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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Adam Boult

Parody songs: five of the best

Weird Al Yankovic in concert.
Weird Al Yankovic in concert. Photograph: REX

“Weird Al” Yankovic, the king of the parody song, released his 14th studio album last week, Mandatory Fun, featuring spoof’s of recent hits including Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines (Word Crimes), Pharrell’s Happy (Tacky) and Lorde’s Royals (Foil).

To mark the occasion we’d like to hear your suggestions for the best parody songs you’ve heard. Here are five nominations from @guardianmusic Twitter and Facebook followers – but what would you add to the list? Let us know your favourites in the comment thread below.

1. “Weird Al” Yankovic does Chamillionaire

Nominated by Joe Michael Fairweather: Weird Al’s biggest hit to date is this 2006 take on the track Ridin’.

2. Flight of the Conchords do Pet Shop Boys

Nominated by @andywelch81: The New Zealanders struck a chord with their affecitonate tribute to Tennant and Lowe.

3. Chris Morris does Pixies

Nominated by @_chrisjones_: An early illustration of Morris’s talent for musical pastiche, as featured on his pre-The Day Today radio show.

4. Morris Minor and the Majors do Stock, Aitken and Waterman

Nominated by @popjustice: the 80s comedy band followed uptheir hit Stutter Rap with this analytical pastiche of the then-ubiquitous SAW sound.

5. Bill Oddie does Joe Cocker

Nominated by Graham Rhodes on Facebook: ”A parody of Joe Cockers With a little help from my Friends” released on John Peels Dandelion Label, it was said that he even used the original Grease Band and Sue and Sunny as backing vocals.”

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