Sunny Sloth – Monster Rally
The Monster Mash: A History of Monster Rally Music
From Creepy Crawlies to Killer Tunes:
Monster Rally, the music genre that embraces the spooky and the silly, has a long and strange history, just like its namesake monsters.
Early Days: Imagine the roaring twenties, but instead of flappers and jazz, you have Frankenstein’s monster doing the Charleston. That was the starting point of monster music. Early radio shows like “The Shadow” and “Inner Sanctum” used sound effects and music to evoke chills and thrills, setting the stage for the monsters to move and groove.
The Birth of the “Monster Mash”: The 1950s saw the rise of monster movies, and with them came the need for a musical soundtrack. The classic “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett (funny fact: his real name was Robert Pickett, but “Boris” added that extra spooky touch) became an instant anthem, solidifying the genre’s place in the cultural landscape.
Not All About Monsters: While monster-themed songs are the heart and soul of the genre, it incorporates various styles, from rockabilly (“The Creature Put the Bones in Motion”) to surf (“The Werewolf of London”). Think of it as a spooky musical melting pot.
The Funny Side: The genre wouldn’t be complete without its humorous side.
- The “Monster Mash” was originally rejected by record labels: Talk about a monster rejection!
- The song “Werewolf” by the Cramps was initially meant to be a disco track: Now imagine those howling vocals over a four-on-the-floor beat.
- The band The Misfits, pioneers of “horror punk,” had a song called “Where Do The Monsters Go?”: It’s a question that still haunts us!
The Future of the Monster Mash: Despite being a niche genre, Monster Rally music continues to be embraced by fans of all ages. From Halloween parties to retro nights, the music reminds us that even monsters can dance.
So next time you hear the chilling chords of a monster song, remember the history of this quirky, spooky, and ultimately fun genre. And don’t forget to do the “Monster Mash!”