Caught On Tape: Ray Parker Jr. - 'Ghostbusters'

The 1984 film, Ghostbusters, is recognized as one of the top box office comedies of the 80s, and its soundtrack features one of the most memorable themesongs of all time. Ask pretty much anyone about Ray Parker Jr.'s song, 'Ghostbusters', and you'll likely get a response of, "Who you gonna call?"

Parker's theme was a big hit on the charts, and his video received attention on the Mtv. But to a large extent, this video has since been forgotten. The music video, like the film itself, was directed by Ivan Reitman (Meatballs, Kindergarten Cop). Reitman's video features a number of celebrity cameos, who pop on screen at critical moments to mouth the name "Ghostbusters." Some of the easily recognizable faces are Chevy Chase and John Candy, but the roster also includes several celebs you never hear about anymore, and probably won't recognize if you were born post-1985.

Most of the set is filmed in darkness, illuminated by neon furniture and appliances. Ray Parker Jr.'s slick dance moves and eccentric facial expressions navigate the viewer through the haunted house as he stalks some poor young woman. I'm particularly fond of the parts where he slides out from under her bed and later chases her down the stairs singing "Yeah yeah yeah yeah!"

Really, some videos should speak for themselves. So, whether you loved the song or hated it, this video is one perfect slice of American pop-culture history.



"During the rectification of the Vuldronaii the Traveler came as a large and moving Torb. Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the Meketrex supplicants they chose a new form for him—that of a giant Sloar! Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day, I can tell you." - Vinz Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer