When pop goes bad: novelty records

The excruciatingly catchy novelty song was a hallmark of the 1980s. Is it back? And how do you write one? Dave Simpson talks to the expertsIt's Friday night and the current lineup of Black Lace are playing the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. The audience pass round a plastic duck and hold pints aloft as they launch into the lyrics that once divided lovers of "proper music" and the wider record-buying public: "Agadoo doo-doo, push pineapple, shake a tree."Back in 1984, even the band had doubts ab...

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