A bit eclectic but one my favorites...Eddie from Ohio; lots of humor in their lyrics. And don't forget the classic Sheik Yerbouti....
Humor In Music
I've always liked bands who display a sense of humor in their music. Warren Zevon and Steely Dan appeal to me largely because they don't take themselves too seriously. But when it comes to the master of comedy in lyrics it has to be Frank Zappa. I listened to his "Apostrophe" album last night and found myself laughing out loud at some of the songs. The lyrics in Cosmik Debris, Uncle Remus and Dinah-Moe-Humm are like a stand-up comedy routine set to music. If you're looking to put a smile on your face, just fire up some of your Zappa collection!
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I love Zappa a lot--saw him 5 times and years later played a lot of his music, even got to play with some of the original Mothers. Great stuff, funny stuff, but sometimes I find some of the 70's lyrics a bit too much--kind of middle-school level. I think his stuff from the 60's is top-shelf, nothing better than that. Absolutely Free and We're Only in it for the Money are stellar LP's. Steve Goodman, Spike Jones and Homer & Jethro also did some great comedy music. |
Genesis often displayed a whimsical sense of humor in their music (Phil Collins especially so, particularly on-stage). Another lesser known British progressive rock band that incorporated subtle humor as an element of many of their best works is Caravan, still one of my all time favorite bands. Also the Mael brothers from Sparks have to get a mention in this conversation. |
Some notable satires of ... Doo Wop: "Who Put The Bomp?" (Barry Mann) Michael Jackson: "Eat It" ("Weird Al" Yankovic) Classical: "The Unbegun Symphony" (P.D.Q. Bach, aka Professor Peter Schickele) Regards, -- Al :-) |
Zappa and Zevon are two of the great humorists. I think that Pete Townshend's lyrics are full of funny double-entendres. Try singing the innocent chorus of "Squeezebox" going "in and out and in and out" and "playing all night" without a smile. Of course Pete is only describing a Mother's musical instrument. Nick Cave and Stan Ridgeway also have great lyrics. |
Steely Dan doesn't take itself too seriously? Becker and Fagen can compete with the most self-important people I could ever imagine. Maybe Fagen has changed because he's pushing 70, but back in the day, he never struck me as a person who thought his music was anything but the most profound sh!t to ever hit the planet. Not that it wasn't good stuff. But humor? |
No band or artist can match Frank Zappa. His "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore" collection HILLARIOUS with every song! Carla Bley often cacophonize famous american songs with humor and no spoken or sang word. She's a true maestro and artist. Residents full of grotesque, black humor, humor over religions and huge joy to watch live Don't forget Jane Sibbery and not only ...Reminds of My Dog song! She's AWWSOME! |
