OK, fine ... fer sure, fer sure!
Got a favorite novelty song from the 80s? Do you even have to ask what mine would be ...
Moon Unit Zappa's "Valley Girl" is the yin and yang of 80s pop culture. So evil that it's magnificently splendid. (And, is it just me, or is Moon Unit pretty hot?)
Stuck in the 80s is tackling the subject of novelty songs for an upcoming episode, and we want to know your favorites. (Eighties songs only, of course.)
Some more candidates:
'CAUSE I'M A BLONDE (Julie Brown): Featured in the movie "Earth Girls Are Easy." Some prefer her song "The Homecoming Queen's Gotta Gun."
FISH HEADS (Barnes & Barnes): Sorta the gold standard for novelty songs of the decade.
PAC-MAN FEVER (Buckner & Garcia): Am I the only person out there who never got the attraction of this particular video game -- or song?
And, of course, the complete work of Weird Al. But can you narrow it to a single, best song from him?
Fire away with all your favorites, and we'll include them on the show.
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
OH good someone else who remembers Shaddap your Face!
Posted by: specialk | January 18, 2008 at 07:08 PM
"Shaddap You Face" by Joe Dolce
"Take off" - Bob and Doug (with Geddie!)
and not 80s, more mid-70s, this list brings to mid Mr. Jaws by Dickie Goodman
Posted by: Brian | January 18, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Ah..see when it comes to Al, i love some of his concert only stuff. very very very rare to find such gems like:
"Don't Forget About Meat"
"Whole Lotta Lunch"
"Spameater"
"Feel Like Throwin' Up"
"Moldy Now"
Posted by: Bryan | January 17, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I can't remember what I did yesterday, but damn if I can't remember every last lyric to the "Rapture" knock-off "General Hospi-Tale" by the Afternoon Delights.
Such an effective use of brain cells.
"Paging Dr. Noah Drake to ICU for a serious case of heart break."
Posted by: Tonianne | January 16, 2008 at 10:09 PM
BTW, Ron I own over 50 Zappa CDs, so I am not making this comment lightly.
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | January 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Ron, your comment about Zappa is off the mark completely. you obviously did not read my entire post. Zappa is indeed a genius and very diverse in his music, my point was that his greatest successes over his career were not his "artistic" songs but his funny songs. His songs were indeed filtered through with a level of social satire that the ouvre of Mojo and Dead Milkmen never achieved, but there is no denying that he is better known for Don't Eat The Yellow Snow and Valley Girl than he is for the Yellow Shark.
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | January 16, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I'll have to go with three Dr. Demento favorites:
Star Trekkin': We turned this into a great drinking game in college!
They're Coming to Take Me Away;
and Dead Puppies.
Posted by: Dennis | January 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I have to take exception to the notion that Frank Zappa built his career from novelty songs. That is ridiculous. Zappa was a genius. While his music is not to everyone's taste, to say his career was built on novelty songs and lump him with the likes of Mojo Nixon & Weird Al is just plain wrong.
Posted by: Ron | January 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I can't believe no one's mentioned the "Rappin' Duke" yet.
Posted by: Y | January 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Let's not forget Sam Kinison's 1988 version of "Wild Thing".
I'm not sure if it's more memorable for the video (featuring a writhing, post-enhancement Jessica Hahn) or great lines like:
"Everytime I kiss you I taste what other men had for lunch."
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | January 16, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Geesh, this is going to be nearly impossible to pare down for a single episode. Guess we'll have to do two shows.
Posted by: Spears | January 16, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Oh my god! Gag me with a spoon! Those clothes are hidious!! I remember being away for a summer and coming back and that song was out. I just almost naturally talked like that and people were calling me a Valley Girl and I didn't even know what it was. Funny thing is that she's lip-syncing the song. It didn't matter back them, fer sure! Gotta love the Lord King Bufu! I have the Valley Girl handbook at home still. Sick, I know!
Posted by: Spiky Sandmeyer | January 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM
I have found the other Elvis themed song that it was thinking of. It's Elvis is Dead by Living Colour.
Posted by: 80sfan | January 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM
This is a difficult top 10 to compile. Is that what we're attempting to do? I lost track.
If I had to choose my top 5 (and Steve will probably be asking for that soon), Here they are in no particular order.
1. Super Bowl SHuffle ~ 1985 Chicago Bears. Who wasn't a Bears fan that year?
2. Curly Shuffle ~ It got a lot of radio play. It might be annoying, but I recall a lot of guys being willing to dance thanks to this little diddy.
3. I'm a Blonde ~ Julie Brown. With Julie Brown you could grab a handful of tunes from her repertoire, but this one takes the cake.
4. Eat it ~ Weird Al. A 'novelty/parody' podcast can't be done without him getting props
5. Valley Girl ~ Moon Unit Zappa/Frank Zappa. This song helped to create a phenomenon. That included a new way to speak. Like, hello! OH! MY! GOD! You, like, can't be serious!
Posted by: Marissa | January 16, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Ah Douglas my kids and I sing that song on and off since we saw Spamalot; I have heard it before but they hadn't. Last night while watching the rugrat finish is homework, I downloaded the Spamalot soundtrack off of iTunes.
Another One Ride the Bus cracks me up too! I think you could do an entire podcast on Weird Al too, it seemed that most artists didn't mind his parodies but there were a few that I'm sure were not happy. Fat was a follow up to Eat It and yes it was good but it is made all the more funny when they are paired up together. I have them both on my iPod... my kids crack up hysterically at all of his songs. My son can do his Ricky song dead on!
Posted by: specialk | January 16, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Though with this category i feel a bit like it is cheating to use Weird Al, Mojo Nixon , and Frank Zappa, as they pretty much staked out entire careers making novelty type records (Zappa was certainly more diverse in his output, but his bread and butter always came from his "funny" songs. And I think you can probably exempt Dead Milkmen too, for the same reasons. I think for this category to truly shine You need to look deeper to find the true "novelty" songs of the era Buckner and Garcia certainly never had another hit other than PacMan Fever so they get a look, Barnes and Barnes (despite being the musical geniuses behind Crispin Glover's album) really only will be remembered for Fish Heads (not to be confused by the Adrian Belew song Fishhead)
I need to rearrange my CD collection soon and I can probably come up with a few other worthy of mention (How about Always Look On the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python from the Life Of Brian soundtrack? )
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | January 16, 2008 at 12:03 AM
just a quick correction...I Wanna be A Flintstone was by Screaming Blue Messiahs...no harm no foul on that one, both bands were "Screamin'"
Also my weigh in on Julie Brown is definitely Homecoming Queen. I'm A Blonde is fun, but doesn't quite reach classic levels like Homecoming Queen.
I can't believe that no one has mentioned the ultimate Weird Al parody song/video...FAT a parody of BAD. The video makes me roll every time I see it. "Ain't seen you around Burger World lately.." "Yo man, Yo, Ding Dong, Yo, Ding Dong" "You ain't fat, you aint nothin'!" it is spot on right down to the aping of the Scorcese black and white video! Truly the pinnacle of the Yankovic pantheon.
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | January 15, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Good pick, Bassnote with Rubber Biscuit by the Blues Brothers. One of my favorites off that album. I also like Another One Rides the Bus, although you might have to just do a Weird Al podcast and not have him be a part of the novelty song one. And, I'd have to choose the Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun over I'm a Blonde by Julie Brown.
Posted by: Shellyl | January 15, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Anyone remember "Vanna, Pick me a letter" by Dr.Dave? (to the tune of the Box Top's "The Letter")
Posted by: DC | January 15, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Personally my favorite Weird Al song is Another One Rides the Bus. Still cracks me up til this day.
As far as my favorite parody song goes, Julie Brown's Cause I'm a Blonde and Pac-Man Fever would have to be at the top of that list.
Posted by: 80sfan | January 15, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I'm with you on the Spinal Tap issue, Mr. Spears. The movie is most definitely a satiric parody; the songs, maybe not so much.
But I define novelty as more on the kitchy/campy side of things, with a hint of parody. Something ideally not mainstream that somehow ends up in the mainstream. Does that make sense?
Posted by: jane | January 15, 2008 at 09:20 PM
I Wanna be A Flintstone - Screaming Cheetah Wheelies
Take Off - Bob & Doug with Geddy Lee
Scuba Scuba - The Revillos
We're The Replacements - They Might Be Giants
Paranoimia - Art Of Noise & Max Headroom
Shaddap You Face - Joe Dolce
Rubber Biscuit - The Blues Brothers
Theme From Rawhide - The Blues Brothers
Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Take The Skinheads Bowling - Camper Van Beethoven
The Creature From The Black Lagoon - Dave Edmunds
Rotating Heads - The English Beat
U.G.L.Y. - Fishbone
I Don't Wanna Get Drafted - Frank Zappa
Monster (In My Pants) - Fred Schnieder
Einstein a Go-Go - Landscape
Burn Down The Malls - Mojo Nixon
Cruella Deville - The Replacements
Angst In My Pants - Sparks
Big Bottom - Spinal Tap
I Blew Up The Clinic Real Good - Steve Taylor
Hide The Beer, The Pastor's Here - The Swirling Eddies
Posted by: Bassnote | January 15, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I would think in order for the song to be given novelty status, it needed some kind of airplay on the radio. That's just me, though.
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Ahhh the genius of Weird Al, gotta love it all by him but I totally agree that Eat It was one of the best. I also enjoyed I Love Rocky Road.
Marissa love the Superbowl Shuffle... wasn't everyone a Chicago Bears fan that season? I know I was but then my hometown team (The Seahawks) can never get close.
But back to the list how about Shaddup Your Face by Joe Dolce
Posted by: specialk | January 15, 2008 at 08:25 PM
I think of the "movie" Spinal Tap as being a parody or satire. But the songs themselves? Sorta.
What does everyone else think? Do Spinal Tap songs count for the purposes of this show?
We already did a separate show on Spinal Tap, for what that's worth.
Posted by: Spears | January 15, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Spinal Tap is the epitome of Parody! They take parody to 11!
Posted by: Dominic | January 15, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Definition of a novelty song? Hmmm, a song that's essentially a parody maybe.
Or a song made to play off another event (Super Bowl Shuffle) or reputation ("No Respect"). Usually with an attempt at humor.
I don't think Art of Noise would qualify.
I'm not sure the Spinal Tap songs would qualify. They're almost in an entirely different category.
Posted by: Spears | January 15, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Oh yeah, don't forget "Space Age Whiz Kids" by Joe Walsh
"Quarters! I Need Quarters!"
Posted by: Dominic | January 15, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Paranoimia by Art of Noise + Max Headroom
Posted by: Dominic | January 15, 2008 at 07:11 PM
How about "Living Doll," Cliff Richards featuring the Young Ones, or "Hole in My Shoe" which was sung by Neil of the Young Ones?
Posted by: Dominic | January 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
How about
"Big Bottom"- Spinal Tap
"Bohemian Rhapsody"- Bad News
"King Of Suede"
"Mr Popeil"
"Dog Eat Dog"- all by Weird Al
That's all I could think of for now. More to follow.
Posted by: Tom | January 15, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Da Butt, by E.U.
Posted by: Tonianne | January 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Wee!! Muchas gracias, Jane.
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Pssst... iTunes does have it, because I just bought it myself.
Posted by: jane | January 15, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Great! If iTunes has that one I'll be buying it. If not, I might have to beg, borrow and/or steal it. I'm KIDDING! I'd never steal.
What makes a song a novelty item anyway? Definition please.
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Ah, I totally remember "Peter Gunn" by the Art of Noise. Kickin' remake of the Mancini classic.
Posted by: jane | January 15, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Rappin' Rodney! Awesome, David. Now I have to seek out the video.
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I LOVED I Wanna Be a Lifeguard. HELP HELP HELP!
Posted by: Melissa | January 15, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Just some off the top o' my head:
"You Look Marvelous" by Billy Crystal
"Honeymooners Rap" by Joe Piscopo & Eddie Murphy
"I Lost on Jeopardy" and the original non-parody "One More Minute" by Weird Al Yankovic
"Medley (Stars on 45)" by Stars on 45
"Take Off" by Bob & Doug McKenzie with Geddy Lee
"I Wanna Be a Lifeguard" by Blotto
"I Wanna Be a Cowboy" by Boys Don't Cry (is that a novelty song, or just really, really stupid?)
"Rappin' Rodney (No Respect)" by Rodney Dangerfield
Posted by: David P | January 15, 2008 at 05:45 PM
88 Lines .. great tune, by the Nails, I had the cassette ...
I was going to say the Curly Shuffle, fun tune, I had the 45 of that one!
And I don't know how many people remember it, "Peter Gunn" by the Art of Noise?
Posted by: chase | January 15, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Two words:
FISH HEADS!
Posted by: malibu | January 15, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck... Doin The CURLY SHUFFLE!
I'm stuck on shufflin', apparently.
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I always liked "88 Lines About 44 Women" although I'm not sure if it really fits the "novelty song" category. Shrug.
Posted by: Brad | January 15, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Ah, Pencil -- Like, gag me. I was more into "Zaxxon." Spent many a stolen quarter from my dad's desk on that game.
Posted by: Spears | January 15, 2008 at 05:00 PM
That was far worse than I remember. My younger sister thought she was a Valley Girl (like every other teen and pre-teen girl of the time) and talked like that all the time - drove me nuts...
I was more of a Space Invaders/Asteroids/Defender guy than Pac Man.
Posted by: Hamptune | January 15, 2008 at 04:58 PM
(Please excuse. Dr Demento is THE keeper of the novelty flame...)
"Libyan on a Jet Plane" (a la "Leaving on a Jet Plane") VERY appropos considering the current climate.
"Super Bowl Shuffle" Now them there's some jock egos.
"Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun" Julie Brown's anthem for EVERY STINKIN' PROM DATE WHO EVER STOOD ME UP!!! (ahem. not me personally ;)
"Star Trekkin" Who needs ST:TOS when you got this?
As for Weird Al, no contest: "Eat It." "Beat It" IS the 80s in one song. "Eat It" sums up the attitudes of every non-MJJ fan out there.
And lay off the Pac-Man, Steve. Just cause YOU don't like eating otherwise inedible things...
Posted by: PencilSharp | January 15, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Kip Adotta's "Wet Dream" (the fish song) I hated it and they played it every stinking morning before I went to school. Gag me with a spoon!
Hey, got to see just a second of Rex Smith on Solid Gold on the YouTube video. Tubular!
Posted by: Melissa | January 15, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Chicago Bears doin' the "Super Bowl Shuffle!"
Posted by: Marissa | January 15, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Hands down, it's gotta be the much-discussed in the "Homework: Picking 10 great songs" thread... Mojo Nixon's "Elvis is Everywhere." My college roommate loved her some Elvis and this song was on heavy rotation in our apartment. It's witty and absurd and totally catchy.
Posted by: jane | January 15, 2008 at 04:42 PM