#1 for week of October 10th, 1960.
Being aware this was a novelty song, and knowing that nearly all of the novelty songs on this list so far have been either duds or they haven't warranted multiple listens, I didn't have high hopes for this song. After listening to it, I'm actually surprised...It's the worst one I've heard so far!
If I was worried about "Running Bear" coming across as a bit non P.C, "Mr. Custer" takes the outdated culturally insensitive factor up to 11. The intro of the song alone made me groan. What makes the song more unbearable though is that the song isn't even sung that well.
The vocals are very out of tune, and sung in some sort of accent that sounds like Yogi Bear's pal Boo-Boo with a stuffy nose. It was probably done for comedic effect but jeez, I know it's supposed to not be a serious song, but at least "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini..." and "The Battle Of New Orleans" had listenable lead vocals. Plus, the latter at least was amusing on first listen.
This song's supposed to be about Custer's Last Sand and sung from the point of view of a soldier who doesn't want to fight alongside him. However, the song doesn't carry a strong anti or pro-war message so it really can't be used by either side as a trophy tune. It's just another non-serious history song, minus listen-ability and humor.
Even the music isn't impressive, it's mainly just a Native American drum pattern and a very subdued acoustic guitar and bass. It sounds totally uninteresting. I'm shocked that this song actually sold enough copies to warrant a spot at #1.
Final Verdict - This song comes across to me as unfunny, hideously outdated, and annoying. I wouldn't recommend it at all, and I'm quite baffled it was such a hit in the first place.
Coming Up Next - "Save The Last Dance For Me" by The Drifters.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock.
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