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Subject: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
DJ mentioned sorting out voting criteria, so I thought it would be better to stick it in a thread of its own so it doesn't get lost in another list of messages.
Obviously, I'd like my criteria for judging parodies to be used because it's how I check my own parodies before submitting them, and this would give me the best chance of winning ;-)
Here's what I check on a parody (in descending order of importance):
1. Scansion: how close is it? Sing along with the original song and see how closely the rhythm of the words runs (bonus marks if it actually uses parts of the original lyrics but in a different context or with different meaning)
(marks lost if words have to be hurried or mis-emphasised in order to fit the tune)
2. Integrity: how do the bits of a parody hang together? Is the song a coherent whole, or just a few bits of words stuck together? Is there a story being told, or do the different verses bear no relation to each other?
(bonus marks for an appropriate plot which unfolds throughout the parody)
3. Wordplay: are individual words used appropriately and within the same sort of rhyming scheme as the original? Are there clever internal rhymes which add interest to the lyric?
(bonus marks for appropriate alliteration or extra internal rhymes)
4. Humour - Is it funny? Not always a valid criterion as it may not be supposed to be funny... but always good for a few bonus marks ;-)
The rest of you might have other ideas...
The other thoughts were re subjects for parodies. I'd suggest the following:
>>Embarrassing human foibles (biting fingernails, picking nose, farting etc)
>>Dogs or cats
>>Computers
...to the tune of songs by:
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
AC/DC
The Spice Girls(only joking)
Gilbert and Sullivan (now, I know there's not so many people who know much G&S music, but trust me, there's lots of words brilliantly presented which makes parody writing much easier)
Well, I guess it's food for thought...
Phil
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
Quoting:
1. Scansion: how close is it? Sing along with the original song and see how closely the rhythm of the words runs (bonus marks if it actually uses parts of the original lyrics but in a different context or with different meaning)
(marks lost if words have to be hurried or mis-emphasised in order to fit the tune)
End Quote
I think this is spot on, especially the part about original lyrics used in a different context. This is what makes the difference (IMO) between a good parody and just a song set to someone else's music. I think this clause is perhaps the most important criterion.
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
What about keeping rhythm but changing the rhyming words (Wierd Al does it) that's got to get points for inventiveness...?
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
Quoting:
What about keeping rhythm but changing the rhyming words (Wierd Al does it) that's got to get points for inventiveness...?
End Quote
Well, yes- that's a parody... ideally you want precisely the same rhythm of words in the parody, but with different words (different, but ideally similar rhymes, too) - to quote a Weird Al example:
And all the goyim say
I'm pretty fly for a rabbi
Has the same rhythm as :
And all the girlies say
I'm pretty fly for a white guy
with the same rhymes, a minimum of words changed but a very different meaning. IMHO, Weird All is king of the parody art at the moment.
Phil
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
Maybe this is just my opinion, but I think a huge criterion is universal understanding. Is the parody full of inside jokes, or can it be understood by any Joe Schmoe on the street? I think the ability to craft a parody that is universally funny, meaningful, or whatever tone is set, is very, very important. Mull it over.
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
Quoting:
Maybe this is just my opinion, but I think a huge criterion is universal understanding. Is the parody full of inside jokes, or can it be understood by any Joe Schmoe on the street? I think the ability to craft a parody that is universally funny, meaningful, or whatever tone is set, is very, very important. Mull it over.
End Quote
Yeah! The more accessable it is, the more people can enjoy it.
I do like political parodies though, which perhaps exclude some people (e.g. I wouldn't expect non-Brits to fully appreciate British local politics). Saying that, I can always look these things up and learn more about someone else's culture. :D
I think it's also important to know the original song. The more familiar you are with the original, the easier it is to appreciate the way the parody 'tracks'. It's not just about syllables, it's keeping with the mood(s).
In fact, I can enjoy a good parody of a song I'm familiar with, even if I don't get all the 'inside jokes'
Subject: Re: Voting criteria and topics for DarkJon's games
Hey hey, I was going to suggest the same things you did, particularily extra points for keeping the lyrics close to the original song. As for topics, I was thinking:
Internet (legal issues with mp3s for example)
Songs about frozen dessert foods (ice cream, popsicles)
I like the ones suggested above as well.
Oh yeah, we have a winner for game #1. I'm going to post it in a new topic though! I was going to have it up earler but I was at a concert and stuff. I'll post it now!
Jon