RANKED! OUR 10 FAVORITE NOVELTY HITS & A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST!

Novelty is the great parent of pleasure.
Robert South

Let’s dive into the whimsical world of novelty songs! These delightful musical oddities have a way of sticking in our heads, making us laugh, and sometimes even ponder the absurdity of life. Whether you’re a seasoned novelty enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this genre, here’s a curated list of some timeless and quirky tunes that deserve a spotlight:

“Our Ten” encompasses a diverse collection of songs that hold personal significance and bring a sense of novelty to our lives. From timeless classics to hidden gems, these tunes have the power to evoke cherished memories and emotions. Exploring the unique melodies and lyrics, each song becomes a gateway to a different world, offering a source of inspiration and comfort.

As we immerse ourselves in the oftentimes silly storytelling, we create a soundtrack that resonates with our individual experiences and milestones. The connection forged with these personal novelty tunes transcends time and trends, forming an intricate part of our identity and self-expression. So, without further ado, let’s keep delving into “Our Ten” and the impact that these melodies have on our lives.

NOTE: CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A VIDEO PERFORMANCE OF EACH SONG

10. KING TUT – STEVE MARTIN (1978)

“King Tut” is a novelty song that gained popularity in the late 1970s. It was performed by comedian Steve Martin and the Toot Uncommons, who were actually members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The song humorously references the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun and the Treasures of Tutankhamun traveling exhibit that toured seven American cities from 1976 to 1979. The exhibit showcased artifacts from King Tut’s tomb and attracted widespread attention and interest.

“King Tut” became widely known after its first performance on Saturday Night Live, where Steve Martin showcased his comedic talents and musical abilities by singing and dancing to the catchy tune. The song’s lyrics playfully incorporate elements of ancient Egyptian history with a modern twist, making it a light-hearted and entertaining tribute to the iconic pharaoh.

The success of “King Tut” not only propelled Steve Martin further into the spotlight as a multi-talented entertainer but also contributed to popularizing the fascination with ancient Egyptian culture during that time. The upbeat and whimsical nature of the song resonated with audiences, and it remains a nostalgic and memorable piece of comedic music history.

Peak Position in the: US #17

9. VALLEY GIRL – FRANK & MOON ZAPPA (1982)

“Valley Girl” is a song with a fascinating backstory. It was released as the sole single from Frank Zappa’s 1982 album Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch. The song, featuring Zappa’s then-14-year-old daughter Moon, was originally intended to mockingly satirize San Fernando Valley teen culture. However, its unexpected success inadvertently led to popularizing the “valley girl” stereotype and its associated mannerisms.

Interestingly, the song received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards, reflecting its impact and recognition in the music industry. This unexpected twist in the song’s reception adds to its historical significance and makes it a unique piece of pop culture history.

Peak Position in the: US #32

8. PAC-MAN FEVER – BUCKNER & GARCIA (1981)

“Pac-Man Fever” is a truly iconic hit single by Buckner & Garcia that perfectly captured the essence of the video game craze of the early 1980s. With its catchy tune and nostalgic lyrics about the classic video game Pac-Man, the song climbed to the impressive position of number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in March 1982. Its success didn’t end there, as in the same month, it achieved Gold certification from the RIAA for shipping over one million units to retailers. By the year’s end, the single had sold a remarkable 1.2 million copies, and as of 2008, it had amassed an incredible total of 2.5 million copies sold. The enduring popularity of “Pac-Man Fever” was further underscored when VH1 honored it by ranking it at number 98 on their prestigious list of 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s. This enduring classic undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music scene and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.

Peak Position in the: US #9

7. CONVOY – C.W. MCCALL (1975)

“Convoy” is a 1975 novelty song performed by C. W. McCall (a character co-created and voiced by Bill Fries, along with Chip Davis) that became a number-one song on both the country and pop charts in the US and is listed 98th among Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. The song, written by McCall and Chip Davis, resonated with audiences, spending an impressive six weeks at number one on the country charts and one week at number one on the pop charts. Not confined to the US, “Convoy” also reached the number one spot in Canada, topping the RPM Top Singles Chart on January 24, 1976, showcasing its widespread appeal. Its popularity extended to the UK, where it peaked at number two, affirming its global impact.

The cultural significance of “Convoy” is further underscored by its resonation with the fad for citizens band (CB) radio. The song cleverly capitalised on this cultural movement, endearing itself to a diverse audience. Its enduring influence even extended to the film industry, as it served as the inspiration for the 1978 Sam Peckinpah film Convoy, leading to a rerecording of the song by McCall to align with the film’s storyline.

Notably, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity with its use during the 2022 Freedom Convoy. As revealed in a call with WRIF’s Drew & Mike Show shortly before his passing, Fries expressed his excitement over the song’s revival through its association with the Freedom Convoy, emphasizing that his biggest hit was gaining a second life, thus solidifying the song’s lasting impact across generations and social movements.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #2

6. THE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER – SHEB WOOLEY (1958)

“The Purple People Eater” is a novelty song written and performed by Sheb Wooley, which reached No. 1 in the Billboard pop charts in 1958 from June 9 to July 14, No. 1 in Canada, reached No. 12 overall in the UK Singles Chart, and topped the Australian chart.

The song’s catchy and unconventional lyrics, coupled with Wooley’s charismatic delivery, made it an instant hit and a timeless piece of pop culture. Its whimsical tale of a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eater captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, cementing its status as a beloved classic.

The success of “The Purple People Eater” extended beyond the charts, as it inspired a film adaptation and numerous references in popular media. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact of Sheb Wooley’s musical creation, which continues to evoke nostalgia and amusement for generations of listeners.

From its initial rise to the top of the music charts to its enduring legacy, “The Purple People Eater” remains a delightful and enduring anthem of the 1950s, bringing joy to audiences across the globe with its infectious melody and whimsical narrative. Its ability to captivate audiences across different countries further illustrates the universal appeal of its lighthearted message and memorable tune.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #12

5. ITSY BITSY TEENY WEENY YELLOW POLKA DOT BIKINI – BRIAN HYLAND (1990)

“Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” is a truly iconic novelty song that has left a lasting impact on the music industry. This cheerful tune, written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, first graced the airwaves in June 1960 through the rendition performed by Brian Hyland, accompanied by an orchestra conducted by John Dixon. Its widespread popularity was evidenced by its rise to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with over a million copies sold in the US alone, solidifying its status as a chart-topping hit. The infectious melody and whimsical lyrics captured the hearts of listeners globally, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.

The song’s transcendence is further evident in its adaptation into French as “Itsy bitsy petit bikini” and into German as “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Honolulu-Strand-Bikini“, both achieving number one status on national charts in their respective languages. The appeal of this song extended beyond its original release, as various versions continued to charm audiences across Europe, experiencing remarkable success in different countries. Notably, in 1990, the British pop band Bombalurina revitalized the song with their rendition titled “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini“, achieving the coveted number one position on the UK Singles Chart as well as in Ireland.

The enduring popularity and cross-cultural impact of “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” solidify its place in music history, as it remains a beloved and timeless classic embraced by audiences around the world.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #8

4. EAT IT – “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC (1984)

“Eat It” is a 1984 song by American comedy music artist “Weird Al” Yankovic. It is a parody of Michael Jackson’s 1983 single “Beat It”, with the contents changed to be about an exasperated parent attempting to get their picky child to eat anything at all, much less to eat properly. The track was both a commercial and critical success, earning Yankovic a Grammy Award. It peaked at number twelve in the United States, making it his first top 40 hit in that country, and reached number one in Australia.

The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Jay Levey, mimicked Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” video and brought a humorous twist to the original choreography and thematic elements. Yankovic’s clever and playful lyrics, paired with his eccentric style, contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and enduring popularity among audiences of all ages.

Yankovic’s ability to craft entertaining and witty parodies has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry. His knack for transforming popular hits into humorous and relatable narratives has resonated with listeners worldwide, earning him a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades throughout his career. Through “Eat It” and his other works, “Weird Al” Yankovic continues to showcase his unparalleled talent for blending comedic flair with musical creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.

Peak Position in the: US #12 UK #36

3. MONSTER MASH – BOBBY PICKETT (1962)

The song “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett is a timeless classic that has captured the Halloween spirit for decades. Originally released in 1962 as a single on Gary S. Paxton’s Garpax Records label, the catchy tune quickly gained popularity and became a chart-topping hit. In fact, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart from October 20–27 of the same year, perfectly aligning with the Halloween season and solidifying its status as a holiday staple.

Accompanying the single was a full-length LP titled The Original Monster Mash, which featured a collection of other spooktacular, monster-themed songs. This album allowed listeners to fully immerse themselves in the eerie and playful world of “Monster Mash” and other Halloween-inspired melodies.

It’s noteworthy that “Monster Mash” has endured the test of time, remaining a beloved favorite for Halloween celebrations. Even in 2021, nearly 60 years after its initial release, the song made a remarkable return to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, re-entering at number 37. This resurgence is a testament to the enduring appeal of “Monster Mash” and its enduring ability to enchant audiences across generations, making it a quintessential part of Halloween festivities for years to come.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #3

2. MR. JAWS – DICKIE GOODMAN (1975)

Mr. Jaws is a novelty song by Dickie Goodman that was released on Cash Records in 1975. The song is a humorous parody of the 1975 summer blockbuster film Jaws, featuring Goodman interviewing the shark (referred to as “Mr. Jaws”) as well as characters from the movie such as Brody, Hooper, and Quint. What sets this song apart is Goodman’s technique of “break-in” music sampling, where the interview answers are cleverly composed of lyrics from popular songs of that year.

The success of “Mr. Jaws” was evident as the single peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1975. It performed even better on the Cash Box Top 100, attaining the #1 position. Subsequently, Goodman went on to create more parodies of Hollywood films, complemented by his political satire records. Notably, the B-side of “Mr. Jaws” was “Irv’s Theme”.

Interestingly, the name “Cash Records” was a suggested name by Goodman when he was asked whom the record company should make the check payable to, adding a touch of humor to the label’s origin. The recording of this catchy novelty song took place at Sear Sound in New York, engineered by Russ Hamm. Initially, the songs were sampled; however, with the song’s growing popularity, sound-alike recordings replaced the original samples on later pressings.

The songs that were sampled are:

Main Title (Theme From ‘Jaws’) by John Williams
“Dynomite” by Bazuka
“Please Mr. Please” by Olivia Newton-John
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor
“Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War
“Get Down Tonight” by KC and the Sunshine Band
“The Hustle” by Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
“Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille
“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell
“One Of These Nights” by Eagles
“Jive Talkin'” by Bee Gees
“I’m Not in Love” by 10cc
“Midnight Blue” by Melissa Manchester

Peak Position in the: US – #4

HONORABLE MENTION:

1. THE STREAK – RAY STEVENS (1974)

“The Streak” is a significant cultural artifact, embodying the social phenomenon of streaking that gained popularity in the 1970s. Ray Stevens’ genius in capturing the spirit of this quirky fad resulted in the creation of a country/novelty song that resonated with audiences far and wide. Released as the lead single to his album “Boogity Boogity” in February 1974, “The Streak” swiftly ascended the music charts, securing its place as one of Stevens’ most successful recordings.

Notably, “The Streak” reached the top position on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US, where it remained for three consecutive weeks in May 1974. Its impact extended to the country music scene, where it peaked at an impressive No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s international appeal was evident as it achieved the coveted No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart, marking a momentous achievement for Ray Stevens.

This infectious tune’s widespread acclaim is further underscored by its remarkable sales, with over five million copies sold globally. Its enduring popularity is highlighted by its inclusion in Billboard‘s top hits of 1974, securing the eighth position on the esteemed list. “The Streak” remains an unforgettable musical composition that reflects the vibrant cultural landscape of its time and continues to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal.

Peak Position in the: US – #1 UK – #1

In addition to the novelty songs we’ve already covered, here’s my secondary list – a nod to those forgotten quirky tunes that deserve their moment in the spotlight:

“Yakety Yak”: Playful and catchy, this song humorously lists household chores and parental advice.
“Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”: A quirky track that playfully explores historical name changes.
“Fish Heads”: Surreal and absurd, this song celebrates the oddity of fish heads.
“They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!”: A darkly comedic song about being taken to a mental institution.
“Pencil Neck Geek”: A tongue-in-cheek anthem for all the nerds and misfits out there.
“The Name Game”: A playful tune where you create rhymes with people’s names – a guaranteed icebreaker at parties.
“Witch Doctor”: A catchy song about seeking advice from a magical medicine man.
“My Ding-a-Ling”: Chuck Berry’s cheeky ode to a certain male appendage.
“Tiptoe Through the Tulips”: Tiny Tim’s falsetto rendition – odd, endearing, and unforgettable.
“Funky Chicken”: Rufus Thomas teaches us the funky chicken dance moves – get ready to groove!

So, listen up! Music is as subjective as your mom’s taste in fashion, and everyone’s got their own jam. Whether you’re belting out “Yakity Yak” like a rockstar or busting out the “Funky Chicken,” these ridiculously entertaining songs just keep on hitting the right notes for people of all ages. 🎶✨

Get on the fun train and dig into these tracks on my Spotify Playlist. Let them sprinkle some of their musical magic into your life! 🌟🎵

There you have it, folks. Our top Ten novelty tunes. Now, it’s your turn. What would make the cut for “Your Ten”? Drop your thoughts in a comment below and let’s compare notes!

Before you leave, please check out our previous entries in the “Our Ten” series here on Moteventure!