Ray Stevens - Ahab The Arab (1969)

"Ahab The Arab" is from the album called Gitarzan and was Rays' fourth studio album, released in 1969, as well as his second for Monument Records. Unlike his previous album, "Even Stevens", this album is completely in the genres of novelty and comedy.

Although this is a true studio album, all of the songs are overdubbed with cheering and applauding of an audience to provide the feeling of a live album. Cover versions include three of the Coasters' hits ("Yakety Yak," "Little Egypt" and "Along Came Jones"), "Mr. Custer," and "Alley Oop." The album also contains re-recordings of his two novelty hits, "Harry the Hairy Ape" and "Ahab the Arab." "Freddie Feelgood (And His Funky Little Five Piece Band)" makes its first appearance on an album but is overdubbed with audience noises for this album.

Aside from "Freddie Feelgood," two singles were lifted from this album: the title track (which tells a bizarre story about Tarzan and Jane and Cheetah forming a music band) and "Along Came Jones". The album version of the former begins with cheers and applause from an audience while the single version does not.

On July 2, 1996, Varèse Sarabande rereleased this album on CD and included three bonus tracks, all three of which were singles after the release of this album: "The Streak," "The Moonlight Special," and "Bridget the Midget (The Queen of the Blues)."