WHRB 95.3fm Cambridge

Kurt Cobain called him "America's modern pop-rock genius"; along with Michael Jackson and Madonna (and later U2 and Kenny G), he is one of only five artists to have had a Top 40 hit in every decade from the 1980s to the 2010s. He is, of course, "Weird Al" Yankovic: accordionist, polka influencer, and parodist extraordinaire. This orgy comprises a five-hour close reading of the legacy of one of our country's most seminal artists, from his earlier pop-culture pastiches ("Like A Surgeon," "Yoda") to later, more nuanced work (the delicately existential "Skipper Dan"; the world's greatest remix of "Feel It Still"). We'll also discuss Yankovic's public persona, cult movie, failed TV show, and success in adopting new media like MTV and YouTube.