October’s arrival is a herald of many things. Personally, it means one thing: Halloween. As someone who has painstakingly curated the perfect playlist over the last five years, I’d like to bestow my legacy upon you. Below, I have included a range of picks to suit every evening walk, pumpkin-induced baking session, and (if you’re just that lucky) costume party.
1. “ Mr. Sandman” – Oranger
For those of the indie persuasion, Oranger’s version of this classic is heavy on the bass. This little gem comes from Stubbs the Zombie: The Soundtrack, an arrangement of covers for the 2005 horror video game. Oranger is in somewhat surprising company; other contributors to the album include Death Cab for Cutie, CAKE, and The Flaming Lips.
2.“ Transylvania Twist” and 3.“ Sinister Stomp” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers
These wonderfully weird selections from Boris Pickett (of “ Monster Mash” fame) are featured on the 1962 classic, The Original Monster Mash. Be sure to give these a try in addition to their more famous sibling.
4.“ She’s Fallen in Love with the Monsterman” – Screaming Lord Sutch
Also released in 1962, this track is exactly the kind of light-hearted earworm that you’d want in the background. Check the Honourable Mentions list below for another Lord Sutch recommendation.
5.“ The Creature from the Black Leather Lagoon” – The Cramps
While “ Goo Goo Muck” has received some much-deserved attention over the last two years after its popularisation by the Netflix series Wednesday, I would argue that this track is just as deserving of a place on your rotation.
6.“ In The Room Where You Sleep” – Dead Man’s Bones
If I were being truly honest, the entire Dead Man’s Bones album would have found a place on this list. Released in 2009, the horror-themed album is the creation of a two-man band, one half of which is none other than… Ryan Gosling. Add in a haunting children’s choir, and you have the perfect audio backdrop for your next get-together.
7.“ Buffy Theme” – Breeders
Don’t discount an instrumental. Especially this one.
8.“ Enjoy the Silence” – Depeche Mode
While there have been many covers of this 80’s ballad over the years, nothing will ever compare to the original.
9.“ You’re Dead” – Norma Tanega
Resurrected by the popular mockumentary and TV series, What We Do in The Shadows, this track was originally inspired by the struggles of the singer to find recognition in the music world. This aside, the sinister lyrics and their newfound association with vampire media make this a strong contender for your Spotify.
10. “ Transylvanian Concubine” – Rasputina
On the topic of vampires, Rasputina’s 1996 “ Transylvanian Concubine” is a reference to the birthplace of the most infamous vampire of all: Dracula. Rasputina makes an appealing case for joining their ranks in this romanticised vision of the supernatural realm.
11. “ Spellbound” and 12. “ The Passenger” – Siouxsie and the Banshees
If I were tasked with compiling a list of the bands that had the most impact on the post-punk and gothic scene, Siouxsie and the Banshees would be top of mind. With a litany of songs that exude a spooky atmosphere, here I have suggested two of their most popular (as a gateway).
13. “ Dead Man’s Party” – Oingo Boingo
While many know Danny Elfman from his work as the go-to composer for Tim Burton films, he was also lead vocalist for Oingo Boingo, formed in 1979. In this track and in others, Elfman’s song writing features many of the themes that would become staples in his future work.
Honourable Mentions
- “ The Killing Moon” – Echo & the Bunnymen
- “ Pet Sematary” – Ramones
- “ Cemetery Drive” – My Chemical Romance
- “ Dead!” – My Chemical Romance
- “ She’s Not There” – The Zombies
- “ Spooky” – Dusty Springfield
- “ Beware” – Bill Buchanan
- “ Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
- “ (Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – Blue Öyster Cult
- “ Dracula’s Daughter” – Screaming Lord Sutch
- “ Red Right Hand” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
- “ White Wedding – Pt.1” – Billy Idol
Illustration by Madeleine Boyd