Tuesday, August 1, 2023

THE WORDS GET STUCK: WHO SANG THE GARGANTUA TUNE?

I finished my Frankenstein Conquers the World/The War of the Gargantuas ("Gargantuas, Frankenstein Style") article for Main Enterprises' Make Mine Monsters #4. It was a fun ride, but something confounds me.

The Bacharacian "The Words Get Stuck in My Throat" is reputedly sung by actress Kipp (The Unforgiven/Harlow) Hamilton, just before Gaira, the green Gargantua, grabs her. (You know the scene. It's famous.) However, there seems to be some dispute over whether Ms. Hamilton actually sang the song: that is, maybe she lip-synced it. 

The tune has been attributed to Trinnie Lee Kearney, at least on the soundtrack's CD liner notes, as well through a several Devo sources. (Devo covered the song in 1977.) Ms. Kearney included the composition on her album, Romantic Inception, which is as hard to find as hen's teeth. (Look up Toho Kingdom: "Frankenstein's Monsters: Sanda and Gaira - Original Soundtrack Review," by Anthony Romero, for further details.)  

Now get this. Per a YouTube post, The War of the Gargantuas: "The Words Get Stuck in My Throat" all versions!, one can discern vocals on a track that sound different than what flows from Ms. Hamilton's lips or, uh, throat. The arrangement is a tad different, too. Could this be the Kearny cut?

For the record, further credit is given to Ms. Kearney (albeit indirectly) in a Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated episode, where the tune is performed by Fran Southworth for the character, Trini Lee, who emulates Ms. Hamilton's ill-fated, stage performance. Why, though, is Trini Lee not named Kipp Hamilton (or a variation of such), since the actress is most associated with the tune? 

So, what's the deal? Did the chicken or the egg come first? Did Akira Ifukube, indeed, write the song, and if so, was it for Kearney's album or The War of the Gargantuas, as crooned by Ms. Hamilton, or was it just shared between the ladies by mere chance? Does anyone know? 

Any confirmation (or even further, helpful speculation) would be appreciated. Post a comment in the section below. Thank you!😏

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