Episode 44: Streaking, Werewolves, Sharks, & Drinking: 70s Novelty Songs
PLAY LIST
Spiders and Snakes by Jim Stafford (1974)
The Streak by Ray Stevens (1974)
Mr. Jaws by Dickie Goodman (1975)
The Cover of Rolling Stone by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show (1973)
Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon (1978)
Why Don’t We Get Drunk by Jimmy Buffett (1973)
SUMMARY
To label a song as a novelty song is, to many people, to imply that the song is silly or maybe even childish. That could be true. Some novelty songs are silly. Two of silly novelty songs from the 70s that come to mind are “Shaving Cream” by Paul Wynn and “Disco Duck” by Rick Dees. Both were also hits, with “Disco Duck” making it all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. However, there is no single definition of novelty song. Some might tell stories, some might tinker with format, and many are humorous or satirical. This episode examines a few songs from the 70s that fall under the wide umbrella of novelty songs.
SOURCES
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