Since the 1994 release of “Polkas on 45,” “Weird Al” Yankovic has proven time and again that he has a knack for polkafying popular songs, ranging from random samplings of the Rolling Stones’ catalog (“The Hot Rocks Polka”) to the rap, garage rock, and nu metal of the early zeroes (I maintain that “Angry White Boy Polka” is still his masterwork, polka-wise). His most recent polka outing was the endlessly delightful “Hamilton Polka” (no explanation required).
Yankovic’s Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, which drew to a close earlier this week, was mostly a spotlight for original material and deep cuts. However, he and his band did fit in at least one cover a night, as non-concertgoers learned when Yankovic released this 26-minute video. It’s a compilation of clips from the 77 covers he and his band performed as encores over the course of the tour, and it’ll guarantee you start (or end) your day (or week) on a high note.
Given that the tour’s setlist shifted from one evening to the next, there are no repeats here, which is staggering given the quality of the covers across the board. Most fall into the extremely broad category of classic rock, from the Beatles and the aforementioned Stones to the Foo Fighters, the Presidents of the United States of America, and Smash Mouth (one guess which one Yankovic opted for there). It’s well worth listening straight through the compilation, but if you’d rather laugh first and give the rest a listen later, then skip straight to 23:50. You’ll thank me later.
Which of the 77 renditions is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: slgckgc
