In short, while they're all funny, Al is also doing the smart thing.
Nothing to do with the topic. but coming from Google, I'm surprised at the bad video encoding, audio and lights. As a video, it's bad.
zerosonico They make Ted Talks look like The State of the Union Address
zerosonico And then grow a SOH ;-)
I agree, this has the production quality of a high school video club.
zerosonico do you know if weird al is a democrat or a republican
His lapel mic hasn't been tuned to the room properly either
I can barely hear Al. They should have given him an actual microphone.
Yeah, audio kinda sucks. They have closed captioning, though.
He is wearing a Lavalier mic clipped to his shirt. Unfortunatley it is poor mic placement. whoever placed it has it aiming away from his mouth. Rookie move.
His head was turn towards the Interviewer, but the mic was placed on the wrong collar.
Thank goodness for headphones. I found the volume too low at first, but had no problems with it after jacking in the phones and turning up the dial all the way.
Dirtfire Thank you SOOOO much for reminding me of the caption button. You would think Google of all places would consider the audio set up for a video shoot, geez!
I'm 26, been listening to Weird Al since I was 5 years old. He's the best guy ever
I have so much respect for this man.
"Here's a kid playing the accordion,...and thinking he's cool." LMAO !!
Al has such an infectious smile. I could not stop laughing along with him!
I really haven't thought of Al since the 80's when I was a teen and he was a huge deal - so amazing that he is so 'big' right now also
One of the best artists ever
a true star , humble and not arrogant. truly deserves everything he has . long term fan here
This great interview with "Weird Al" Yankovic at Google is akin to nerd heaven. The only thing that could possibly top this would be if "Weird Al" Yankovic were to be a guest on "The Big Bang Theory".
He seems such a lovely man! So smart!! The people there had great funny questions!
Great guy with a genuine smile.
It's so fun to hear him talk about his new album and the process and considerations that went into it. Not only is the music itself awesome, but the videos and marketing are also interesting. I like how you can tell he is very humble while also being proud of his work. As a songwriter, hearing that he goes through a bunch of bad ideas to get to the good ones is inspiring. Great interview. I'm loving Mandatory Fun. :)
Anyone who was still under the misconception that Google was a technology company, the audio quality here should dispel that. Sad.
He doesn’t get enough credit for his directing. He’s a great video director too
Al's microphone provided by Campbells Soup. Thanks for the can, although Google had to supply their own string.
Gabriel Ha! Totally underrated comment.
It shouldn't really matter to the art that people do, but I always get a nice feeling inside when talented artists I love also seem to be great and down-to-earth guys...
Somehow it makes it easier to give them my money...
He's such a lovely, genuine man. I just adore him as a person. I can't really get into his songs but that's the only thing. Everything else about him, I'm a great fan.
Trapped in the drive thru was great. Not only was it a hilarious parody..but it told a story of something that pretty much all of us have gone through. He made it relatable. Absolutely Brillaint. He is a lyrical genius.
@Wynn Wynn r kelly trapped in the closet
Weird Al is just so classy. I'd really love to meet him in person one day.
We totally need to get Weird Al, Tim Minchin, Lonely Island, Uptown Julie Brown, Tenacious D, Bob Rivers, Axis of Awesome, and every other comedy songwriter you can think of to do a parody of "We Are the World."
Great idea!
Even greater if the money would go to charity...
Hm... Might be a problem there.
It would probably make enough money to abolish poverty and world hunger...
That would make an awful lot of people unemployed, and might even weaken the hold of certain dictatorships over their population...
And it would everybody laugh and be in a better mood world wide...
Which would make a lot of priests and self-help gurus unnecessary, and might even abolish religions and the need for alcohol!
All in all, we'll have to think about it before taking such a big step!
Magnus Nygaard That's a pretty brave comment
harrypotter1479
Yeah, I know... I only meant "the need for alcohol" in its use as an antidepressant - not its other uses.
FOTC already did one for New Zealand (Feel Inside and Stuff Like That).
BUT, yes, it would be awesome if the larger comedy musician community at large did one.
Thank-you for remembering Julie Brown. I love my lil' Valley Girl sweetheart with a great brain to go along with her great bosoms. (I'm a gay dude born in 1987 here, don't hate me.)
I love that audacious redhead strumpet of charm!!
you can see his level of intelligence , not many humm, aahh, or pause to think, he just spew his reply really face and in a smart way plus he's all smile, cheers Al you are as important to so many as poor Robin williams, cheers
Think Harder well he has a degree on architecture...
He studied architecture but it wasn't for him. I'm glad he does what he does, because he's great
"He who is tired of Weird Al is tired of life."
Probably one of the most misused quotes ever.
@@lukesalisbury6031 I used it correctly.
Or deadly carbon monoxide
@@YesImJoeKing get it?
You know what, ever time I watch wierd Al vids I saw this comment
Al was a good friend of mine, especially 40 years ago. Nicest and most humble guy in the world...
Weird al has been in the public spotlight and a nice, good guy for 40 years.
Great interview! Weird Al is an amazing person. I really sorry that i haven't know his music before. Thanks Google for putting this up, even though the bad audio.
I can't decide if the man resembles his work, or the work resembles the man.
You sir, win the golden comment of the day award on youtube.
Elaborate?
Very profound. Cheers, Mate!
That's the sweet spot we all aim for, isn't it? When what we do is a true extension of ourselves and we feel no need to wear a mask for others.
Both.
Nobody asked about his amazing originals. I want to know about how Weird Al goes about writing songs that are not parodies or pastiches, like "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead", "Gotta Boogie", and "Virus Alert". While the parodies are top notch quality, his originals blow me away.
*Weird Al is a living legend one of the greatest forever 💯 btw that woman is darn gorgeous.*
Google can't afford two microphones. What a world we live in.
Wonderful seeing Al promote Tim Minchin and other talented comedy musicians. Love you, Al!
This man is such a great human being !
Thank you. Weird Al is the king!
Love ya, Al. Please live a long time. We need you.
"We are the Weird" would seem to be the ideal group parody song.
I can't believe that Google can't afford a sound engineer.
Just _how_ can the audio quality from a clip that comes from Google be _that_ awful?
• Give Weirld Al a microphone
• Tell the interviewer how to hold a mic
• Have someone post-edit the audio
Luckily, "Eat it" was the first parody I heard, and instantly I became a fan.
I had that album on VHS. I used to watch the videos all the time in the 80s.
I don't know what everyone is talking about, I can hear Al just fine. Weird Al is still awesome after 40 years! :)
This was a great. And seriously, The interviewer was awesome.
if you need an audio engineer for your next shoot, let me know..
I can NOT believe that Weird Al hasn't been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!!!! We need to start a petition!! Yankovic's 12 million albums sold, seven Platinum albums and four Grammy wins are more impressive than some of the figures of artists already in the Hall of Fame. Perhaps the biggest feather in his cap is that he is one of only three artists to earn Top 40 hits every decade since the '80s, along with Madonna and Michael Jackson!! "Rock & Roll" is a genre, but it's also an attitude... and nobody exemplifies it more than Weird Al!!! Let's make it happen!!!
The man got, not a genre, but an industry on lock. Props to he and the bands skill! Rn I'm gonna rock, "I Wanna New Duck."
I took my kids to see AL in the summer of 2016.. it's still a highlight in their life.
We must protect this man at all costs.
Weird Al doesn't age
It is common knowledge, that they grow his clones in a forest in canada, what you see is a new copy
he is so down to earth and chil very cool
Love him even more, now.💖✊
Very cool! Check out that queue of people waiting to visit with him. Most Impressive!
He should preform at the super bowl
I'm noticing how when he's listening to an audience question, Al transforms into a 17th century Dutch astronomer.
Just a brilliant human being
"The Saga Begins" Best Weird Al song hands down
I see your saga begins and raise you White and Nerdy.
I see your white and nerdy and raise you a Doctor Demento marathon
Noah Caboose I'll see your Dr. Demento marathon and raise you an MST3K marathon.
I see your Mystery Science Theater 3,000 marathon, and raise you a Bill Nye The Science Guy episode
I see your Bill Nye The Science Guy episode and raise you "Al TV"
love this guy, such an incredible talent.
He looks so happy in this.
it's great when the host doesn't know who the interviewee is or cares
'First World Problems' is the best Weird Al Song. Ahh, I can relate to it so much. Second best? Albuquerque or Hardware Store. Argh! I can't decide, because it's all good!
I love how Weird Al have worked with so many celebrities, but he never seemed to be a part of that world. He's one of the rare artists who have transcended celebritiy-ism. So hard not the love that guy.
How has he not aged he looks the same as he does in 1980 when he started
I saw UHF in the Movies!, Loved it then and Love it now!!!. :-)
Decades ago my step grandfather had the idea of buying some polka music so he went to a record store and started going through the cassettes then found one with the name Yankovic which he recognized. He brought it home, put it in the cassette player and part way through a song said what the heck is this. He called up my aunt and she explained Weird Al Yankovic to him.
It's unfortunate that the sound quality in these google talk videos isn't always good.
1.) Lapel/lavalier mics were so 1970s-1990s. They're inefficient for today's sound standards. Start using headset mics.
2.) Have a sound technician on staff at the event to make it loud and clear.
3.) Don't skimp on having equalizers/notch filters in-line in-between the mixer and house amps, so they can control acoustic feedback.
4.) Add a compressor/limiter in-line in-between the mixer and recording device; this will guarantee that your recordings won't clip all the time.
^^^ THIS. YES.
@@rarmccoy Thank you.
23:56 Lonely Island with Weird Al would be the best!
when UHF came out... it was the summer of 89... Batman... Indiana Jones ect.....all block busters...
I like the interview BUT I must say that I am amazed that one of - if not THE - forefront tech companies can't handle proper mic and sound technology...
Its a gosh darn shame that ALTV on mtv isn't a thing anymore, But its awesome to see Al on nerdist
Had to go out and buy some huge ass speakers to hear this.
Great to have weird al back and in good spirits. After UHF came out on DVD I got the impression that he was kinda embittered. Good to see him smile :)
One time I went to an American-style diner and they were playing music and at one point I thought they were playing 'Beat it' but then I listened closer and they were playing 'Eat it' and I was like "Woah, Weird Al"
You'd think the people at Google would know how to set up a microphone.
None at google thought about giving Al a good microphone?
it's crazy how he doesn't look any different than he did in 1999
He literally never ages!
Ivan Henderson #WordCrimes
metimoteo ...yes, Word Crimes is great, i like Lame Claim to Fame.
Clean lyrics, clean living. :)
Mandalore863 You know he's from Mars right?
Weird Al your the man. Keep doing your thing.
I think this is the first time I’ve heard Weird Al speak candidly! I feel like I can identify with him much more now. His little too much approach to humor has caricatured him so much that, though it’s very entertaining, it’s hard to know what he’s really like
Al is the BEST!
he seems like such a nice guy
The host is gorgeous!
Great stuff...so giving. :)
The host's biggest mistake is gesturing with the microphone. Her volume is all over the place and is borderline unintelligible in places.
I would love to see a parody of We Are The World. I think Weird Al is the genius to pull it off with the tact the song deserves.
Of course Weird Al Yankovic is friends with Jack Black
At twenty minutes in when they get to the Q and A segment, the question I would have asked is why Al never did a parody of Harry Potter, but it is probably because J. K. Rowling is so protective of her work. I'm sure the same thing goes for anything Disney.
Disney actually provided Weird Al with an Authentic Jungle Crusie Tour guy outfit for him to use after Skipper Dan came out. And the fact the song even came out means Disney said yes because he asks first
wish they did a better job with the mic levels so it's easier to hear everyone
Weird Al you're sexy and great voice, did you have voice lessons? Such a great person. His movie is so funny everyone needs to see it. Al needs to be the entertainment for the Superbowl halftime show.
Al your parents would be very proud of you.
Thanks for staying true to your kindness.
Weird Al is proof you dont need to be vulgar or mean spirited to be funny. You just to be creative.