Genre: bizarre
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: The Original Monster Mash
Company: Garpax
Catalog: SGP 67001
Country/State: Somerville, Massachusetts
Year: 1962
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: --
Available: SOLD
GEMM Catalog ID: SOLD
Price: SOLD
Weird story ... Born and raised in Somerville,
Massachusetts, after graduating from high school and fulfilling his military service, Bobby Pickett decided to relocated
to Los Angeles. Although his prime interest was in becoming an actor, Pickett found time to join a number of singing groups including The Stompers and The Cordials. As a member of The Cordials he eventually working his knack for vocal impersonations into the group's lounge act.
A chance encounter with writer/producer/Garpax Records owner Gary S. Paxton (who'd also enjoyed success as a member of The Hollywood Argyles), led to a conversation that somehow tied the popularity of various dance crazes and monster movies (Pickett being a long standing fan of the genre). Convinced he could make money cashing in on the twin crazes, Pickett wasted no time co-writing a song with friend Leonard Capizzi. Literally blending Dee Dee Sharp's "Mashed Potato Time" with a hip and ghoulish lyric, "Monster Mash" proved
irresistable. Paxton quickly rushed Pickett into the studio to cut the song. Back by The Crypt Kickers (ex Ronnny & the Daytonas Johnny MacRae, former The Bermudas Rickie Page, Leon Russell and Paxton himself, they completed the track within a matter of hours. Released nationally to take advantage of the forthcoming Halloween, within a matter of weeks the single ("Monster Mash" b/w "Monster Mash Party" Garpax catalog
number 44167), had topped the American singles chart. As was standard marketing procedure, Garpax rushed Pickett into the studio to record a supporting album. Produced by Paxton,
"Monster Mash" offered up a mix of similarly themed monster-variations. Showcasing Pickett's bizarre
pseudo-Boris Karloff/Vincent Price impression, nothing here was as impressive as the title track, but compared to most theme albums, material such as "Monster Holiday" (a minor follow on hit), "Graveyard Shift", "Sinister Stomp" and "Blood Bank Blues" came off as likeable and suitably goofy. Backed by a wave of publicity, including appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and other shows, the parent album peaked at #19.
In case anyone
cares, Pickett and company released 'Monster Holiday' b/w 'Monster Motion'
as another seasonal single (Garpax catalog number 45-44171)
"The Original Monster Mash" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Monster Mash (Bobby Pickett - Leonard Capizzi) - 3:07
2.) Graveyard Shift (Gary Paxton - Johnny MacRae - Bobby Pickett - C. Underwood) - 2:07
3.) Blood Bank Blues (Bobby Pickett - Leonard Capizzi) - 2:47
4.) Rabian - The Fiendage Idol (Bobby Pickett - Johnny MacRae) - 3:27
5.) Monster Holiday (C. Underwood) - 3:06
6.) Monster Minuet (Gary Paxton - Johnny MacRae - Bobby Pickett - C. Underwood) - 1:54
(side 2)
1.) Transylvanian Twist (Gary Paxton - Johnny MacRae - Bobby Pickett) - 1:38
2.) Sinister Stomp (Bobby Pickett - Leonard Capizzi) - 2:15
3.) Me & My Mummy (Bobby Pickett - Leonard Capizzi) - 2:32
4.) Monster Mash Party (Gary Paxton - Bobby Pickett) - 2:50
5.) Bellas' Bash (Johnny MacRae - Bobby Pickett) - 2:50
6.) Let's Fly Away (Gary Paxton - Johnny MacRae) - 0:47
