JOE’s favourite “Weird Al” Yankovic parody songs

"Been spendin' most my life, livin' in an Amish Paradise..."

Here at JOE we’ve decided to pick out five of our favourite "Weird Al" Yankovic parody songs, all to celebrate the fact that our pals at McDonald's will be offering you and a friend the exclusive opportunity to see the excellent Tinchy Stryder (who may or may not cover a "Weird Al" song) play an intimate gig at a secret Dublin location on Friday 29th November. The American musician and master lyricist, although a producer and original songwriter in his own right, is best known for his comedy songs that brilliantly parody real pop songs by other artists. Michael Jackson was big fan, as is Dave Grohl, who felt that Nirvana had really "made it" after the silly songster recorded a parody of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.'

Prince, on the other hand, has always refused Yankovic permission to record any of his songs, with the parodist claiming that he "approached him every few years [to] see if he's lightened up." We're really looking forward to hearing 'Purple Brain', JOE's zombie parody of 'Purple Rain', so hurry up Prince and give Al permission please. While we're waiting for the diminutive pop Prince to come around, here are JOE's five favourite and funniest "Weird Al" Yankovic songs...

'eBay' - parodying 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKtlK7sn0JQ

'Eat It' - parodying 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcJjMnHoIBI

'White & Nerdy' - parodying 'Ridin'' by Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw

'Amish Paradise' - parodying 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZLb33uCg

'Smells Like Nirvana' - parodying 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FklUAoZ6KxY So if you fancy going to see Tinchy Stryder and think that you can write better comedy lyrics than the great "Weird Al" Yankovic, then get yourself over to the McDonald’s #eurosaverLIVE Meme Generator where you can put your own unique, ridiculous twist on the lyrics of some famous songsters.