Running With Scissors

Released: June 29'th 1999

Overview:

Running With Scissors: Al's most ambitious album yet is also one of his best. Parodying such pop culture icons as: The Offspring, Puff Daddy, and The Bare Naked Ladies; this album has something for everyone. The original songs are not quite as memorable as some of his earlier work, (with the exception of "Albuquerque") but do not fail to please. The polka is one of the better polkas Al has done simply because of the wide variety of music he uses. Overall this album is definitely worth a purchase. (Well, they all are really.)

The Saga Begins

Basically a retelling of the entire "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" movie, in about 5 and a half minutes. (Doesn't say much about the prequel does it?) Listed as a "Lyrical Adaptation" of Don McLean's classic "American Pie", this is the trademark song from "Running With Scissors". An excellent song at any rate, it's definitely not one of Al's funniest.

My Baby's In Love With Eddie Vedder

This song did not seem funny to me the first time I heard it simply because of the fact I had not known who Eddie Vedder was. (For those of you who don't know, he's the lead singer of Pearl Jam.) Now that I know who Eddie is this song is one of my favorites from RWS.

Pretty Fly For A Rabbi

Weird Al's take on The Offspring's first #1 hit is very funny, and probably would have been the #1 single had it not been for the Star Wars phenomenon. This is a solid parody, and overall and excellent song.

The Weird Al Show Theme

Having seen only one episode of "The Weird Al Show"; (my CBS station didn't broadcast it) this song was a real treat for me. This song is very funny and I enjoy it every time I here it. I still can't quite sing it without making any mistakes, or stopping for air.

Jerry Springer

This parody of The Barenaked Ladies: "One Week" is kind of hard to understand if you don't have the lyrics sheet in front of you, but is a great listen anytime. Further proof that Al can parody ANY artist he wants.

Germs

This style parody of Nine Inch Nails sounds a lot like their song "Closer", which has caused some debate among fans as to why it isn't credited as a full fledged parody. Well I'm here to tell you that while it mostly resembles "Closer" it definitely has is differences, and sounds like "Closer" with a few other NIN songs mixed in. Still, it's a good song if you're into that kind of music. (which I am)

Polka Power!

Yo! I'll tell you what I like, what I really really like: Polka Power! I really liked this song for all the genres Al covers. You're bound to find at least one song you like in here, which is why I love it.

Your Horoscope For Today

I know someone who thought that these were real horoscopes. Shows you the power Al can have over people. (well, maybe not) While I've heard a few complaints about the "Kill Them" horoscope (please no Columbine comments), this song is really great and is something you should live by.

It's All About The Pentiums

I'm a geek, I'll admit it. Alight! That's why I love this song, I understand ALL of the terms he uses. It's sad really, oh well. Oh yeah, and THANK YOU Al for using the rock version of "It's All About the Benjamins" I couldn't stand it if you parodied the original. Great Song.

Truck Drivin' Song

It's been called Al's "Lumberjack Song" and while it's funny the first few times you hear it, it's my least favorite song on the album. Obviously a filler, this is one of those songs you'll skip when you've heard it a couple of times.

Grapefruit Diet

I am a big swing fan, so this song is one of my favorites. Called "Fat 2" by some, it definitely sounds like it's composed mostly of all the jokes that were left out of "Fat". Still, it is another great song. (Thank you, Real Big Fish)

Albuquerque

I memorized this song. My friends think I'm a freak, but what can I say: I love it. This is my absolute favorite from this album. (Then again the last song is usually the most classic.) It's an excellent song, right up their with "The Biggest Ball Of Twine In Minnesota".

Secret File!

If you didn't know: when you place RWS in a CD-Rom drive, there is a secret file folder you can open which contains a movie and a hilarious Readme file. The video was taken off of Al's "There's No Going Home" special on the disney channel, which I had previously seen. I was hoping there'd be a little extra footage (like "The Saga Begins" music video), but what's there is good.

Rating (out of 10): 10