Funny you should mention this topis. Earlier this week I was singing the refrain from an old novelty song from the late 1950's (like my mother, I am cursed with a head ful of musical trivia that pop out at unexpected times -- sort of Turrette's with music.
Yesterday, Colleen complained that she could not get it out of her head. The song, calle 'The Witch Doctor', was first recorded by David Seville a pseudonym of Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., son of the creator of Alvin & the Chipmunks (ohhhh-KAY!) and composer and lyricist of the song.
Herewith:
(a) the lyrics of said refrain (its appeal is immediately obvious):
(b) a YouTube video of the original recording of the song (dig the 45 -- that's a 45RPM record, for the youngsters among the readership): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ctvt4MucN8
In my owne meagre way, I can only contribute supporting trivia:
released in 1966 by the artise Napoleon XIV, pseudonym for Jerry Samuels, best known for his 1956 hit 'Puppy Love'. Written by Paul Anka, the only clips I could find of this song were of its 1972(?) cover by my personal favorite, Donny Osmond (ugh, for those of you who don't pick up easily on irony)
In my search for a YouTube citation of the original 'Puppy Love', I found this inappropriate-for-delicate-sensibilities-but-nonetheless-hilarious-in-a-crass-and-vulgar-sort-of-way video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCt0-iO2p_o&feature=related
hahhahah. . . Alvin & the Chipmunks - who knows what memories lurk in the dark recesses of our minds, waiting to be revived through odd-blogs? and of course, now it's stuck in that merciless loop of snippets that will accompany me through my day - THANKS! ~.~
Bentley's choice is one I actually had on 7" - if I remember correctly the 'b' side was the song "sung" backwards (speaking of tape loops, ha). . .
oh, and back to the original post - Tegan and Sara (love them) have been getting good airplay on the station I livestream - kcrw - so that song is already 'stuck'. . .gotta give the mind something to play with, eh?
OKOK, just one more comment and I really gotta go.
First, you nascent fans of obnoixious musical trvia may be unaware of the master of same, Dr. Demento: http://drdemento.com/
Second, one cannot let this post go without mention of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, perhaps best known for his hit 'I Pu a Spell on You'.
I looking for clips to post, I couldn't find something which combined the original recording with something that showed Screamin' Jay's ummm, stage presence, so you'll have to sit through two clips and add them together for the full monte effect.
First, the original recording (remastered): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrbBUpuQ4M
Next, a clip of a more recent TV appearance that shows the man himself in full regailia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orNpH6iyokI
And now, gentle reader, I leave you to your Sunday: wrapping Christmas gifts, making a last minute run to the mall (not me! I'm all for ecommerce!), goofing off, or doing plumbing
oh my I watched all of those utube links and then found this re-make and thought I'd send it your way since it is related to the last comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPw1i9dAJiQ&feature=related
Speaking of songs that get stuck in one's head, has anyone ever seen the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "The Survivors" (Season 3, Episode 3)?
In the episode, the Enterprise is responding to a distress call from Rana IV; when the Enterprise arrives, only two survivors are found on the planet. Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) is trying to sense the emotions of the survivors, but is plagued by the melody of a music box playing over & over in her mind.
I was especially impressed by Marina Sirtis's acting in "The Survivors"; to portray mental affliction is no easy task. Some people thought that her acting in the episode was the best, while some thought that the same performance was the worst. Personally, I give credit where credit is due. Great job, Marina!
Welcome sir. I am sometimes absolutely baffled by how people end up on this blog, and you definitely are the latest puzzle. I'm glad you found it, I hope you like it.
I'm now going to have to check out that Star Trek episode. I remember the one you are referring to, but only vaguely. I need to see it now.
I'm a 38-year-old recent college graduate in Biology, husband, and new father, recovering from a career as an electrician. These blogs are intended for recreational use only -- any medicinal benefits are purely coincidental.
Email me with any rants, concerns or questions.
17 comments:
Funny you should mention this topis. Earlier this week I was singing the refrain from an old novelty song from the late 1950's (like my mother, I am cursed with a head ful of musical trivia that pop out at unexpected times -- sort of Turrette's with music.
Yesterday, Colleen complained that she could not get it out of her head. The song, calle 'The Witch Doctor', was first recorded by David Seville a pseudonym of Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., son of the creator of Alvin & the Chipmunks (ohhhh-KAY!) and composer and lyricist of the song.
Herewith:
(a) the lyrics of said refrain (its appeal is immediately obvious):
Ooo eee,ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla bing bang...
Ooo eee ,ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla ,bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla bing bang
(b) a YouTube video of the original recording of the song (dig the 45 -- that's a 45RPM record, for the youngsters among the readership):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ctvt4MucN8
Oh my, played the song for The Wife and now she's threatening your life, it's stuck in her head.
LOL!
Apropos of 1958 novelty hits, herewith is Sheb Wooley's 'One Eyed, One Horned, Flying Purple People Eater'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9H_cI_WCnE
The lyric is a msterpiece of existential uncertainty, in that it never resolves whether it is the Eater who is purple, or the people whome he eats.
Enjoy the low quility B&W video.
I remain, faithfully,
Your source for annoying musical trivia.
"The lyric is a msterpiece of existential uncertainty, in that it never resolves whether it is the Eater who is purple, or the people whome he eats."
An instant classic, The Wife curled up laughing at that one.
"That guy has way too much fucking time on his hands... WRONG!"
awesome
And no, I will not listen to that song -- I know better. I know the song, and it will torture me.
In the words of Marverlous Marv Albert, sportscaster and fellow crossdresser to J Edgar Hoover, "He shoots! He SCORES!!!"
If ya'll come to Walla Walla I can provide plenty more (of what? I ain't a-gonna says.)
This is another good one that i tend to get stuck in my head while i'm at school..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9GBDfAAaWU
(Cuz, you know, school drives me nuts)
Napolean XIV - They are coming to take me away.
OH!
And
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxTI5wP6Rpc
Was(not was) - Hello Dad? I'm in Jail
Bentley, both those are classics from my high school years (that's before the dawn of time for you).
We watched that Hello Dad video so many times in High school, just cracked us up to no end.
I had the other song memorized for most of my junior high/high school years.
hoho hehe haha
Bentley,
My MAN! Most excellent find, sir!
In my owne meagre way, I can only contribute supporting trivia:
released in 1966 by the artise Napoleon XIV, pseudonym for Jerry Samuels, best known for his 1956 hit 'Puppy Love'. Written by Paul Anka, the only clips I could find of this song were of its 1972(?) cover by my personal favorite, Donny Osmond (ugh, for those of you who don't pick up easily on irony)
In my search for a YouTube citation of the original 'Puppy Love', I found this inappropriate-for-delicate-sensibilities-but-nonetheless-hilarious-in-a-crass-and-vulgar-sort-of-way video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCt0-iO2p_o&feature=related
Stu, that video is hilarious. I ran into it about a year ago, when it first went viral.
soooo funny
Nnnaaa sir, your not THAT much older then me. :P 11 years! Unless you were very advanced at the highschool level :P
hahhahah. . . Alvin & the Chipmunks - who knows what memories lurk in the dark recesses of our minds, waiting to be revived through odd-blogs? and of course, now it's stuck in that merciless loop of snippets that will accompany me through my day - THANKS! ~.~
Bentley's choice is one I actually had on 7" - if I remember correctly the 'b' side was the song "sung" backwards (speaking of tape loops, ha). . .
oh, and back to the original post - Tegan and Sara (love them) have been getting good airplay on the station I livestream - kcrw - so that song is already 'stuck'. . .gotta give the mind something to play with, eh?
OKOK, just one more comment and I really gotta go.
First, you nascent fans of obnoixious musical trvia may be unaware of the master of same, Dr. Demento: http://drdemento.com/
Second, one cannot let this post go without mention of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, perhaps best known for his hit 'I Pu a Spell on You'.
I looking for clips to post, I couldn't find something which combined the original recording with something that showed Screamin' Jay's ummm, stage presence, so you'll have to sit through two clips and add them together for the full monte effect.
First, the original recording (remastered): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrbBUpuQ4M
Next, a clip of a more recent TV appearance that shows the man himself in full regailia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orNpH6iyokI
And now, gentle reader, I leave you to your Sunday: wrapping Christmas gifts, making a last minute run to the mall (not me! I'm all for ecommerce!), goofing off, or doing plumbing
oh my I watched all of those utube links and then found this re-make and thought I'd send it your way since it is related to the last comment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPw1i9dAJiQ&feature=related
Love all these auxiliary links. Stu, I'm a huge Screamin' Jay fan. Catherine, I never knew Manson covered that song, it's awesome.
Speaking of songs that get stuck in one's head, has anyone ever seen the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "The Survivors" (Season 3, Episode 3)?
In the episode, the Enterprise is responding to a distress call from Rana IV; when the Enterprise arrives, only two survivors are found on the planet. Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) is trying to sense the emotions of the survivors, but is plagued by the melody of a music box playing over & over in her mind.
I was especially impressed by Marina Sirtis's acting in "The Survivors"; to portray mental affliction is no easy task. Some people thought that her acting in the episode was the best, while some thought that the same performance was the worst. Personally, I give credit where credit is due. Great job, Marina!
Welcome sir. I am sometimes absolutely baffled by how people end up on this blog, and you definitely are the latest puzzle. I'm glad you found it, I hope you like it.
I'm now going to have to check out that Star Trek episode. I remember the one you are referring to, but only vaguely. I need to see it now.
Thanks for stopping by,
Bp
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