Best Music of 2018 Pt. V: Comedy & Covers

TOP 18 COMEDY ALBUMS of 2018

 

1. Nick Vatterott KROCK90Q.BUZZ
(Produced by Jesse Case)
Not many things made me laugh more than this remarkable album did last year, and I don’t just mean on this list. Funnier than most movies, shows, or inappropriate jokes Uncle Frank told you when you met at the stuffing station during mom’s Thanksgiving potluck. This project, which takes place entirely inside of a (barely) fictional wacky radio station, would make a great starting point for a film, or series, too, but my big takeaway is why there aren’t more people doing high concept comedy albums these days. Hopefully this will inspire a new wave of them. Unbelievably good. Utterly refreshing. (insert slide whistle sound effect)

2. Clare O’Kane Let It Be
When it comes to traditional stand up albums of 2018, nothing beat the classically original comedic musings of Clare O’Kane. She’s so charming, and easy to listen to, I almost felt like I was hanging out with her in a green room. Her way with words is mind blowing, and nothing is better than a comic who knows how to laugh at themselves, and isn’t afraid to joke freely about subjects that others would mishandle, or consider taboo altogether. She spins sarcasm deftly, without ever sounding snobby, showcased most flawlessly when she’s using phrases you can tell she doesn’t ever use unironically. She’ll probably never be bigger than the Beatles, but I’d love to hear Paul McCartney talk about abortions while still making me feel all warm and cozy inside. I’m officially addicted to O’Kane.

3. Jared Logan The Twilight Door
Jared Logan has been one of the best stand up comedians in the world for years now. This album doesn’t even come close to disappointing. Never suffering for material, I feel like he could release a new hour every year, if he wanted to. He’s a phenomenal joke writer, and has an effortless, yet memorable vibe that should have made him a superstar years ago.

4. Dwight Simmons Sip and Pass
Dwight Simmons has put out two albums in a row of perfect stand up comedy that for reasons beyond me have flown inexplicably under the radar. He’s as unique as he is relatable. As sharp as he is easy going. As silly as he is commanding of an audience. Another of my top bets to be one of the next big things in comedy, I really wish the rest of the world would stop sleeping on guys like Jared and Dwight.

5. 12 Years of Voicemails from Todd Glass To Blake Wexler
You read the title correctly. This is an album full of voicemails. It’s so fun to listen to, and at times, it does make you feel like you’re eavesdropping, but a lovely side dish to the heaps of silliness, are the surprising moments of thoughtful poignancy, like when Todd is convincing Blake to quit comedy, because he clearly believes in him, and doesn’t want him to get stuck doing something he wasn’t born to do. As an up and coming stand up myself, that personally meant a lot to me.

6. Greg Behrendt Why Are You In Here? 

7. Scott Thompson Not A Fan 

8. Dwayne Duke Shame Flashbacks 

9. Greg Proops The Resistance 

10. Brandt Tobler Gamblin’ & Ramblin’: Live in Las Vegas 

11. Keith Lowell Jensen Bad Comedy For Bad People

12. Johnny Taylor Bummin’ With the Devil

13. Nato Green The Whiteness Album

14. Joe Starr A British Murder Robot Tries Stand Up Comedy

 

15. Kevin Tit Life… The Best Joke In Town 

16. Dan Cummins Maybe I’m the Problem

17. Emma Arnold Yes, Please

18. Mike Lawrence Mega Manchild
(not actual album cover)

 

TOP 35+ COMEDY TRACKS of 2018

 

1. Nick Vatterott – Station Identification

KROCK90Q.BUZZ Flashback

2. Brandt Tobler – Stardust (The Time I Tried To Kill My Dad)

3. Patrick Passafiume – Typhoon the Headliner

4. Jared Logan – Hotel

The Twilight Door

5. Greg Proops – I’m Just Not Feeling It
6. Dwayne Duke – Karen

7. Greg Behrendt – A Friend You Hate

8. Todd Glass – Jay Leno’s Cars (2016)

9. Nick Vatterott – D.J. the D.J.

10. Scott Thompson – Seeing Sandra

11. Dwight Simmons – Sip and Pass

Black Super Heroes

12. Clare O’Kane – Yikes

I’m Sorry Grandma

13. Greg Behrendt – You Get What You Get

14. Keith Lowell Jensen – Charlie Chaplin

15. Daniel Humbarger – Spider

16. Mike Lawrence – Married

17. Jared Logan – Zachary Taylor

West Hollywood

18. Dwayne Duke – Pangea University

Treasures of Burlesque on a Guy’s Weekend

19. Brandt Tobler – Four Queens (Porn Star Night and Morning)

20. Greg Proops – Things White People Like

Men Can’t Hear

Orange 45

Lock Her Up

21. Nato Green – A Simpler, More Innocent Time, Four Months Ago

22. Todd Glass – Todd Meets Oprah (2016)

Quit College Blake (2008)

23. Nick Vatterott – Sports Break…

24. Dan Cummins – Chuck E. Terror

I’ll Show You One Photo

Permission To Swear

25. Todd Glass – Todd Talks To a Neighborhood Cat (2014)

Todd Loves His Wife (2012)

Todd Hits His Head

Blake Crazy Dances in a Barn

26. Johnny Taylor – Sexting

27. Clare O’Kane – Aborsh

Sexual Renaissance

Catcalled

Nude Modelin’

Being…. a Woman

28. Greg Behrendt – Sobriety is Not For Everyone

My Sister Would Love This

The Spooky One

29. Dwight Simmons – The N Train

The Talk

Follow Your Dreams

30. Brandt Tobler – Imperial Palace (the Roulette Story)

31. Jared Logan – Dominos

Marriage

The Today Show

Casting Director

32. Keith Lowell Jensen – Badoinkle

Leviticus Tattoo

33. Patrick Keane – Negro Baseball Museum

Catholic Elementary Football

34. Andrew Schulz – Egypt Pyramids

35. Dwayne Duke – Chasing Waterfalls

TOP 29+ COVER SONGS of 2018

 

1. Brad Mehldau Trio – Almost Like Being In Love

2. Juliana Hatfield – A Little More Love

3. Chris Cornell – One (Live at Beacon Theatre 2015)

4. Mike Love – Lifetime Party

5. Juliana Hatfield – Magic

6. Brak – Institutionalized

7. Joey Alexander – Blackbird

The Very Thought of You (w/Joshua Redman)

8. Stephen Inglis – Wharf Rat

Standing On the Moon

Dark Star

Lazy River Road

9. Willie Nelson – Summer Wind

10. Meshell Ndegeocello – Tender Love

Don’t Disturb This Groove

Waterfalls

11. Mark Yamanaka – His Eye Is on the Sparrow

12. Laura Jane Grace – The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton

13. UB40 – A Place In the Sun

In the Rain

14. Titus Andronicus – (I’m) Like a Rolling Stone

15. Dead Milkmen – Lydia the Tattooed Lady

16. Josh Tatofi – About You

17. “Weird Al” Yankovic – Beat On the Brat

18. Manchester Orchestra – Blizzard of ’77

19. Anthony David – Use Me

20. Stephen Inglis – Brokedown Palace

Scarlet Begonias

21. UB40 – Ebony Eyes

22. Elvis Costello – I’ll Still Love You

23. Against Me! – People Who Died

24. Rogue Wave – Blonde On Blonde

25. Juliana Hatfield – Xanadu

26. Meshell Ndegeocello – Sensitivity

27. Ruston Kelly & Kacey Musgraves – To June This Morning

28. Paula Fuga – Song For Someone

29. Josh Groban – Bridge Over Troubled Water

Accordion Donor: Ranking the Polkas of “Weird Al” Yankovic

“Weird Al” Yankovic has been producing original music and song parodies for basically my entire life. His works have earned him hordes of fans, nerd god cult status, and even four Grammy awards, including Best Comedy Album Grammys for 2003’s Poodle Hat and 2014’s Mandatory Fun.

But I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for his polka medleys, where Al, and his band take a hodgepodge of recent hit songs, and place them into a fun processor of sped up, sublime, polka fury. These medleys drive some people crazy, but for me, they’ve always been an instant passageway to cheering me up. So I decided to throw all of his polka selections into a Spotify playlist, and shuffle them up for review. Below, I will discuss each track, and below that, I will rank them in order from my least favorite, to my favorite. Dare to be stupefied.

“Angry White Boy Polka” (from 2003’s Poodle Hat) 

This is exactly what the title sounds like, and one of the best medley concepts of his career, and what a genius idea to close with Eminem’s “Real Slim Shady”, after the song is dominated by alt rock and nu metal. I love how Al sneakily pokes fun at certain aspects of every song he puts into a medley, but puts enough feeling into each tidbit to make it sound like the homage that it is. Listen to the Limp Bizkit section for this perfect blend of snark and joy.

Key moments: The transition from the lounge stylings of the Strokes’ “Last Nite” to Disturbed’s “Down With the Sickness”. His band’s musicianship has always been overlooked, but I’d imagine they’d have to be pretty accomplished to be able to play not just versions of most hit songs out there, but also polka variations of virtually every hit song out there. Check out that sinister accordion (I’m guessing) drop at 2:57, and his enthusiastic “Get Up!” at 3:15. Just beautiful.

Score: 5/5 

“NOW That’s What I Call Polka!” (from 2014’s Mandatory Fun) 

Starts off strong with Miley Cyrus’ irresistibly irritating megahit, “Wrecking Ball”. I must admit that the older I get, the less and less songs I recognize on these medleys, and that is certainly the case here, but the songs I recognize were executed quite well, though an unfortunate, abrupt fart noise almost derails the song midway through.

Key moments: The horns kicking in at 0:56 for Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks”, and the Jerry Lewis-mimicking “Sexy LADY!” during the “Gangnam Style” portion.

Score: 3.5/5

“Hooked On Polkas” (from 1985’s Dare To Be Stupid) 

This one is a fucking powerhouse right out of the gate, with an almost punk-quick flow, although I don’t really recognize the first song. The fast pace continues throughout. It’s nearly four minutes, but feels like two. One interesting thing that happens on this track, is there are a lot more vocal gymnastics being performed by Al and crew, changing keys to mimic the singers in layers.

Key moments: What sounds like a furious banjo solo in the background of ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” segment (starting at 0:53). I believe the same banjo turns up on Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” coverage.

Score: 4/5 

“Bohemian Polka” (from 1993’s Alapalooza) 

This is actually just “Weird Al” doing Queen’s magnum opus polka style. I’m sure Al (correctly) summarized that this was the greatest song of all-time, and therefore decided not to do a medley at all, this time around. Mamma mia, let him go.

Key moments: The same parts that are the most awesome in the original song, are awesome here, meaning the whole song is good, but the last two thirds are even better.

Score: 4/5

“Polka Face” (from 2011’s Alpocalypse) 

Much like the aforementioned, “NOW That’s What I Call Polka!”, I’m only familiar with about half of the songs here, but it’s a stellar conglomeration of mostly Top 40 smashes. I would say that the only weak points of this one have more to do with the original compositions than anything Al and the boys are doing, although I didn’t like the fact that they opened AND closed with an homage to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”.

Key moments: I’m not even sure who sings the original song, but Al goes off on this “Womanizer” tune, pulling off the feat of delighting me with an homage to something I’ve never even heard before. At the 0:59 point, hearing Al sing, “You say I’m crazy, I’ve got your crazy”, brings me joy in ways I cannot even really explain. This other little melody from 2:53-3:00 is fucking gorgeous, but I’m not sure what song it belongs to. This is another great example of the band’s musicianship, and an exhibit of their ability to transcend mere parody on these medleys.

Score: 4/5

“Polka Power!” (from 1999’s Running With Scissors) 

I liked this era of “Weird Al” medleys, because the mix of songs was more diverse, but that also had a lot to do with Top 40 radio being a lot more bearable at the time. Finishing the medley with Semisonic’s “Closing Time” is both the annoying, and absolutely correct choice. (The trippiest part of this era, is comparing how certain songs have held up. It was a strange time. Some tunes sound 20 years older than others, because their sound just simply did not evolve into something bigger, ultimately.)

Key moments: What a masterstroke to transition from Marilyn Manson’s “Dope Show” to Hanson’s “Mmmbop”. That’s pure genius, and one of the best examples of Al’s sneaky, dry humor, that I can think of. Also at 3:23, what sounds like a phenomenal sprinkling of trombone in the background.

Score: 4/5

“Polka Party” (from 1986’s Polka Party) 

The production on this sounds a bit dustier, for lack of a better term, but it’s no less pleasing to the ears. This medley might be the strongest mix of recognizable hits back to back. It’s short and sweet, coming in at only 3:14.

Key moments: The entire segment featuring an homage to Janet Jackson’s “Nasty Boys”, followed by “Weird Al” joyously shouting, “I like this part!”

Score: 4.25/5

“Hot Rocks Polka” (from 1989’s UHF: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 

As you may have suspected, this is a medley of a handful of hits by the Rolling Stones.

Key moments: The homages to “Sympathy For the Devil” and “Shattered”, are the stuff that all your wildest dreams are made of, and the background vocals on this medley are the best of his career.

Score: 4.5/5

“The Alternative Polka” (from 1996’s Bad Hair Day) 

Hearing this medley is a hilarious reminder that there was a time when Sheryl Crow was considered an “alternative” artist. The contrast between songs such as her “All I Want To Do is Have Some Fun”, and Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer”, somehow works. Just like two different animals fucking.

Key moments: There’s something romantic about “Weird Al” singing Alanis Morissette’s famous revenge song, “You Oughta Know”, and there is some beautifully surprising angst that Al extracts from Foo Fighters’ “I’ll Stick Around”, and Green Day’s “Basket Case” is the perfect closer, and not just because you get to hear Al ponder whether he’s paranoid or just stoned.

Score: 4.25/5

“Polkarama!” (from 2006’s Straight Outta Lynwood)

This medley is surprisingly diverse. Definitely more so than I had remembered. It’s hard to forget that some decent songs were still being played on the radio in not so recent years, when you’re forced to hear how oversaturated and disgusting the current state of top 40 is. But yeah, this is a fantastic medley, even though it includes a couple songs that I find to be complete garbage in their original form. I love the choice of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” as the closer.

Key moments: The harmonizing on Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound”, is simply beautiful. The transition from “Speed of Sound”, to Modest Mouse’s “Float On”, to Gorillaz’ “Feel Good Inc.”, to Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha”, is flawless, and impressive, but the portion paying tribute to 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” is one of the top moments of Al’s career, in my opinion. The stuff he throws in while the background singers takeover (2:44-2:52) is amazing. A couple homages later, there is also this beautiful moment featuring a song I’m not familiar with otherwise, about some “Mr. DJ” fella.

Score: 4.75/5

“Polkas on 45” (from 1984’s In 3-D)

This one is fun, because it sounds more raw than any of the other polka medleys in his career. On this one, it sounds like Al simply picked some of the favorite songs of his lifetime, which I’m sure is exactly what he was doing.

Key moments: “Hey Jude” transitioning into “L.A. Woman”; Their brief take on the Police’s “Every Breath You Take” (starting at 2:53) is pure perfection, as is the tribute to the Who’s “My Generation”, which closes out the medley in style.

Score: 4/5

“Polka Your Eyes Out” (from 1992’s Off the Deep End)

This was the first medley of his I remember falling in love with. It doesn’t hold up as well as some of the others, but it will always have a special place in my heart. (It should be noted that a lot of this doesn’t hold up well, because some of the original songs have not aged particularly well, which is to say, they sound kind of shitty now.)

Key moments: The transition from Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” to Digital Underground’s “the Humpty Dance”; Love how Al turns Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” into a triumphant, Vaudevillian, “Ice ice baby, forever…”

Score: 4/5

Ranking The Polkas: 
12. “NOW That’s What I Call Polka!”
11. “Hooked On Polkas”
10. “Polka Your Eyes Out”
9. “Bohemian Polka”
8. “Polkas On 45”
6. (tie) “Polka Face”
6. (tie) “Polka Power!”
5. “Polka Party”
4. “The Alternative Polka”
3. “Hot Rocks Polka”
2. “Polkarama!”
1. “Angry White Boy Polka”

If you have a problem with any of these choices, feel free to Polka me on Facebook.