"An accordian is a terrible thing to waste."

I bought this album on vinyl way back in 1983. I had seen the videos for "Ricky" and "I Love Rocky Road" and I just had to get the album. I have been a fan of "Weird Al" ever since then. Al's first album features four song parodies that were released as singles; "My Bologna", "Another One Rides the Bus", "Ricky" and "I Love Rocky Road" (although "My Bologna" is not the solo accordian single version, it's a full band version). The other parody is "Stop Draggin' My Car Around", which parodies the Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty song with a similar title. Five classic parodies! The other seven songs are all originals. Some of these are pretty dated, dealing with such subjects as disco music and Prince Charles & Lady Di. But most of them are still pretty funny. "Mr. Frump in the Iron Lung" is notable for being Al's first "tasteless" (but very funny) song. Al's writing (and singing) would improve over the years, but the talent was there from the beginning. Buy this CD and see how it all began.



"Eat your broccoli!"

One of his best, which is saying a lot

For my money, this is Al's best. People rip his originals a lot but I find them funnier than his parodies most of the time because he has free rein to make his lyrics as insane as he wants (which is often quite extreme). As far as the songs go:

Ricky: You gotta love this, except for that annoying Lucy singing. To fully appreciate it, however, you need to see the video and Al's facial expressions as he portrays Ricky Ricardo (especially preparing for his club performance).

Gotta Boogie: People rip this one to shreds but I love it. The first time I heard it I was unfortunately driving on the highway, and when he first sang the entire opening line I almost crashed! It's totally unexpected and completely insane, the entire song. Who hasn't had such an experience?

I Love Rocky Road: Decent, notable for Al's skilled accordian (as are most songs in his early career). I prefer this to the original but I don't like the original very much...still, I enjoy this from time to time.

Buckingham Blues: Instantly forgettable.

Happy Birthday: Fantastic song, this. Al doesn't seem to mind that his voice is sliding all over the place as he screams the lyrics, but that just makes it all the funnier. You can't help but get wound up listening to this song, despite it's gloomy prospects for humanity (they are accurate, though, aren't they?).

Stop Dragging My Car Around: I haven't heard the original of this but how could it get better? The only complaint is Al's vocals, for one of the only times in his career, gets rather annoying after about four lines.

My Balogna: Ups the tempo of the original with fabulous results, Al's first parody (I think it was originally from the late 70s) brilliantly skewers My Sharona (I dare you not to laugh at the burp at the end of the accordian solo).

The Check's In The Mail: Not great...listenable when you have the time.

Another One Rides the Bus: I don't think I've ever heard a more underproduced song, but it is absolutely hilarious. Like "Happy Birthday," Al lets his voice do whatever it wants as he sings over instrumentation stripped down to his accordian, some horns, and a guy banging on a box in the place of proper purcussion.

I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead: A great song about Al's (then-current) outlook on life, and why not live like this? It is funny now to hear him skewer vegetarianism (right on!) when now he is a vegan...I wonder if he regrets this song now?

I'm Such a Groovy Guy: Judging by the reviews, this song can make you laugh or make you annoyed depending on whether or not you get that he is KIDDING. I think it's safe to assume he is, and his vocals are priceless.

Mr. Frump in the Iron Lung: People like it, but I just don't get it.

Final assessment: buy this album instantly. It's the perfect prelude to Weird Al's great career (in addition you should get his video collection).

The First Glimpse Into the Twisted Genius of Al

Although he had experienced the underground hits of "My Bologna" and "Another One Rides The Bus" previous to 1983, that year became the one where mainstream America was introduced to this goofy, horrible-mustached, cheesy glassesed (is that the word?), Hawaiian-shirted parodist. It was a year later when he would acheive international stardom with "Eat It" and the "In 3-D" album, but with these dozen songs, all with truly grand humorous lyrics and music, let the world know what was to come. Although this album lacks the polish of his later, perfect works, the slickness of the accordion, and the simply brilliant lyrics make this one an essential purchase. Parody classics like "Ricky", "I Love Rocky Road", and the immortal "Another One Rides The Bus" abound but hidden amongst the parodies are some wonderful originals. "Gotta Boogie" is okay, but "The Check's In The Mail" and "Mr. Frump In The Iron Lung" are funnier than hell, and trust me, hell is truly hilarious. And plus, there's "I'll Be Mellow When I'm Dead", one of Al's most wonderful songs, full of his irreverent goofiness and gleeful social commentary. In other words, unless you are a moron, purchase now.