CONCERT REVIEW: Weird Al Yankovic, New York City, August 21.
- Bob Gajarsky
The first rule with Weird Al, especially in concert, is NOT to think of his songs as originals. Although half of his albums constitute of original tracks, the reason for their sales can be directly attributed to the parodies he performs on many of pop music's icons. In fact, I'd say that much of his popularity gleans from his videos, which often mock up the "real" videos.
So, Al's an entertainer. And, at New York's Bottom Line, he gave an all-ages (!) audience 60 minutes worth of entertainment. Coupled with television sets to either side of the stage (which were usually on with short spoof clips while Al and the band changed costumes), the band went through twelve of his songs, plus a "food" medley, in hilarious fashion.
The "Fabulous Food Medley" showed the band's (and Al's) mettle. Although Al's introduction of the medley was exaggerated as "all the songs ever written", he went through 11 of his parodies which all related to food. During this set, they went through several costume changes, the most notable ones during "Taco Grande" (where they did a cheezy fake gangster dance), "Green Eggs and Ham" (to the tune of U2's "Numb", Al read from the famous Dr. Seuss book while his manager wrapped rope around him), and his best known song, "Eat It", where he wore the red jacket Michael Jackson made famous in the early 1980's.
Other costume changes? Wow, there's too many to mention. He wore a sweatband a la Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits during that parody; the band wore cowboy outfit during the Billy Ray Cyrus sendoff; "Smells Like Nirvana" was respectfully dedicated to the memory of Kurt Cobain as the band was dressed in grunge outfits (and Al threw water on the audience); "Bedrock Anthem had the band in "caveman" outfits - and the best one, "Fat", had Al out in his 400 pound outfit - complete with crotch grabbing (a la the gloved one), dancing and a fake face that made him look huge.
"One More Minute", probably Al's best known original, is a knock at some of the "cry for me" ballads of the late 50's. He sang most of the song while in the audience at the feet of various women.
One surprise for the audience was when Al "previewed" a song which will appear on his next album. "Headline News" chronicled the fates of Tonya Harding, the Bobbitts, and the caned American teenager, as set to the Crash Test Dummies "Mmmm Mmm Mmmm".
It's not for everyone. Most people won't appreciate the humour of Al - and even those who have seen one or two of his videos may not get it. But if you're willing to have an open mind, see a group of good musicians, and permit Al to entertain you, his 1994 tour won't let you down. LISTING: Beverly Hillbillies, Lasagna, Bohemian Polka, One More Minute, Generic Blues, Fabulous Food Medley (see below), Jurassic Park, Achy Breaky Song, Smells Like Nirvana, Bedrock Anthem, Fat, Headline News, Yoda Fabulous Food Medley consisted of: Rocky XIV, I Love Rocky Road, Chicken Pot Pie (to "Live and Let Die"), The White Stuff, Spam, My Bologna, Taco Grande, Addicted to Spuds, Green Eggs and Ham (to "Numb"), Livin' In The Fridge, Eat It REMOVED FROM SET BEFORE SHOW: Frank's 2000" TV, You Don't Love Me Anymore
