Got your horrifying Halloween costume? Check! Pumpkin carved so that its teeth vaguely resemble the Manhattan skyline? Check! But what’s that I hear you say? You don't have a mind-meltingly awesome Halloween playlist for your party? You don't have a selection of too-ghoul-for-school music to groove to as you pull on your slutty-Chewbacca outfit? Fear not! As we slowly move further into October, we in turn edge closer to Halloween. Oh, Halloween. Everyone's choice time of trick or treating, total terror, and a terrific selection of tunes.1. Michael Jackson-Thriller. (1982)
Do I really need to say anything? 'CAUSE THIS IS THRILLERRR!".
2. Time Warp-Rocky Horror Picture. (1975)
Another track, another classic. This trademark song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show is THE perfect party song. It not only makes you want to dance, the song also provides you with the instructions to do it. Avid TV watchers will remember the "The Time Warp" on Glee's tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show in late 2010.
3. Rockwell-Somebody's Watching Me. (1984)
Now for the halloween hit that had everybody paranoid. With it's catchy chorus, and creepy lyrics this halloween hit was almost guaranteed. With backing vocals provided by the likes of Michael and Jermaine Jackson, this 80's track is one of the best.
4. Ray Parker Jr.-Ghostbusters. (1984)
Another revered '84 track, and a firm family favourite. The theme song from the phenomenally successful movie Ghostbusters, the track was written like an advertising jingle for the ghostbusting business. Suitable for all ages, "Ghostbusters" isn't scary, it's fun. This hit is certain to get everyone shouting along "Ghostbusters!" no matter the time or place.
So, who ya gonna call?
5. Don't Fear the Reaper-Blue Oyster Cult. (1976)
An ageless mid-tempo rock classic, perfect for your Halloween party playlist. This next track may be a little lengthy, but by god it's worth it. Filled with magnificent hooks and riffs perfect for sinking your fangs into.
6. Monster Mash-Bobby Pickett. (1962)
Probably one of Halloween's most synonymous songs. Its uniquely upbeat tune is a much needed change for the spooky celebration, "Monster Mash" is THE Halloween song for those who grew up in the early rock 'n roll era, and this faux-frankenstein tune being a cult classic for many Halloween lovers too.
7. Ramones-Pet Sematary. (1989)
Punk legends the Ramones recorded "Pet Sematary" for the movie of the same name based on a novel by Stephen King in 1989. One of my favourites all year round, it seems especially fitting at Halloween.
8. Werewolves of London-Warren Zevon. (1978)
Possibly one of my favourite Halloween songs, Zevon's catchy three-chord progression and the songs simplicity is really what makes this song so goddamn haunting. If you recognise it, it may be due to Kid Rock's 2008 hit 'All Summer Long' that featured this same tune. But I must admit, the original (howls and all) is by far the best.
9. Highway to Hell-AC/DC. (1979)
The very best of pitch-black metal all the way from down under. AC/DC know how to play Halloween cool, and if you don't go there for the music, well... go for the mullets. It's all business in the front, party in the back. So cool.
10. I Put A Spell On You-Bette Midler. (1993)
And finally, a track from my favourite Halloween movie ever. 'I Put A Spell on You' will always be a classic, but it's Bette Midler's spin on it that really catches my attention. Her buck-teeth Hocus Pocus charm adds new taste to the song, and I for one love it. Well done Winnifred.
Enjoy some of Halloween's creepiest cuts...
And stay kool kats.
Millie x
