I remember years after the hit, he was performing at a small venue in Connecticut, and they had to list him in the newspaper ad as “Loudon ‘Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road’ Wainwright III”.
The ‘70s was filled with really lame novelty records (The Dickie Goodman ones aged especially badly), but this one was better than average. Kinda has a Jim “Wildwood Weed” Stafford vibe.
My favorite of the era was Larry Groce’s “Junk Food Junkie”, which has aged VERY well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQnIL-XPerQ
Ha! I barely remembered that song, but I have heard it.
50s was the time for novelty records
The Railroad Runs Through The Middle of The House
Flying Saucer pts 1&2
Does Your ChewingGum Lose It’s Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight
Purple People Eater
Witch Doctor
Transfusion
Mr. Custer
Mule skinner Blues
Black Denim Trousers (and motorcycle boots)
That’s off the top of my head...There are more.
Also...
The Streak
Convoy
Most of them got "extended" airplay thanks to Dr. Demento. Spent many Sunday nights in college listening to the good Dr., hearing the best of Spike Jones, Tom Lehrer, Monty Python, and other "Deeeeee-mented" stars. IIRC, Dr. Demento was responsible for the discovery of Weird Al Yankovic.