Goofy Greats: The Birth of Katherine’s Taste in Music
Every once in a while, you remember something from your upbringing that causes everything to fall into place. While searching through our parents vinyl collection, I happened upon the one record I listened to more than any other. It wasn’t The Cars, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, or even Queen. My most played album was entitled Goofy Greats. 28 songs across two vinyls, mostly from the 60s. Reading through the track list, it is clear where my taste in either party songs or narrative/humour based music found its origins. I have created a YouTube playlist of the tracks, but for those with limited internet access I shall also list them. Bolded items are my personal favourites.
Rockin’ Robin by Bobby Day
Alley Oop by The Hollywood Argyles
Mule Skinner Blues by The Fendermen
The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens
Chewy Chewy by Ohio Express
Beep Beep by Playmates
Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
Bony Moronie by Larry Williams
Ahab the Arab by Ray Stevens (some of this doesn’t age very well)
Georgie Porgie by Jewel Akens
Surfin Bird by The Trashmen
Little Green Bag by George Baker
Mony Mony by Tommy James and the Shondells
Yummy Yummy Yummy by Ohio Express
The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley
Loop De Loop by Johnny Thunder
Bread and Butter by Newbeats
Ya Ya by Lee Dorsey
Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop by Little Anthony and The Imperials
Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron by Royal Guardsmen
The Name Game by Shirley Ellis
Walk Right In by The Moments
The Freeze by Tony and Joe
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland
1-2-3 Red Light by 1910 Fruitgum Co
See You Later Alligator by Billy Haley & Comets
Dirty Water by The Standells
Gitarzan by Ray Stevens