1986 Weird Al Yankovic released his fourth album Polka Party! This album was considered a commercial and critical failure, with mixed to negative reviews. Don't feel too bad, it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Comey Recording.
Originals in the style of Talking Heads, The Kinks, and the Chrismas? song "Christmas at Ground Zero were included along with parodies of James Brown, Robert Palmer, El DeBarge, and Mick Jagger.
So I learned that Dan Hartman wrote "Free Ride" for the Edgar Winter Group, and "Living In America" that is parodied here.
Yankovic noted that "it was a real thrill to do James Brown. I'm a total non-dancer, never went to any dances in high school, but if I analytically dissect a dance routine I can figure it out." A choreographer named Chester Whitmore was hired to accurately create the dance scenes featured in the video, which was shot on the concert set actually used in the movie Rocky IV.
I love that Al doesn't just parody the music, but the video's as well.
I"m not allowed to post the videos..so follow the links.
"Living With a Hernia"
https://youtu.be/X8Ow1nlafOg
"Christmas at Ground Zero"
https://youtu.be/t039p6xqutU
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