I know many of you watch the Craigslist, but have you seen Weird Al Yankovic's version? Al was a student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo here in California, as was I. I've made use (a few times) of his original recording studio - the men's room in the Graphic Arts department - so I feel a minor connection. Enjoy:
Craigslist Song by "Weird Al" Yankovic Whoa, yeah! You've got a '65 Chevy Malibu With automatic drive A custom paint job, too I'll trade you for my old wheelbarrow And a slightly used sombrero And I'll even throw in a stapler, if you insist Craigslist! I'm on Craiglist, baby, come on! Yeah Well, we shared a quick glance Saturday at the mall I never took a chance Never approached you at all You were a blonde half-Asian with a bad case of gas I was wearin' red Speedos and a hockey mask Come on, let's find that love connection that we missed On Craigslist! Yeah, Craigslist, come on! I'm on Craigslist Oh, baby, maybe you are too! Be bom ba chomb cadonk bin bam boo! An open letter to the snotty barista At the Coffee Bean on San Vacente Boulevard: I know there were twenty people behind me in line But I was on a cell phone call with my mother Didn't you see me hold up my index finger? That means, "I'll order my soy decaf hazelnut latte in just a couple minutes" So, what's with the attitude, lady? No tip for you! Got a trash can of Styrofoam peanuts You can have 'em for free You can drop by on the weekend And pick 'em up from me But the trash can ain't part of the deal Only givin' you the peanuts Get real! Don't have no Hefty bag, so bring your own Don't bug me with questions on the phone Don't ask for help, don't waste my time And don't complain, 'cause they won't cost you a dime Just ask yourself: Do you want my Styrofoam peanuts? You can have my Styrofoam peanuts Do you want my Styrofoam peanuts? You can have them all They're on Craigslist, yeah! Craigslist! Ow, baby, come on! I'm on Craigslist, Craigslist, Craigslist! I'm on Craigslist, Craigslist, Craigslist, now Craigslist!
Listened to an interview with him several years ago where he spoke about how these parodies come to life. Apparently he always asks the original artists for permission before recording his versions. A few have agreed only if they can play on them. Other performers have declined permission. He's also a bit of a grammar geek while creating his lyrics. I've read that some artists think it's a great honor for Weird Al to parody any of their work. Once spent a night in San Luis Obispo where I introduced a buddy to jalapeno peppers. Had an extra pitcher of beer brought to our table just before he bit in.
I grew up in the late 70's early 80's listening to the Dr Demento show. Weird Al was always part of the show. Troy
