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Monster Mash

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For other uses, seeMonster Mash (disambiguation).
"Monster Rap" redirects here. Not to be confused withRap Monster.

"Monster Mash"
Side A of the 7-inch U.S. vinyl single (1962)
SinglebyBobby "Boris" Pickettand the Crypt-Kickers
from the albumThe Original Monster Mash
B-side"Monsters' Mash Party"
ReleasedAugust 25, 1962
RecordedMay 1962
Genre
Length3:14
LabelGarpax(US)
London(UK)
Songwriter(s)
  • Bobby Pickett
  • Lenny Capizzi
Producer(s)Gary S. Paxton
Official video
"Monster Mash" (Official Lyric Video)onYouTube

"Monster Mash"is a 1962novelty songbyBobby "Boris" Pickett.The song was released as asingleonGary S. Paxton'sGarpax Recordslabel in August 1962 along with a full-lengthLPcalledThe Original Monster Mash,which contained several other monster-themed tunes. The "Monster Mash" single was number one on theBillboardHot 100chart on October 20–27 of that year, just beforeHalloween.

"Monster Mash" has sustained a lasting impact in various recordings, film inclusions, and re-releases since its initial release. In 2021, nearly 60 years after its release, "Monster Mash" re-entered theBillboardHot 100 chart at number 37. As of 2023,the song was generating $1 million annually in royalties.[2]

Boris Karloff's portrayal ofFrankenstein's monsterinspired Pickett to write and sing the song.

Background

[edit]

Pickett was an aspiring actor who sang with a band called the Cordials at night while going to auditions during the day. One night, while performing with his band, Pickett did a monologue in imitation of horror movie actorBoris Karloffwhile performingthe Diamonds' "Little Darlin'."The audience loved it, and fellow band member Lenny Capizzi encouraged Pickett to do more with the Karloff imitation.[3]

Pickett and Capizzi composed "Monster Mash" and recorded it withGary S. Paxton,Johnny MacRae, Rickie Page, and Terry Berg, credited as "The Crypt-Kickers."Mel Taylor,drummer forthe Ventures,is sometimes credited playing on the record as well.[4][5]Some sources incorrectly creditLeon Russellas the pianist; Pickett has clarified that Russell "was not on 'Monster Mash', just the flip side. He had shown up to the session late, and we had already finished 'Monster Mash'."[6][7]The song was partially inspired by Paxton's earlier novelty hit "Alley Oop,"as well as by theMashed Potatodance craze of the era. A variation on the Mashed Potato was danced to "Monster Mash," in which the footwork was the same, butFrankenstein-style monster gestures were made with the arms and hands.

The producers made extensive use ofsound effectsin the recording; the sound of a coffin opening was imitated by a rusty nail being pulled out of a board. The sound of a cauldron bubbling was simulated by water being bubbled through a straw (The Beatleswould later do the same on their hit "Yellow Submarine")[8]and the chains rattling were simply chains being dropped on a tile floor.[9]

Synopsis

[edit]

The song is narrated by amad scientistwhose monster, late one evening, rises from his slab to perform a new dance, with a name implying it is inspired by theMashed Potato,a popular dance of the early 1960s.[10]The dance becomes "the hit of the land" when the scientist throws a party for other monsters, among them classic 1940s horror film icons such asthe Wolfman,Igor,Count Dracula,andhis son.

In addition to narrating the song in the Karloff voice, Pickett also impersonated fellow horror-film actorBela Lugosias Count Dracula with the line, "Whatever happened to my TransylvaniaTwist?",and character actorPeter Lorreas Igor (a role Lorre never played, though he did play numerous deformed eccentrics). The mad scientist explains that the twist has been replaced by the Monster Mash, which Dracula embraces by joining the house band, the Crypt-Kicker Five. The story closes with the mad scientist inviting "you, the living" to the party at his castle.[11]

Re-releases and other versions

[edit]

The song was re-released several times and appeared on the U.S.Billboardchartson two occasions after the original release: August 1970 and May 1973.[12]TheBBChad banned the record from airplay in 1962 on the grounds that the song was "too morbid",[13]but it was later performed on the network's television program,Juke Box Jury,by "The Children of the Night", a novelty group. The record was re-released in the United Kingdom in 1973, where it peaked at number three in early October. In Canada, it reached number one on August 4, 1973.[14]In the U.S., the record re-entered theBillboardHot 100on May 5, 1973, peaking at number ten on August 11.[15]On the September 15, 1973, edition ofAmerican Top 40,Casey Kasemmistakenly said that the record had accumulated 40 weeks on the Hot 100, which then would have been the all-time record, only for a listener to inform Kasem later that the record's three weeks on the Hot 100 in 1970 had been included in the 1973 run, thus reducing the total to 37 weeks. The record re-entered the Hot 100 for a 38th week on the November 13, 2021, chart. The 1970 reissue on the Parrot label (Parrot 348) was certified as a Gold record (for sales of over one million copies) on August 28, 1973.

To celebrate the 1973 release, Bobby and the Crypt-Kickers toured Dallas and St. Louis around the 1973 Halloween holiday. On this tour, the Crypt-Kickers were composed ofBrian Ray(now guitarist withPaul McCartney), drummer Brian Englund, keyboardist Don Chambers, singer Jean Ray, and others. "Monster Mash" re-entered the British charts again on November 2, 2008, at number 60.[16]

In 1974,Buck Owensre-invented "Monsters' Holiday," giving it the title "It's a Monsters' Holiday." That song peaked at number six onBillboard's Country chart in mid-September of the same year,[17]and number nine in Canada.[18]

In 1985, with American culture experiencing a growing awareness ofrap music,Pickett released "Monster Rap," which describes the mad scientist's frustration at being unable to teach the dancing monster from "Monster Mash" how to talk. The problem is solved when he teaches the monster torap.[6]Amovie musical based on the songstarring Pickett was released in 1995.[19]During the 2004 presidential election, Pickett turned the song into a campaign video and re-titled it "Monster Slash", with lyrics by environmental campaigner Peter Altman, in which he critiqued PresidentGeorge W. Bush's environmental policies.[20]

In 1989, Stuart Hersh began managing Pickett, and upon learning Pickett did not own the master recording of "Monster Mash", the pair in 1993 recorded a perfect copy of the original "Monster Mash" that they then used to undercut the owners of the track, Universal.[clarification needed]According to Hersh, the company was unconcerned with the song's legacy and was instead "preoccupied with how much money they could get off (the song)." Pickett was missing out on thousands of dollars in licensing fees, but Hersh and Pickett's goal was not just to make money. They sought instead to help keep "Monster Mash" relevant: by making "Monster Mash" affordable to independent production houses, they ensured it would always have a place in culture.[21]

The backing singers for the record wereThe Blossoms,led byDarlene Love.[22][23]

Chart history

[edit]

On theDigital Song Sales chart,the song peaked at number 27 from 2005, from 2007 to 2011, and from 2013 to 2017. It is played annually onSirius XM Satellite Radio.[24]In 2012, the song ranked at number 25 onBillboard.[25]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (1962) Peak
position
U.S.BillboardHot 100[26] 1
U.S.BillboardHot R&B Sides[27] 9
CanadaCHUM Chart[28](2 weeks) 1
Chart (1970) Peak
position
U.S.BillboardHot 100[29] 91
Chart (1973) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[30] 3
Canada (CHUM)[31](4 weeks) 1
Canada (RPM)[14](3 weeks)(#4 Yr End) 1
UK[32] 3
U.S.BillboardHot 100[26] 10
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[33] 29
UK Indie(OCC)[34] 1
U.S.BillboardHot 100[35] 37

Cover versions

[edit]

Variouscover versionsof "Monster Mash" have been recorded:

Misfits version

[edit]
"Monster Mash"
The cover features an image ofBoris Karloff's character fromMad Monster Party?.
Singleby theMisfits
ReleasedOctober 31, 1999
Recorded1997
GenreHorror punk
Length5:03
LabelMisfits
Songwriter(s)
  • Bobby Pickett
  • Lenny Capizzi
Producer(s)Misfits
Misfits singles chronology
"Scream!"
(1999) 		"Monster Mash"
(1999) 		"Day the Earth Caught Fire"
(2002)
Audio sample
The 1997 recording was the first timeJerry Onlyhad performed lead vocals for the Misfits
Audio sample
Only called the 2003 recording fromProject 1950"the hardest hitting version of them all."

Horror punkband theMisfitsrecorded acover versionof "Monster Mash" in 1997 as part of a promotion surrounding aDVDrelease of the 1967stop motionfilmMad Monster Party?.Their version was released as asinglein 1999, and a new version was recorded for their 2003 albumProject 1950.[41]

Recording

[edit]

The Misfits recorded their version of "Monster Mash" in 1997 in a recording studio inNewark, New Jersey.[42]BassistJerry Onlylater stated that "The 'Monster Mash' was a no-brainer for the Misfits to cover as a timelessHalloweenrelease. The song was always a childhood favorite of mine. "[42]The recording was the first time that Only had performed leadvocalsfor the band, while then-Misfits lead singerMichale Gravesprovided backing vocals.[42]On October 18, 1997, a live performance of the song was recorded and broadcast from the studio of the New Jersey–basedcable televisionmusic showPower Play,the same studio in which the song was recorded.[42]

The Misfits' version of "Monster Mash" was used in a cross-promotion campaign arranged by Deluxo andJohn Cafiero,who had directed the Misfits'music videosfor "American Psycho" and "Dig Up Her Bones,"to create awareness of a home video release of the 1967Rankin/Bassstop motionfilmMad Monster Party?.Deluxo had recently acquired the rights to the film in hopes of restoring it but could not find a quality print. They eventually found a quality16 mmprint, and the Misfits hosted a special screening of the film atAnthology Film Archivesin New York City, with the "American Psycho" music video as an opening featurette.[42]Notable attendees at the screening included members of the Misfits, Cafiero,Marky Ramone,Jimmy GestapoofMurphy's Law,and executives from bothGeffen RecordsandRoadrunner Records.[43]Deluxo restoredMad Monster Party?from the 16 mm print and re-released it onVHSin limited numbers. A music video for the Misfits' live recording of "Monster Mash" was created, interspersing clips from the film with footage from their "Power Play" performance, and was intended to be included as a bonus feature on a forthcomingDVDrelease.[42][43]However, due to complications over distribution rights, the DVD was not released and the VHS version was discontinued.[42]A DVD version of the film was eventually released in 2003 byAnchor Bay Entertainment,restored from a different35 mmprint.

As part of the promotional campaign, an image ofBoris Karloffas he appears inMad Monster Party?was used under license from his daughter Sarah Karloff in artwork for a7 "vinylsingleof the Misfits' version of "Monster Mash."[42]Percepto Records used the same image of Karloff for the cover ofthe film's soundtrack album,which was released in September 1998. The Misfits single was intended to be released the following month, but was delayed due to lack of time to properlymixthe studio recording.[42]Instead the artwork was used in connection with a freeMP3download of the band's live recording of "Monster Mash," available through their website as a "virtual single."[42][43]The image was used again as cover artwork when the finished single was released physically in October 1999 as the first release of the band's new labelMisfits Records.[42][43]

The Misfits' studio recording of "Monster Mash" was included on their 2001compilation albumCuts from the Crypt.At the insistence of the band's labelRoadrunner Records,the live recording was omitted from the album, and only the studio version was used.[42]The Misfits recorded a new version of the song, featuring Cafiero on backing vocals, for their 2003 albumProject 1950.By this time, the band had a new lineup consisting ofJerry Only(bass guitarand leadvocals),Dez Cadena(guitarand backing vocals), andMarky Ramone(drums). Only called this version of the song "probably the best version we've ever done. I'm really happy with it. We've recorded it several times in the past and this is the hardest hitting version of them all."[44]Ramone commented:"'Monster Mash' always reminded me of Boris Karloff. Our version's a lot faster than the original, which was a slower 4/4 beat. I always liked the way the drums seemed to come in out of nowhere afterIgorwalked across the room. "[44]Cadena, meanwhile, remarked that "If I didn't know any better ['Monster Mash'] could have been written for the Misfits."[44]

Release

[edit]

Two separate pressings of the Misfits single were released, both issued on7 "vinylin 1999.[43]The first pressing had the studio version on both sides and consisted of 1,000 copies: 800 on green vinyl, 100 on red, and 100 on gold.[42][43]It was sold by the band while on tour and also by mail order through their "Fiend Club"fan cluband official website.[43]1,000 promotionalCDcopies of the studio version were also pressed and used for limited solicitation to radio stations.[42][43]A second pressing of the vinyl single had the studio version on side A and the live version on side B and consisted of 1,000 copies on glow-in-the-dark vinyl, available exclusively by mail order through the band's website.[42][43]The single sold out and is no longer in print.[42]

Personnel

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[45] Gold 1,000,000^

^Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^Snyder, Michael (September 30, 2019)."Spooky, scary, and silly tunes".Marina Times.RetrievedOctober 9,2019.Some might suggest that music inspired by All Hallows' Eve begins with Bobby "Boris" Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers's whimsical 1962 rock 'n' roll novelty number "Monster Mash"..
  2. ^Knopper, Steve (October 31, 2023)."How Much Is 'Monster Mash' Worth?".Billboard.RetrievedSeptember 4,2024.
  3. ^Samuelson, Tracey (October 30, 2009)."The origin of that terrible Monster Mash song".The Christian Science Monitor.RetrievedMay 10,2019.Pickett explains Monster Mash.
  4. ^"Drummerworld: Mel Taylor".The Ventures.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  5. ^Kubernik, Harvey (December 2, 2019)."Walk, Don't Run: 60 Years Of The Ventures | Cave Hollywood".RetrievedOctober 31,2021.
  6. ^abVitagliano, Joe (October 29, 2021)."Behind The Song:" Monster Mash, "Bobby" Boris "Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers".American Songwriter.
  7. ^Tramel, Jimmie (October 23, 2017)."Five things you might not know about 'Monster Mash' turning 55".Tulsa World.Writer Jan Alan Henderson interviewed Pickett in 1995. Pickett recalled that Russell showed up late to the recording session. Pickett told Henderson that Russell played on "Monster Mash Party," the "B" side of the "Monster Mash" single. Gary S. Paxton confirmed that he, not Russell, played piano on Monster Mash.
  8. ^""Monster Mash" Rules Halloween - October 31, 1962 ".
  9. ^Fontenot, Robert (March 11, 2017)."Learn more about" Monster Mash "– Monster Mash song trivia and information – All about" Monster Mash "".RetrievedMay 10,2019.Sound effects used on Monster Mash
  10. ^"Here Are the Lyrics to Bobby Pickett's 'Monster Mash'".Billboard.October 23, 2018.
  11. ^"Monster Mash by Bobby" Boris "Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers".songfacts.com.Song Facts, LLC.RetrievedNovember 9,2021.
  12. ^B. Lee Cooper; Beulah B Ramirez; Frank Hoffmann; Wayne S. Haney (1997).Rock Music in American Popular Culture II: More Rock 'n' Roll Resources.Routledge.ISBN1560238771.
  13. ^Allen, Jeremy (October 26, 2017)."8 songs banned by the BBC for the strangest of reasons".BBC News.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  14. ^ab"RPM Top 100 Singles - August 4, 1973"(PDF).
  15. ^Weekly Top40: 1973,December 31, 1973
  16. ^Tinoco, Armando (October 31, 2013)."'Monster Mash' Song History: Celebrate Halloween 2013 With 10 Fun Facts Of Classic ".Latin Times.IBT Media.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  17. ^Betts, Stephen L. (October 31, 2018)."Flashback: Buck Owens Gets Creepy With 'Monsters' Holiday'".RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  18. ^"RPM Top 50 Country Singles - October 5, 1974"(PDF).
  19. ^"Monster Mash".Rotten Tomatoes.
  20. ^"'Monster Mash' reprised as campaign song ".UPI.October 20, 2004.
  21. ^Millard, Drew (October 27, 2014)."Long Lost Daughters, Beach Boys, and Disco Toilets: The True Story Behind 'Monster Mash'".www.vice.com.Archived fromthe originalon May 10, 2019.RetrievedOctober 28,2019.
  22. ^Revealed in the documentary film20 Feet from Stardom.
  23. ^"The Blossoms".Soulful Kinda Music.
  24. ^Bronson, Ted (October 30, 2018). "How Bobby 'Boris' Pickett Turned 'Monster Mash' Into a Graveyard Smash".Billboard.
  25. ^Greenberg, Steve (October 31, 2012)."Long Lost Daughters, Beach Boys, and Disco Toilets: The True Story Behind" Monster Mash "".Billboard.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  26. ^ab[Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–2002]
  27. ^Whitburn, Joel(2004).Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004.Record Research. p. 460.
  28. ^"CHUM Hit Parade - October 8, 1962".
  29. ^Whitburn, Joel(2013).Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012.Record Research. p. 658.
  30. ^Kent, David(1993).Australian Chart Book 1970–1992(illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 233.ISBN0-646-11917-6.
  31. ^"CHUM 30 - August 11, 1973".
  32. ^"officialcharts.com".officialcharts.com.RetrievedOctober 31,2023.
  33. ^"Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Chart: Week of November 13, 2021".Billboard.RetrievedNovember 9,2021.
  34. ^"Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50".Official Charts Company.Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  35. ^"Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Leads Halloween Treats on Billboard Hot 100".Billboard.RetrievedNovember 8,2021.
  36. ^Ess, Ramsey (February 15, 2013)."'Do Not Adjust Your Set': The Children's Show That Launched Monty Python ".Vulture.com.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  37. ^"Allstar Weekend Does the" Monster Mash "".Tiger Beat.October 2011.RetrievedMay 10,2019.
  38. ^Dickson, E. J. (October 8, 2019)."The Writer of the 'Golden Girls' Theme Is Blowing Up on TikTok For Being Spooky".Rolling Stone.RetrievedDecember 24,2020.
  39. ^Halloween Howls: Fun & Scary Music - Andrew Gold | Releases | AllMusic,retrievedDecember 24,2020
  40. ^Masley, Ed (April 2, 2024)."How Alice Cooper reimagined 'I'm Eighteen' and 'School's Out' for a kids album".Arizona Republic.RetrievedApril 13,2024.
  41. ^Dickman, Maggie (October 31, 2016)."Misfits release free MP3 download of" Mad Monster Party "for Halloween".Alternative Press.
  42. ^abcdefghijklmnoptheMisfits(2001).Cuts from the Crypt(CD liner notes). New York City:Roadrunner.161 618 467-2.
  43. ^abcdefghi"Misfits discography".Misfits.com.RetrievedNovember 27,2008.
  44. ^abctheMisfits(2003).Project 1950(CD liner notes). New York City:Misfits Records.RCD 10643.
  45. ^"American single certifications – Bobby Pickett – Monster Mash".Recording Industry Association of America.
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