Keepers: A Graveyard Smash

I have been thinking about “keepers” – items you choose to hold onto throughout your life. “Keepers” can mean all kinds of things, but I’m thinking mostly about my music collection. Albums, singles, and compact discs. Lots and lots of them.

I generally think that I began to intentionally collect recorded music in 1975, but I had a small accumulation of albums and singles in my possession before that. Among those records was the 1973 single of “Monster Mash” by Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt Keepers.

“Monster Mash” was a #1 hit single on Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart when it was released on the Garpax label in 1962, but the 1973 reissue (on the Parrot label) sailed up to the #10 slot on the “Hot 100”. That’s when I heard the song, and acquired the 45.

I don’t remember whether I bought the single myself – unlikely, as I was just eight years old. It’s more likely that someone bought it for me, though I don’t remember one way or another. All I know is that 50 years ago, I cranked out a DymoTape sticker proclaiming, “RICH W.” and affixed it to the label of the b-side, “Monster Mash Party”. I have been the sole owner of this record ever since.

That’s a keeper to me, for sure.

~217~