Album Review:

Monsters were all the rage in the early 1960s, and out of that morbid obsession came some kooky, spooky, and most enjoyable albums. Such examples include It's Monster Surfing Time, The Munsters, Drag Kings, and of course, Monster Dance Party.  As to it's relation with surfing, this album may sit on the outskirts but notwithstanding the exceptional surf track, 'Monster Surf Stomp,' there are plenty of references to other surf-related idioms such as Hondas, little old ladies from Pasadena, and the Trashmen's Surfin' Bird to name a few. 

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The obligatory cover of Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's 'Monster Mash'  kicks off the album with some new punchy horn lines - "the monster mash" BAH BAH BAH BAH! Lead by what I assume is Igor, 'Monster Jerk' is adorably droll. 'Do the Rigamortis' falls slightly more annoying on 21st-century ears than the others in the set, while 'Robbin' Graves' is a cool instrumental with many eerie sound effects. 'Werewolf Watusi' is a take on Lawrence Welk and sounds very much like it could have originated from the Batman series. 'Monster Swim' features a strong brass section akin to Bobby Freeman's 'C'Mon and Swim.' 'Riboflavin-Flavored, Non-Carbonated, Polyunsaturated Blood' was released as a single and is one of the highlights despite the key being extremely straining for the female backing group. 'Phantom Of the A-Go-Go' is a take on the swing music of the 30s. 'Monster Dance Party' is an organ-led instrumental. 'Monster Surf Stomp' is as good as any monster-themed surf stomp out there and is enough reason to check out this release alone. 'That Little Old Graverobber Me' features one of the best Dean Martin impersonations I've ever heard. 'Home in the Castle East' is a gospel-tinged instrumental.

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Is Monster Dance Party essential to your collection? No. Is it basically a fun time rolled up into one album? Yes! Should you add this to your Discogs and eBay saved searches? Absolutely!