20 Tracks for Your Eclectic Halloween Playlist
Playlist and Commentary (audio)
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PLAYLIST
VIA SPOTIFY (or FINGS SONGS INDEPENDENTLY ELSEWHERE)
Skip watching a horror flick and play this 90 min list!
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FEATURED SONGS WITH VIDEOS
Ghost Town by Duran Duran
- A fun track with reggae overtones. Lyrically, it goes deeper, tying the idea of a ghost town to the destruction of modern-day youth. You did not see that coming, right? One of tracks from DD’s recent album. Hear a live version, recording from Las Vegas.
Night Terror by Dream Theater
- New ‘24 track! Nightmare defined crushingly from this riff-filled headbanger. Stay alert- this is a 10 min track (par for the course for a prog metal band). Musical trick and treat galore with skillful playing from all band members. Brilliant chord transitions throughout! Sample lyrics: Sacrificial martyr/Victim dressed in white/Headed for the slaughter/Angels cry for her tonight
Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell
-80’s classic and highly touted “one-hit wonder”. Okay, the robotic overlay sound is quite dated but- gotta love the melody! Scariest thing here—the lyrics aren’t dated in the least bit! We, average people, want to be left alone, are feeling like we’re in “The Twilight Zone”…Yes, even the IRS is watching!
Halloween by Siouxie and the Banshees
-Surprisingly thought-provoking. A piece on nostalgia linked to the pagan observance of Halloween. What to make of the verse mentioning “childish murder”? Lyrics
Ghosts Again by Depeche Mode
-See the brilliant video of this song and hear the haunting piano version of this piece from the BBC. Thoughts of this song below.
PLAYLIST
MORE TRACKS
Tales from the Crypt by Danny Elfman
-Inspired by the original show of the same title, originally on HBO. Part of my childhood was being a bit creeped out but also entertained by creepy laughs from Crypt Keeper. Hear also the remastered recording of Elfman’s piece.
Cumbria De Los Muertos by Ozomatli
-Signature “Dia de los Muertos” track. Excellent live performance from Seattle here.
Spanish(with some English) Lyrics English translation
If I Die Young by The Band Perry
-Crossover pop hit from the country-bluegrass inspired trio. Makes one contemplate their mortality, beautifully. The chorus is everything! See the video. Lyrics
Wolves by Down Like Silver
- a HAUN-ting, spine chiling song from the Nashville duo, featuring the vocals of Caitlin Canty and Peter Bradley Adams. Lends itself to cinematic imagery. Chilling refrain. I have played this one on loop for years. Lyrics
Sample lyrics: When I die, let the wolves enjoy my bones/When I die, let me go
Gravedigger by Dave Matthews
-Play whilst visiting the cemetery on All Hallows Eve, either the original band version or a live, acoustic version, like this one from Radio City Music Hall, New York
Tha Crossroads by Bone Thugs n’ Harmony
-More disturbing than the serial, American Horror Story, is the actual horror tale of gang and urban violence occuring in America. This song reflects on deaths caused from the senseless violence that is plaguing cities across the nation. See the sombering video.
Disturbia by Rihanna
-Fun little dance jam for a Halloween party. About frustration of the disturbed mind. Infectous beat. Or check out the rock version from AOL Sessions
Bring Me to Life (Synthesis) by Evanescence
-a designated Vampire-y track. There are wonderful versions of this top hit, including this synthy mix— great for dancin’ at the party. Original Version/video.
Gonna Get Close to You by Queensryche
- A “rockin’ but pop-ish “plain as black and white” gothic detour from the metal band known for more weighty songs. Music video plays out like a bad 80 terror flick but good for vampire vibin’ mood.
Spacelord by Monster Magnet
- Perhaps the most groovy, dance-y metal track made. Choice selection for the adult Halloween party attended by fishnet hose wearing French maids and corset vamps in stillettos. Wicked non sensical lyrics but ya just gotta rock along with the song. Video
The X Files Theme by Mark Snow
- Opening theme to one of my fave TV shows. Whistle along!
Hear commentary about the composing of the theme from Mark Snow.
The Tell-Tale Heart by The Alan Parsons Project
-A classic cut dedicated to Poe from the art rock band. This is one cut from a full album of intriguing Poe-inspired material. See the creepy video. Lyrics
The Same Deep Water as You by The Cure
-Lush, goth pop at its most listenable. Devastating, EERIE feels done well from narrator, Robert Smith, who would make an excellent dress-up Halloween character to portray for mannerism and looks. Long track but doesn’t drag! Hear a live version.
Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
- A favorite classic cued up to play on traditional FM rock radio. Like The Cure track above, a HAUNTING-ly, atmospheric tune centering around two lovers.
Sample lyrics: Seasons don't fear the reaper/Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain/
We can be like they are. Hear a recent live version done by BOC.
The Car and the Radio by Fernando Velasquez, from the Mama soundtrack
-Startling from the onset. Crank it up in the car before attending a scare fest or haunted house for spooky anticipation sake. Play also on YT.
PLAYLIST
COMMENTARY
CHAT:
Top haunting storyteller song?
The lyrical song I wish I had written?
Best music video?
Which are your fave spooky or dark songs? Leave a note.
COMMENTARY
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