Wacky Weirdos

by

Various Artists

Edit

This is the version of Ahab the Arab that you remember from the 1960s. Please do not buy "Back 2 Back," another compilation that features songs by Ray Stevens (and Roger Miller). On the Back 2 Back compilation, all the Ray Stevens songs are live, and contain a shrill brass section, and irritating crowd noise. Now, back to the review of the Wacky Weirdos compilation. The song Ahab the Arab has excellent sound quality. The music features subtle Arabic-sounding flutes. Mr. Stevens skillfully displays various moods, makes puns, and somewhat subtle references to various facets of pop-culture, such as Mad Magazine, the song "Does your bubble gum lose its flavor, etc.," and beatnik terminology from that era. Mr.Stevens' camel sounds, and faux Arabic chanting, are not overdone, and lend variety to the already clever narrative. This particular compilation would have been even better if it had contained "Little Egypt" by the Coasters, since it contains a heroine (Little Egypt) who seems similar to the heroine in Ahab the Arab (Fatima). The compilation could also have been better if it had contained the song, "Does your bubble gum, etc." for the reasons mentioned above. With regard to Witch Doctor and Monster Mash, it is widely regarded that these are classics in the rock'n'roll genre. Dang Me is quite enjoyable, and Martian Hop a delightful morsel for young and old. To repeat, the sound quality on the Wacky Weirdos compact disc is excellent. I really did not care for "Transfusion," "Baby Sittin' Boogie," or "Mr. Custer." In fact, I would have gladly have spent extra if these three numbers were NOT on this disc.

Witch Doctor, Monster Mash, Ahab The Arab, and Dang Me, are all the originals. Witch Doctor, Ahab The Arab, and Dang Me, each deserves FIVE STARS. Monster Mash is a perfect "song," except for the fact that the recitation is done by a man with a soft, fuzzy voice. These four songs from the early 1960s have continued to be popular forty years later.

Witch Doctor, of course, is an essential component of any kid's childhood. However, I would recommend THE VERY BEST OF THE CHIPMUNKS WITH DAVID SEVILLE, which contains The Chipmunk Song, Alvin's Harmonica, Witch Doctor, and others. THE VERY BEST OF THE CHIPMUNKS is an essential item, along with binkys and slinkys, for any toddler.

Ahab The Arab was a "one-hit wonder" for Ray Stevens. The lyrics are a masterpiece of satire. There is not one misplaced word. Even fifty years after hearing this song, any kid will find delightful memories in the line, "With rings on her fingers, and bells on her toes, and a bone in her nose, ho-ho." Even more delightful is the faux Arabic chant and Ray Stevens' version of a camel bellowing. The camel sounds like a cross between a horse's neigh and a tuba.

Purple People Eater and Martian Hop are not the originals. Original versions of Purple People Eater and Martian Hop can be found on the Halloween compilation by Rhino Records.

For those with a pressing need for the originals of Purple People Eater adn Martian Hop, I would buy the following compilaton. The Rhino Records compilation contains these songs:

1. Monster Mash - Bobbie Boris Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

2. Haunted House - Jumpin' Gene Simmons

3. The Blob - The Five Blobs

4. Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.

5. Twilight Zone - Neil Norman & His Cosmic Orchestra

6. The Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley

7. The Addams Family (Main Title) - Vic Mizzy

8. I Put A Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins

9. Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes - Lewis Lee

10. Martian Hop - The Ran-Dells

For those with an urgent interest in wacky pop songs, I also recommend Little Egypt by the Coasters. Little Egypt by the Coasters is one of the most delightful songs from the early 1960s, and an excellent song for kids.