Introduction
“Monster Mash” is a novelty song written by Bobby Pickett and Lenny Capizzi and recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett.
It was released in 1962 and has since become a Halloween classic.
Why You Should Listen
“Monster Mash” is a unique novelty song that combines spooky humor with a catchy rock and roll rhythm.
The lyrics feature various famous monsters, creating a funny and entertaining story rather than a frightening one.
Bobby Pickett’s distinctive vocal performance also makes the song memorable. Even if you are not a fan of horror movies, you can enjoy its playful atmosphere, especially during the Halloween season.
Highlights
- The Spooky Introduction
The song begins with eerie sound effects, immediately creating the atmosphere of an old horror movie. - Bobby Pickett’s Vocal Performance
Pickett’s deep, theatrical voice is one of the song’s most distinctive features. His dramatic delivery adds humor to the story. - The Catchy Rhythm
Despite its spooky theme, the song has an upbeat, danceable rhythm that makes it fun to listen to. - The Monster Party
The lyrics describe a gathering of familiar monsters, turning what could have been a frightening scene into a humorous dance party.
About the Song
“Monster Mash” was written by Bobby Pickett and Lenny Capizzi and recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. It was released in 1962.
The song is a Halloween-themed novelty hit and was included on the full-length LP The Original Monster Mash.
The story begins when the monsters created by a mad scientist rise from their resting places and start a new dance late one evening.
The scientist holds a party for his monsters, attended by characters such as the Wolfman, Igor, the Mummy, Dracula, and Dracula’s son.
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and also reached No. 1 in Canada and New Zealand.
At the time of its original release, the song was banned from airplay by the BBC and did not enter the UK charts.
It was reissued several times in the 1970s and later years.
In particular, a novelty group called The Children of the Night performed the song on the BBC television program Juke Box Jury. Bobby Pickett’s original version was subsequently reissued in 1973.
The reissued version peaked at No. 3 in the UK and Australia, No. 5 in Ireland, and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 1 again in Canada.
Furthermore, the song has been covered by various artists over the years.
About the Artist
Bobby “Boris” Pickett was an American singer-songwriter and comedian, born in 1938.
He released two studio albums. His debut album, The Original Monster Mash, was released in 1962 and reached No. 78 in Canada and No. 120 in the United States.
He also released approximately 16 singles, but “Monster Mash” remained his only major commercial hit.
Conclusion
“Monster Mash” is a classic novelty song that combines humor, horror-inspired characters, and a catchy rock and roll rhythm.
Its repeated reissues and enduring popularity have made it a Halloween standard that continues to entertain listeners across generations.
Video courtesy of the official YouTube channel.