Burning The Ground Exclusive
🧛♂️ “Let’s all go to the crypt where the cool ghouls hang!”
In 1992, the wisecracking host of HBO’s Tales from the Crypt decided to take his gruesome groove to the dance floor with “The Crypt Jam.” Voiced by John Kassir in character as the delightfully demented Crypt Keeper, the single was released on Big Screen Records and both written and produced by Chuckii Booker, the multi-talented R&B artist best known for his hits “Turned Away” and “Games.”
Booker’s production gives “The Crypt Jam” a slick early-’90s new jack swing feel—thick, punchy beats, funky synth bass, and layers of spooky samples. What could have been a mere novelty track is instead surprisingly danceable and well-crafted, thanks to Booker’s polished touch.
The Crypt Keeper’s signature cackles, graveyard puns, and horror humor are all here in full force—making it a fun, campy club track that bridges the gap between horror fandom and early ’90s dance culture.
The music video, featuring the Crypt Keeper rapping, dancing, and surrounded by creepy party guests, aired on MTV and was included on various Tales from the Crypt home video releases. It’s gloriously over-the-top: part Halloween special, part hip-hop parody, and pure early-’90s entertainment.
Though “The Crypt Jam” didn’t chart, it found an afterlife as a Halloween cult favorite. Fans of Booker’s production can easily hear his rhythmic fingerprints throughout, turning the Crypt Keeper’s macabre humor into something that could have haunted any club floor in 1992.
💀 Fun Fact:
Chuckii Booker’s involvement makes this one of the rare novelty singles tied to a TV character that actually carries legitimate R&B and dance credentials. Booker handled everything from songwriting to production, giving the track a professional polish that sets it apart from most TV tie-ins of the era.
🕸️ For this post, I created custom sleeve artwork to give this undead dance floor classic the proper cover it never had. Inspired by vintage Tales from the Crypt comic art and early-’90s horror design, it captures the ghoulish fun and funky energy of The Crypt Jam.
Even after three decades, this spooky groove proves that when it comes to beats from beyond the grave, nobody does it deader than the Crypt Keeper.
SIDE A:
The Crypt Jam (Radio Edit) 4:00
The Crypt Jam (Album Version) 4:31
Scales From The Crypt (Club Mix) 7:08
SIDE B:
The Crypt Jam (TV Mix) 4:30
The Crypt Jam (A Cappella Crypt Keeper Mix) 3:46
The Crypt Jam (Fat Instrumental Mix) 3:46
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Big Screen Records – PRO-A-5577
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: RnB/Swing, Pop Rap, Horror Rock
CREDITS:
- Lacquer Cut By – M.M*
- Mixed By – Rob Chiarelli
- Producer, Written-By – Chuckii Booker
NOTES:
Custom artwork: DjPaulT
PROMOTION ONLY.
NOT FOR SALE.
Performed By The Crypt Keeper (John Kassir)
LP Version from the Big Screen Records album
ORIGINAL MUSIC FROM TALES FROM THE CRYPT
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
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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Great custom record sleeve!
Thx Paul. Ok, it has the Jam and a bit New Jack Swing. But I understand : “This is the Kitsch Jam” am I wrong? 😉
Haha, you’re not wrong! 😊 It’s definitely got that early ’90s kitsch vibe mixed with Chuckii Booker’s slick new jack swing production — the perfect combo of spooky fun and funky groove. The Crypt Keeper was clearly dying to be on the dance floor! 💀🎶
—Paul
As Crocodile Dundee might say… “THAT’s a Spooky Spin!” What a treat, thanks for dropping this before Halloween! I too remember watching Tales from the Crypt all the time when it was airing and was always excited about a new episode. I remember when they showed the video for this on TV and I was slightly confused about what was happening while at the same time elated and transfixed. The part of the video that always cracks me up is when the Crypt Keeper is doing his thing while the woman’s derriere is gyrating right next to him, reminiscent of… Read more »
Thanks, JP! 🎃 I love your “Spooky Spin” reference — that’s perfect! I had the same reaction when I first saw the video years ago… equal parts confused and entertained. You’re absolutely right about those Thriller nods and that moment with the Crypt Keeper and the dancer — pure early-’90s madness! I’m glad you noticed Chuckii Booker’s touch too. It’s such a slick production for something that could’ve easily fallen into pure novelty territory. And yes — those mixes! The “A Cappella” title still cracks me up, but it’s fun hearing the different elements stripped back. Totally agree about the… Read more »
The Cryptkeeper is less well-known here. The series was dubbed on TV, but it’s been 30 years since any of the episodes aired here. The movies are still occasionally shown. Otherwise, the series is less well-known in Germany. I only heard about “The Crypt Jam” for the first time 2-3 years ago. So, it’s not very well-known in Germany. But I like it. As I see, there are two exclusive mix versions on this 12-inch record, and it’s strange that there’s a video clip, but apparently only a cassette tape commercially. A very interesting recording, and I thank you very… Read more »
Thank you, Ingmar! 🎃 That’s really interesting to hear about how Tales from the Crypt was received in Germany. It makes sense that the show (and The Crypt Keeper himself) might not have been as well-known there if it hasn’t aired in so long. Still, I’m glad you discovered “The Crypt Jam” — it’s such a fun and unusual slice of early ’90s pop culture! Yes, those exclusive mixes are a real treat, and the fact that it only had a commercial cassette release makes it even more of a curiosity. I’m happy to share a clean digital version so… Read more »
Such ghoulish fun!! You’re right, this really does carry legitimate R&B and dance credentials – great work from Chuckii Booker! I love how your Halloween posts are outside the normal “crypt!” Another great one to add to my spookily delightful mixes! And kudos to you, Paul, for taking on this project with 6 distinct mixes! Have a great weekend and to all the little ghoulies here too!
Thanks so much, Retro Hound! I really appreciate that. Chuckii Booker did such a fantastic job giving this one real groove and polish—it’s far more than just a novelty track. I had a great time putting all six mixes together; it’s always fun to dig into something a little offbeat for Halloween. Glad you’re adding it to your spooky mix list, and hope you have a great weekend too! 🎃👻
—Paul
This one tickles my funny bone
“We’ll have skeletons of fun”
Love the slamming new jack backing.
Thanks for another surprising share, Paul.
peace,
dj
Thanks, DJ! That line always makes me laugh too—such perfect Crypt Keeper humor. I’m glad you’re digging the new jack groove; Chuckii Booker really gave it some serious swing. Always appreciate you listening and sharing the good vibes.
—Paul
So weird that track B2 uses the word “acapella” because I’m hearing a LOT of music behind those vocals lol
Right? I thought the same thing, Tim! Definitely not an a cappella in the true sense—more like a stripped-back mix with some instrumental elements still running underneath. The labeling on this release is a bit all over the place, but that’s part of what makes these oddball 12-inches so fun to explore.
—Paul
I used to love that show, so I’m super excited about this (unknown to me) 12″ single! THANK YOU for making Halloween so amazing this year, Paul!
Oh, and I love the custom cover art you created!
Thanks so much, Axel! I really appreciate that. I had a lot of fun putting the artwork together—wanted it to feel like something that could’ve come straight out of the Tales from the Crypt universe. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, Axel! I’m so glad this one was new to you. It’s such a fun and unexpected gem for fans of the show—pure early ’90s spooky energy. I really enjoyed bringing it out just in time for Halloween. Appreciate the kind words and hope your Halloween season is a blast!
—Paul
Gosh, I wish I could come up with the delightfully ghoulish way The Crypt Keeper talked to describe this phenomenal release! Paul, I can’t praise you enough for this 12-inch version. I remember seeing the video after one of the TV episodes and immediately rushed to the record store to purchase the television soundtrack. It’s been a favorite of mine for years to put on Halloween compilations I’ve made. You’re so right about this record, although considered a novelty track, the production and quality raise the level so much! Those horns, and the effects are incredible. And the lyrics, perfect… Read more »
Thanks so much, Jeff! I always enjoy reading your comments—you have such a great way of capturing exactly what makes these records special. I love that you remember seeing the video back when it aired; that must’ve been such a thrill. Totally agree—those horns, the sound effects, and Kassir’s delivery make it pure Halloween perfection. Chuckii Booker really gave it a level of quality that takes it far beyond a typical novelty track. I’m honored it made your top ten spooky season favorites! Thanks again for the kind words and for sharing your enthusiasm. Hope you have an awesome weekend… Read more »