It's trick or treat time -- and what's a Halloween party without a scary music playlist? - one of the best times of the year not only for the little goblins, but also for the big party creatures out there as well.
It seems everyone knows somebody who is throwing a big bash and doing their version of the Monster Mash. That got us thinking - what's a Halloween party without a scary music playlist?
Keep in mind of course, there are thousands of spooky ones to go through, both old and new, so don't chop our heads off if your favourite isn't listed. In fact, you can add in your own at the bottom of the page!!
Time to cut to the chase - here's our ultimate spooky playlist:
Talking Heads
Psycho Killer
This creepy 1977 hit song from David Byrne and co. was thought to be, at the time, about the infamous Son of Sam serial killer David Berkowitz. He terrorized New York City in 1976-77, killing six young women, and taunted police with rambling letters. The band denied this, saying the song was written well before the murders took place. Regardless, with its pulsating bass line and macabre lyrics, it became the soundtrack of the time, and has always been in some way, linked to the killings.
Creedance Clearwater Revival
Bad Moon Rising
This John Fogerty-penned 1969 classic may be the most uplifting tune on this list - the one that's most likely to get people shakin' in their boots. And clocking in at just over two minutes, you may want to put it on multiple times.
Yes, masters of the obvious on this one. But hey, you can't have a spooky little soiree without this being cranked at top volume. Just make sure it's played later on in the night when the extremely boozed-up sap who can't dance makes a complete ass of himself. Cue Vincent Price laugh track.
AC/DC
Highway to Hell
You don't really need Halloween as an excuse to play this, do you? This 1979 title track was the last featuring Bon Scott, who was in his own personal highway of hell. He died months after its release of "acute alcohol poisoning" and "death by misadventure" after a heavy night of drinking. Be responsible, kids.
The Rolling Stones
Sympathy for the Devil
This 1968 scorching lead-off track from their 1968 album "Beggars Banquet" still ranks as one of their best songs of all time. The public perception amongst many at the time was that the band had turned from innocent kids having a good time to devil worshippers - which makes it an easy insert into your list.
Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers
Monster Mash
Sure, it's a novelty tune, but how can you argue with a No. 1 hit from 1962 still resonating five generations later? With Pickett's low-drone vocals contrasted by '50s-style girl group "Waaa-oooo's," it comes off as completely absurd. And absurdly brilliant.
Metallica
Enter Sandman
This 1991 bone-crunching anthem is the musical version of "A Nightmare on Elm Street." With its chugging guitars and terrifying vocals by James Hetfield, it'll haunt you long after the song's over - and we don't suggest you listen to it just before sleep time.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Time Warp
Is there a bit of a lull in the Halloween festivities? Throw this over-the-top 1975 "Rocky Horror Picture Show" glam-rock classic on to get things cookin'. The "Time Warp" dance was one of the major audience-participation activities during screenings of the film and performances of the show, and it'll no doubt cause a few costumes to rip.
This macabrely humourous Top-40 hit track from Zevon's 1978 album "Excitable Boy" also featured Fleetwood Mac members John McVie on bass and Mick Fleetwood on drums. More importantly, who knew werewolves liked beef chow mein and pina coladas?
We would be remiss if Ozzy wasn't in our ears at least once on Halloween. In fact, you could probably put half his discography on your list, but that would be classified as overkill, wouldn't it? The 1983 title track from his third solo album features all the things we love about Ozzy - the howling, screaming vocals, with piercing guitars over top of all the mayhem.
The scaaaaaary best of the rest:
John Carpenter, Halloween Theme Song
Bauhaus, Bela Lugosi's Dead
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Heads Will Roll
D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, A Nightmare on My Street
Radiohead, We Suck Young Blood
Queens of the Stone Age, A Song For the Dead
Duran Duran, Hungry Like the Wolf
Zombies, Time of the Season
Lady Gaga, Monster
Kanye West featuring Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj, Monster
The National's doc director Tom Berninger:"ťA star is born."ť Canadian fans of The National have two reasons to rejoice. The Brooklyn-based indie rockers will release their sixth album, Trouble Will Find Me, on May 21 following that up with three dates in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. As an added bonus in Toronto ... Read more
Crank up the bass - it's almost summer By now, you've removed your winter tires, dusted off your spring jacket and glimpsed at that elusive orange orb in the sky. Remember summer? It's almost back. When warm weather makes a comeback each year, there's nothing like that first drive. That first ... Read more
More blog postings
