Unless you’ve been living under a tombstone, you’re no doubt familiar with “The Monster Mash,” Halloween’s most quintessential song. It’s been recorded/performed countless times, from the Beach Boys to Van Halen; there are even ska and reggae versions by Bad Manners and Bruce Springsteen respectively. But the definitive – and original – version was by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, which was a graveyard smash, topping the charts in 1962. This is not that song.

While Pickett will always be remembered for his campy novelty number, few will remember (or be aware of) his sequel: “The Monster Swim.” And for good reason, as you’re about to see.

From his trademark facial contortions to a “monster” that might have been constructed by bunch of Grade 3s, this performance (not to mention a too-long cringeworthy intro by a young Dick Clark) is truly horrific – which suits us just fine, I might add, for our annual Halloween classic.

It might be noted that Pickett replaced his backing band “The Crypt Kickers” with “The Rolling Bones,” for this one.

Also, that Pickett leveraged his big hit a few more times, including “Monster Rap” in ‘80s (the mind boggles), and “It’s Alive” in 1993.

In the meantime, here’s this – and hopefully, it gets you in the mood for Halloween next week. (Stick with it, it truly is so bad it’s good).