Reply To: JoCo Elevator Pitch
I totally agree with three08 about JoCo not being engaged in style parody; style subversion would be a better characterization. His “Baby Got Back” totally subverts the style of the original, arguably even more than the Richard Cheese lounge version.
JoCo is capable of being as bitter as Tom Lehrer (his breakup songs come to mind), but he’s also capable of being far less bitter. “A Talk with George” is refreshingly inspirational.
Weird Al’s lyrics are juvenile because he’s trying to skewer the pretentiousness of popular music. So many of these performers take themselves overly seriously that it’s good to have their songs mocked from time to time. He’s effectively painted himself as a clown, though, and this does limit his appeal somewhat.
I think one of the reasons that JoCo likes to perform funny songs, and sad songs, and sad funny songs, is that he’s reaching for a sort of balance and breadth that will make his work more broadly appealing.