I first heard Weird Al when I was around ten years old. I was in it for the fart noises and puns at first. Today, I admire him for other reasons; he has set an example for anyone who comments on music. His devotion to pop doesn't prevent him from taking it too seriously, he's a tireless student of music and a merciless enemy of pretension. Most important, now, as when I was a kid, I find in Weird Al tremendous joy.

See also: Weird Al Is the Only part of Your Childhood That Doesn't Suck

I talked about that with These Things Matter podcast hosts Kevin O'Brien and Taylor Gonda. You can listen to it, if you are so inclined, on the website or through the podcasting delivery mechanism of your choosing. Specific topics of conversation include, but are not limited to:

-The implications of an accordion at an open-mic night

-Your friendly neighborhood music editor's TV-less childhood

-Kevin O'Brien's special relationship with his UHF tape

-Whether there is an inappropriate occasion for Weird Al

These Things Matter Ep. 115: "Weird Al" Yankovic with Kiernan Maletsky

You should probably just subscribe to These Things Matter. I'm among the least interesting of its guests, and O'Brien and Gonda are exceptionally good at what they do. They are good enough, in fact, to have won our own Best Podcast award earlier this year.

Follow @Westword_Music

• The Industry