'Spokesman Review' reader remembers 'Nervous Norvus' while another seeks an opinion on the die cast market

Published: July 23, 2010

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Q: Greg, although I live in Idaho, I read your column in the "Spokesman Review" (Spokane, Wash.) and I really enjoyed your recent "Car Tunes" column on best car songs of all time.

I'm wondering if you recall a song by "Nervous Norvus" that was called "Transfusion"?

The words told not to drive fast and about drivers receiving blood transfusions after accidents. It ends with the words: "Remember to slow down today."

That's still good advice for today's drivers. Hope you heard of this song. Norma Fencl, Coeur D Alene, Idaho.

A: Norma, I sure did. "Transfusion," released in 1956, made it to No. 47 on the Billboard charts and is indeed a song about careless drivers who receive blood transfusions after each accident they are involved in.

The song was recorded by Jimmy Drake who used the stage name "Nervous Norvus" in his short-lived singing career. In the song are sounds of a car crashing after each verse, and each stanza ends with Drake singing, "Never never never gonna' speed again" followed by lines such as "Slip the blood to me, Bud" or "Pour the crimson in me, Jimson."

"Transfusion's" car crash sound effect is also heard on Jan & Dean's "Dead Man's Curve" and also in several "Speed Kills" television ads of the same era. This exact same crash sound was used on numerous radio spots, TV shows and cartoons, and features a driver screaming and then impact with sounds of car pieces flying all over the place. (If you'd like to hear "Transfusion" by Nervous Norvus, check it on YouTube, as it's readily available.)

The song was actually banned on many radio stations back in the 1956 until noted disc jockey Barry Hansen stepped forward and played it into the Top 100 hit it became. Hansen, meanwhile, then became "Dr. Demento" soon after his repeated playing of "Transfusion."

Drake passed away in 1968 at the age of 56 in Los Angeles. He had a few other songs that hit the charts, but his fame was gone within one year and he concentrated on working a recording studio for other singers.

Thanks for bringing back the memories, although "Transfusion" did not make my top 10 list.

Collectible die cast car market

Q: Greg, do you see the die cast collector model car market returning anytime soon? I invested a lot of money in certain die cast cars, both racing and highway style and am wondering if I made a bad move? Karl L., New York

A: Karl, at this point in time, I'd say not only you, but me and thousands of others made a bad move investing in die cast car and racing memorabilia. Turns out the money we paid for certain "die cast car collectibles" are now available at 50-cents on the dollar and even less on eBay.

This reality speaks for itself, as I don't know how many die cast cars you have, but I have hundreds of them with just a few that might be worth more than I paid for them. As the saying goes, "Caveat Emptor, "(let the buyer beware) as it sure seems like the manufacturers of these collectibles, many now out of the business, took advantage of a hot market back in the 1990s and in the early 2000 decade.

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(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist who welcomes reader questions on anything to do with cars at 116 Main St., Towanda, PA 18848, or e-mail him at extramile_2000@yahoo.com.)

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