Tyler Clark presents: Local Mythologies writes25 Off-The-Wall Holiday Tunes: Bobby (Boris) Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers, “Monsters’ Holiday” (1962)

It's Christmas at CHIRP Radio, and we're looking for a cure for the common carol. Instead of bending to the will of the average 24-hour holiday muzak stations, we're spending the season unearthing a bunch of winter-approved tunes that you probably haven't heard for a while (or maybe even ever). Today: Boris and the Crypt-Kickers celebrate Christmas in Transylvania.
 

Bobby (Boris) Pickett And The Crypt-Kickers - "Monsters' Holiday" (1962)

You've got to give it to the late Bobby Pickett: when he found something he was good at, he stuck with it. While most people recognize his work with the 1962 hit "Monster Mash," fewer realize that "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers recorded two albums' worth of song-stories about Dracula, Igor, and the rest. (Before anyone asks: yes, that includes a studio recording of Drac's "Transylvania Twist"). This being the days of the novelty song, the gang also found time to cut a Christmas single. "Monsters' Holiday" finds Pickett resuming his best Boris Karloff impression to detail a failed plot by the monsters to rob Santa of his precious gifts. Santa's cool, though, so everyone ends up learning a lesson (and getting a present) without the need for bloodshed or ancient hexes. Now, I'll admit: no one's Christmas is going to be ruined for not hearing this song. However, for those of us who could always use an extra month of Halloween, it's a welcome addition to the playlist.