Want an entertaining blast from the past? Then let’s talk about Weird Al… or to be accurate Alfred Matthew “Weird Al” Yankovic. Actually, if we’re being accurate, it probably shouldn’t be considered a blast from the past since I’m pretty sure Weird Al is still around and recording. But there’s just something about listening to some of his oldies and goodies that brings you back.

For the uninformed, Wikipedia explains Weird Al as: an American singer, musician, actor, satirist, parodist, songwriter, music producer, accordionist, and television producer. He’s even made a few cameos on everything from The Simpsons to Johnny Bravo. But he’s best known for his parodies of pop culture songs, which he’s been producing since 1979. Yes, Weird Al has been making hilarious music since before you were even born. The man is a genius.

As proof, I offer up ten of his best songs to date. In some cases the parody has become so popular that it is better known than the original. I

Amish Paradise (Parody of Gangsta’s Paradise)

This is probably Weird Al’s best song ever even though Coolio was supposedly none too pleased. It’s just the image of replacing gangster’s with the Amish that gets me every time.

White & Nerdy (Parody of Ridin’ Dirty)

A slightly more recent song, it’s as good as the classics. Mowing the lawn, graduating from MIT, excelling at D&D, spending nights with a roll of bubble wrap… that’s just a sample of why he’s too White and Nerdy.

Eat It (Parody of Beat it)

Embedding was disabled on all the actual music videos, so here's the live version. That aside, Weird Al definitely has a thing about food (see the next two songs for further evidence) but it works. In fact, this Michael Jackson song won Al his first Grammy win for comedic recording.

Fat (Parody of Bad)

Okay, actually Weird Al has a thing for a combination of food and Michael Jackson (Oh, and not allowing his videos to be embedded). But so do the Grammy’s, I guess. Al took home the award for best concept music video. 

Lasagna (Parody of La Bamba)

Another food, another song and another set of catchy lyrics that you just can’t get out of your head.

eBay (Parody of I Want it That Way)

This one’s another more recent song, but it’s also really damn funny. A rare Smurf lunchbox? Pet rock? Alf alarm clock? Shatner’s old toupee? I got it on eBay.

Like a Surgeon (Parody of Like a Virgin)

Enjoy the Scrubs version. No matter which version, though, this Madonna parody is a favorite. He’s like a surgeon cutting for the very first time… it just works so well.

Pretty Fly for a Rabbi (Parody of Pretty Fly for a White Guy)

I couldn’t find a music video for this one, but the song says it all.

Smells like Nirvana (Parody of Smells like Teen Spirit)

Nirvana has said they felt like they’d “made it” when Weird Al parodied them. They’re good sports since Al basically mocks the inability to understand Nirvana’s lyrics.

Gump (Parody of Lump)

You can’t get much better than a whole song about Forest Gump.

*To see all the actual music videos, including ones that couldn't be embedded, watch them directly on YouTube.