Burning The Ground Exclusive
In 1984, the man behind one of the most famous novelty records of all time — Bobby “Boris” Pickett, of “Monster Mash” fame — decided to bring his graveyard smash into the MTV era. Teaming up with songwriter and producer Bobby Paine, Pickett returned with “Monster Rap,” a ghoulishly fun update that fused his original horror humor with the then-new sound of hip-hop.
Released on Easy Street Records, “Monster Rap” finds Pickett reprising his mad scientist narrator, once again trying to teach his monster a few new tricks — this time, how to rap. Instead of the classic surf-rock beat, the track features a funky electro rhythm, complete with drum machines, synth bass, and a vocoder. It’s an oddball mix of Vincent Price meets Sugarhill Gang, and it totally works in that campy, early-’80s way.
Lyrically, the song keeps the tongue-in-cheek charm of the original, with Pickett delivering lines in his signature “Boris Karloff” voice, while the monster grunts and stumbles through his attempts at rhyming. Bobby Paine adds a contemporary touch to the production, layering in those unmistakable 808s and synth flourishes that make it sound right at home among other novelty rap records of the mid-’80s.
Though it didn’t achieve the same massive success as “Monster Mash”, “Monster Rap” became a cult favorite and remains a seasonal curiosity among collectors and Halloween DJs. Over the years, it’s been rediscovered by fans of early hip-hop, horror kitsch, and everything delightfully weird about the 1980s.
Nearly two decades after his graveyard hit first topped the charts, Bobby “Boris” Pickett proved he could still raise the dead — this time on the dance floor.
SIDE A:
Monster Rap (Club Mix) 5:11
Mixed By [Special Mix] – Hammer Head, Nicky “Pork Dicky” King*
SIDE B:
Monster Rap (Dub Instrumental) 5:35
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Easy Street Records – EZS-7513
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop
Style: Electro, Pop Rap, Novelty, Horror Rock
CREDITS:
- Co-producer – Bobby Paine, Roger Keay
- Engineer – Roger Keay
- Executive-Producer – Michael Gusick*
- Featuring – Bobby Paine
- Mastered By – Herb Powers*
- Producer – Richie Vetter
- Written-By – B. Paine*, B. Pickett*, F. Heller*
NOTES:
Special 12 Inch Horror Mix
Recorded & mixed at Blank Tapes, Inc.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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What an oddity! I always liked the original Monster Mash way more though! This is still a cool remix and sounds great. And we still get that great lyrical flow from ‘Boris.’ I find it charming he was still making music so many years after the original. Definitely fits the kitsch genre of Halloween music and it’s fun for a spin or two. I’d personally give myself three categories for Halloween music, definitely kitsch and moody darkwave synth tracks but then you also have more well known pop/rock tracks that I wouldn’t really slot into either of the first two… Read more »
I’m not even original, Axel F80 also said digging up, that makes it even worse lol.
Just listened to the Monster Mash, the Monster Rap Club Mix, followed by the amazing Monster Mash cover by The Big O. Great stuff. The Monster Rap didn’t inspire any cover versions unfortunately…
lol … it was already bad when I said it! But in the spirit of being kitschy for Halloween, why not?! I guess you could say, we were both just … dying … to make that joke … OK, I’ll stop now 🙂
Haha, I love that pun, JP — perfectly timed for the season! 💀 I’m right there with you — the original Monster Mash is unbeatable, but this one’s such a quirky little time capsule. There’s something really endearing about Pickett still doing his “Boris” bit decades later, trying to keep up with the 80s sound. I like your three-category approach to Halloween music, too — that’s spot-on! The “kitsch,” the “darkwave,” and the “mainstream spooky pop” all bring their own flavor. You’re absolutely right — it wouldn’t feel like Halloween without Thriller, Dead Man’s Party, and all those great themed… Read more »
I love this! Such fun. It really embodies the spirit of Halloween back in the day… when Halloween meant celebrating in school, horror movies on tv, MTV, etc. Poor kids today, lol. I do remember the Monster Rap. It was exciting to have our “own” version of the Monster Mash by the original creator! Thanks so much, I really appreciate this Paul! It will fit in perfectly with Thriller and Frankenstein 1984 for a “ghoulishly” good playlist!
Thank you, Retro Hound! 🎃 I couldn’t have said it better — this really does capture that classic 80s Halloween vibe, when the season felt like a full-on event with school parties, horror flicks on TV, and MTV playing all the spooky hits. Such a fun time to grow up! I love that you remember Monster Rap from back then — it’s true, having a “new” version from the original Monster Mash creator made it feel extra special. And pairing it with Thriller and Frankenstein 1984 sounds like the perfect nostalgic Halloween playlist! 👻🎶 So glad you enjoyed this one,… Read more »
Thank you! This is amazing! I’ve never heard of this version. I love that you keep sharing these super-rare releases! In my opinion, there are only 2 music options for Halloween: 1. Goth/Darkwave (Bauhaus, Concrete Blonde, etc.); or option 2: “Kitsch” with all the novelty songs. And when it comes to option 2, these types of songs are perfect. This song ties in perfectly with MC Hammer’s Addams Family Groove and Freddy by Fatboys… love it!
btw, do you have a Discogs link for the 1995 Monster Mash Party album you mentioned?
I believe it wasn’t an album; rather, my source might have been incorrect. The original B-side of “Monster Mash” was called “Monster Mash Party.”
Oh, OK. I thought it was maybe like a 90s Techno version … lol
Thank you, Axel! I couldn’t agree more — Halloween music really does split into those two perfect camps: the dark and moody side, and the gloriously kitschy one. 🎃 “Monster Rap” definitely belongs with the latter — right alongside Addams Family Groove and Freddy by Fat Boys! I love that you made that connection. Those fun, novelty-style tracks bring a great deal of energy to the season. Glad you enjoyed this one — it’s a rare gem that deserves a little spotlight! 👻🎶
—Paul
I couldn’t agree more with you, and I love that you keep digging up {pun intended} these amazing tunes!
Thanks Paul, I still don’t know if I like the song or not.It’s too “kitschig” 😉
You’re welcome. I never skip the “kitschig” 😊
ToxicAudio, if you’re looking for something less kitschig, check out the German version of BIoodIetting by Concrete BIonde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PniqDM9nQBI
Great description, Paul! I love it, “Horror Kitsch,” is perfectly right! When I was just a kid, “Monster Mash” made such an impression on me. Even my mom knew of the record, and I thought that was very cool. Fast forward to the 1980’s and I discovered this “Monster Rap” by reading the magazine, Dance Music Report. I didn’t buy it then, but in a few years, a “Best of Easy Street Records” came out, and I immediately bought the disc. At the time, I did think it was a bit corny but did like its hook. I loved rap… Read more »
Jeff , today I learned something : you guys also saying “Kitsch”. Very interesting. In Germany we say Kitsch to something is considered to be in poor taste but in ironic or knowing way….and I think this describes this song perfectly 😉
Toxicaudio, this is cool. I’m quite impressed by your mastery of languages. I find words and their meanings fascinating in our culture.
Have a great day!!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! I love reading your memories — and I completely agree, “Monster Mash” left its mark on just about everyone, young and old. That’s so cool that your mom knew it too! “Monster Rap” definitely falls into that so-bad-it’s-good charm zone, and I love that you first discovered it through Dance Music Report — what a great time capsule of the era. The Easy Street comp was a good find, even if the mastering wasn’t perfect. I think you’ll really enjoy the instrumental here — it lets the electro groove shine without all the camp, and it’s surprisingly… Read more »
What fun!!! I will be playing this at Halloween for my young nephews, I am certain they will love it!
That’s awesome, Raymond! 🎃 I love that you’re sharing this one with your nephews — it’s such a fun track for Halloween! I’m sure they’ll get a kick out of the monster trying to rap. It’s a perfect mix of spooky and silly. Have a blast spinning it this season! 🎶👻
—Paul