Bobby (Boris) Pickett, Monster Mash | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 149^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Monster Mash” by Bobby (Boris) Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 149^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Monster Mash”, performed by 🎙 Bobby (Boris) Pickett and 🎙 The Crypt-Kickers.

“He did the mash, he did the monster the mash.” Enough said.  🎵 “Monster Mash” ranks among the greatest novelty songs of all-time.  Every time October rolls around, it’s time to crank up this gem by 🎙 Bobby “Boris” Pickett and 🎙 The Crypt-Kickers. It should come as no surprise that “Monster Mash” reached no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, the year it was released.  What some folks may be unaware of is that “Monster Mash” was featured on an entire album of monstrous cuts – 💿 The Original Monster Mash 🤯.  Even so, the one song we all know, and love is “Monster Mash,” PERIOD.

So, what makes “Monster Mash” the epic joint that it is? Well, the opening sound effects definitely set the frightening, spooky tone.  Beyond that, the groove – straight out of the 1960s – is, dare I say, lit 🔥? 🎛 Gary Paxton produced this record, which also features a key group of background vocals.  Those background vocals are responsible for the sung portions of the chorus – a big, big deal!

“(He did the mash), He did the monster mash

(The monster mash), It was a graveyard smash

(He did the mash), It caught on in a flash

(He did the mash), He did the monster mash.”

The main attraction, of course, is Bobby Pickett, who oozes with personality. I mean, if you’re going to pen and perform a novel song about monsters, you better exhibit personality.  Monsters referenced: vampires, ghouls, zombies, Wolfman, and Dracula.  Deservingly,  🎵 “Monster Mash” was certified gold by the RIAA in 1973.

🎙 Bobby (Boris) Pickett • 💿 The Original Monster Mash • 🏷 Decca Music Group Limited • 🗓 1962

Bobby (Boris) Pickett, Monster Mash: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 149 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Decca Music Group Limited; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]