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Be in to win an iPod! – read the list for our competition details. In just a few days it will be Halloween! The night of trick or treating, costumes, candy, and all things spooky. In celebration I have put together a list of the 10 songs that absolutely must feature at your halloween party – or, failing that, songs you must load onto your iPod to help you get in the mood. I have tried very hard to provide you with the most diverse and interesting set of songs possible – so while you may not see all of your favorites, you should see at least one or two new ones to add to your collection. Be sure to tell us your own favorites in the comments.
A list like this would not be complete without the awesomeness which is Ozzy Osbourne! This track is from the Bark at the Moon Album recorded in 1983. Ozzy is, of course, most famous for being the lead singer of Black Sabbath and it would be seriously wrong not to include him on this list.
We have two firsts on this list – things I never thought I would see! One is Marilyn Manson, and the other is country music! It isn’t my personal favorite, but this song definitely rates as a classic Halloween party song perfect to get people moving about and dancing. It contains brilliant violin playing by Charlie Daniels and even the most anti-country music people should enjoy it.
Granted it isn’t the most horrifying song, but it is a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe and provides a nice alternative to some of the heavier music on this list. This is probably the best song to play as your party is nearing an end – when people are either too drunk to care what you play, or sober enough to appreciate the lyrics which are taken directly from the Poe poem of the same title.
I have to be honest and admit that I had never heard this song before I started researching this list – but it is definitely going to rank high for those of our readers planning a more hardcore party than the others. Also, for those of you who are planning to spread humbug this Halloween, you can play this at a very loud volume and you will frighten all the kids and parents who are trick or treating – save on candy costs!
This is a great hit from the ’60s which went to number one in the UK. While it is not a particularly scary track, it is, for many people listening, likely to bring back many memories of Halloween parties of the past. This is one of my favorite songs on the list.
This song is a lighthearted song – most appropriate for the early stages of your Halloween party. This (and item 3 on the list) is perfect for playing as your guests are arriving and having their first drinks. It is also perfect for a kids Halloween party. And if you want some entertainment for the night, why not watch the film – you can buy it here.
The Addams Family was a 1964 hit series based on cartoons by Charles Addams. The theme will be familiar to most people either through the original series of the much more recently made movie. This is a great quirky hit for your party – a definite must-play.
This song is from the album of the same name by Alice Cooper. It is a concept album in which each track progressively details the passage of a nightmare. This is the opening track and what could be more perfect for a loud Halloween Party.
Rather than use the original soundtrack version of the song, I have chosen to use the Marilyn Manson version because I like it much more and think it has a better Halloween “feel” about it. I also love the Panic at the Disco version, but there is no doubt that the Manson version is the spookiest. The song is, of course, the title track of the brilliant Tim Burton film “The Nightmare before Christmas” which you can buy here.
Everyone knows this song – it has been used in hundreds of horror movies. While the song sounds very eerie, the translation of the Latin original is not quite so spooky – it actually means “O Fortune, you wax and wane like the moon”. Hardly frightening stuff, but most people don’t know what it means and it will chill everyone that hears it to the bone! A definite must-have for Halloween. Oh – and it is from the cantata called Carmina Burana. I have picked an excellent version of it for you to buy:
Anyone who has seen the Exorcist will appreciate the eeriness of this soundtrack. It plays at the start of the film as the main actress walks home from a day filming. The scene is full of moody shots of Washington in fall with children trick or treating. It lulls you in to a false sense of security before all hell breaks loose (literally) in the form of possessed girl Regan. This song will always be my favorite Halloween theme. Oh – and if you don’t already have a copy of the movie, you can get it here.
This excellent track by Warren Zevon features drumming by Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. It will be familiar to most people through its constant (over-)use in movies. Everyone will expect to hear this song at a party – don’t disappoint them.
If there is any one song on this list that people will be expecting to see – it is this. Monster Mash is a hilarious and fun song from 1962 sung by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. In a bizarre and rather lame attempt at a comeback, Picket released a spin-off of the song in 2005 called “Climate Mash”, a version with re-written lyrics about global warming and new vocals which was released on the Internet by the organization Clear the Air. Forget clearing the air for now – fill it with spooky mist and party!
Of this most famous piece of classical music, Wikipedia says: The Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565, is a piece of organ music commonly attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, composed sometime between 1703 and 1707. It is one of the most famous works in the organ repertoire, and has been used in a variety of popular media ranging from film, to video games, to rock music, to cellphone ringtones and used for the autumn holiday Halloween. I doubt a single person here will not know it. Props to Bach for writing music so cool that even non-classical lovers still listen to it – 300 years later!
Michael Jackson had to be number one. This track was damned scary when it came out, and it is still damned scary (though perhaps for different reasons now). I am sure that no one will dispute this item’s placement as number one greatest halloween party song. Allow me to finish with a little inappropriate humor: do you know why Michael Jackson loves Halloween? Free delivery right to his door.
At Midnight (Pacific time) on Halloween (31st October), one commenter on this list will be selected at random to win a mug, shirt, or cap from the List Universe Store. In addition, the winner will receive an 8 GB iPod Nano (latest version) in any color of their choosing (most, but not all, colors are shown above)! The winner must be a registered user (registration is free and easy). As usual, comments must be related to the list and not designed just to increase the count or your chances of winning. Every comment is counted – so you can comment more than once. For those who can’t wait to get some merchandise, the store prices have now all been discounted! So be sure to check it out. All products sold at the List Universe Store are of a high quality. Shipping takes 7 – 11 days.
Notable Extras: Black Magic Woman (Santana), Psycho Killer (Talking Heads), The Stranger (Billy Joel), Legend of Wooley Swamp (Charles Daniels Band), Devil Woman (Cliff Richard), Frankenstein (Edgar Winter Group), Hells Bells (ACDC), Spooky (Steely Dan), Don’t Fear The Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult), Purple People Eater (Sheb Wooley)
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October 29th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Had a playlist with just about all of these at my last halloween party.
Am I first to comment? pays to stay up all night writing essays
October 29th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Swebby: you are indeed! And are now in to win (presuming you have registered as a user!)
October 29th, 2008 at 2:09 am
Yeah! Addams Family made the list! Thank-You!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:17 am
jfrater: I am indeed a registered user, albeit quite a new one. Love the site by the way, many a hour has been whiled away on it.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:19 am
Also, im shocked that Screamin Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell on You didn’t even make the notable mentions.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Love the inclusion of O Fortuna. Beautiful song, and the use of Latin makes all the more eerier.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:35 am
love #2 and #12
October 29th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Oooh! I love a good 90% plus of the songs on this list! Really interesting, and nice, that you used the Marilyn Manson version of ‘This Is Halloween’. I’m partial to that version as well. And the Addams Family… Just watched Addams Family Values the other day. It rekindled my love of Wednesday’s character.
Gotta agree with Swebby though… Figured I’d see ‘I Put a Spell on You’ here. And I would have loved to see ‘Time Warp’ from Rocky Horror Picture Show make it. But I guess that might not be considered Halloween music.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:53 am
I always thought that song that the children sings in Nightmare on St Elim Street was a chiller.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Wow!! this marks my first year as a ListVerser!! I think the 1st list i ever read here was Top 10 Geek Halloween Costumes!!
Speaking of Classics, Many a times I’ve heard people say that they find The Moonlight Sonata very creepy, but i don’t really think so, i find it very peaceful. i don’t know if anyone shares my view on it!! Also Bad Moon rising always makes me feel happy, not the lyrics part, just the music. And I’m glad to see that Hells Bells at least made it to notable mentions if not the actual list!!
Also, I think the MJ picture as the list title, is scarier than the songs on this list!!
October 29th, 2008 at 3:08 am
I love thriller because Dave Chappelle loves it. Also every time I play charades I always do Ghostbusters
October 29th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Thriller shouldnt be #1.Toccata and fugue in D minor should, But thats just my opinion.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:11 am
I immediately thought “Monster Mash”!
13 – The Raven contains some words in addition to Poe, but it’s hard to tell. I set the whole poem to music about 5 years ago. I was reading about the APP album recently. I have another album of theirs and would like to explore more.
6 – Being a classical muso, I don’t think of O Fortuna as a Halloween song. If anything, I associate it with the movie “Excalibur”.
5 – I saw The Exorcist and didn’t understand any of it. I have the album, and know it too well in its own right. (“two slightly distorted guitars”) (There’s a story behind that voiceover, but I’ve forgotten what it is.)
3 – Bobby “Boris” Pickett died a year or two ago.
2- I know the organist!
October 29th, 2008 at 3:12 am
PS The Raven happens “in the deep December”.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Ohhh, never heard the Marilyn Manson version of This is Halloween before, very cool.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:25 am
sweet home alabama + werewolves of london = all summer long by kid rock.
The man has no creativity
October 29th, 2008 at 3:26 am
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xpvdAJYvofI
Need that, This is Halloween
after all
October 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Yay!An ipod!
Sadly,here in Singapore,we don’t celebrate halloween.We only celebrate big occasions like new year day…what a pity isn’t it?
Yeah,so it’s pretty much boring all year round:(
Ok,GREAT list anyway! =D
October 29th, 2008 at 3:37 am
P.S I’ve never heard of all of the songs here(except for the ghostbuster one maybe)
October 29th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Where’s The Cure???
October 29th, 2008 at 3:44 am
Great list, thanks! I don’t think I would have been able to come up with even a quarter of these on my own.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Good list. This is Halloween is one of my favorite songs right now. I just made a halloween playlist a few days ago and here are a few songs I put on it: This is Halloween, Dragula by Rob Zombie, Dig up her Bones by the Misfits, Monster Mash (the original and by the Misfits), Monsters by Matchbox Romance, One by Metallica, I’m your boogie man by White Zombie, Halloween by the Misfits, What’s this? Original from the Nightmare Before Christmas and the remake by Fall Out Boy, and themes from movies like Ghostbusters, Halloween and Jaws.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Yay! I love the Monster Mash, didn’t know Marilyn MAnson did a version of This Is Halloween (though I’m not at all surprised) but then I did stop listening to them about 6 years ago. They lose their appeal very quickly. Glad to see White Zombie made it in, those guys are cool.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Sorry, but you just can’t have a halloween part without this one:
October 29th, 2008 at 3:57 am
i’m so glad you made this list, my roommates and i are throwing a party, and didn’t even think of what music to play. this is great, and i’m sure to look at the suggestions the other commenters are making.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Needs more metal
Laaz Rocket — Leatherface
Motorhead —- Nightmare/The Dreamtime
Judas Priest —- Nightcrawler
Helloween —- Halloween
Wrathchild America —- Smothered Life
Armored Saint —- Human Vulture
Voivod — Astronomy Domine
October 29th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Excellent, if cliche’d, list. For my $.02, Slipknot has some scary stuff too.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I loved the Adams family cartoons when I was a kid. I loved the little hand or what ever it was.
Can’t argue with thriller, best song on the list, all though ghostbusters is a personal favorite.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Oh yeah, the soundtrack to Suspiria by Goblin, that scared me more than the actual film.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:25 am
I’m really suprised to see Alan Parson’s Project on here thats a good album. I think Oingo Boingo’s Dead Mans Party should be listed.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:36 am
on the note of Michael Jackson, guess who doesn’t need to buy a costume ever?
I always thought the opening theme to Robot Chicken was kinda haunting, although with a lighter atmosphere.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:56 am
I would suggest Super Freak by Rick James . . . if you want to have a rockin Halloween party, you have to include the original Freakman himself!!! Also, I totally agree that Thriller is #1 and agree with FilipinoKnight that Oingo Boingo’s Dead Man’s Party is a great choice!!! Their video of the song is great!!!
Would love an IPod . . . hopefully in PINK (please?)
October 29th, 2008 at 5:08 am
“This Is Halloween” still gives me the creeps. You could proably include anything by Rammstein as well.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:08 am
The Simpsons did a wicked “Raven” as part of a treehouse of horror special. I haven’t been able to find a clip, though. I think Fox’s lawyers got there first.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:09 am
How about John Carpenter’s Halloween Theme? That music still freaks me out! Talk about haunting!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I gotta ask . . . the picture icon for this category–do it remind anyone of Michael Jackson?!!!! That pic is scary in and of itself!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:11 am
I absolutely came into this thinking the monster mash would be the number one. Man, good times…Even thought we don’t celebrate halloween here, this list makes me wish we did.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Michael Jackson at number one!!!! WTF! come on…i think that “Hells Bells” should have made it on the list, not just honorable mention. And what about DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince – “Nightmare On My Street” or from the Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack – “The Time Warp” …both really good to liven up the party…and Rob Zombie – “Living Dead Girl” is really good for loud parties too.
I think some of the Prodigy songs from Fat of the Land Album would fit in nice too….i guess it all depends on your tastes in music.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I **KNEW** Monster Mash just had to be on here. But I’m truly surprised that more songs from Nightmare Before Christmas weren’t on here.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:21 am
I def thought you would have some Nightmare before christmas songs on there, for a bonus you should’ve put that new Sobe commercial on there where the lizards are doing the thriller dance
October 29th, 2008 at 5:22 am
ANother one that makes me think of Halloween is the Graceful Ghost Rag by William Bolcom.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Agree with the picture being the scariest thing!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Getting an Alan Parsons Project song on a Halloween list is pure genius.
If it weren’t for the Exorcist I bet you could pass off Tubular Bells as a Christmas song.
Its hard to believe the Thriller is only the second creepiest Micheal Jackson has ever been.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Fun list! I like seeing the Marilyn Manson cover on the Halloween song. That version is on another CD called Nightmare Revisited:
http://www.amazon.com/Nightmare-Revisited/dp/B001AUKV08
October 29th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Mein Gott! Someone actually thought it through and included a decent number of honorable mentions. The only way that it could’ve possibly been better is if “Halloween” by Stephen Lynch or “Fire” or “I Put A Spell On You” by Arthur Brown had made honorable mention. Other than my exceedingly high expectations, great job.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Can’t believe Bark Of The Moon didn’t make it further than 15
Nice to see Don’t Fear The Reaper got an honourable mention though
October 29th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I am so glad to finally know the actual name of O Fortunata! Prior to this, I had no clue, though I loved the song.
And when I started reading the list there was another song that I was hoping would be on there, but now I have totally forgotten, I am such a scatter brain this week.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:50 am
had to be thriller at number one but i have now got monster mash stuck in my head
October 29th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I love Halloween!!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:00 am
The best is the dance that goes with the Monster Mash, the Frankie (short for our favorite monster dude, of course).
This is how you do it:
-Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms straight out in front of you.
-Lift your right leg straight out in front of you and lift your right arm up.
-Put them down.
-Do the same with your left leg and arm.
-Put them down.
-Repeat.
(Yes, this was actually a dance.)
October 29th, 2008 at 6:02 am
It’s not the song that I was originally thinking, but it is one that at least the beginning should be included.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:05 am
It’s not the song that I was originally thinking, but it is one that at least the beginning should be included.
Beethoven’s Symphony #5 (movement 1)
October 29th, 2008 at 6:05 am
one of my favourite lists
but why is mitternacht not in the list?
October 29th, 2008 at 6:08 am
The fact that Thriller and the Manson version of This is Halloween made it onto the list makes me incredibly pleased. I love the Manson version of This is Halloween. And I distinctly remember my sister teaching me the dance moves to Thriller when I was a lot younger.
I have to agree with some previous commenters. I Put A Spell on You should be on this list somewhere.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:09 am
AVE SATANI!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:10 am
This is a great list. I like most of the songs on here. I saw Alice Cooper in concert on halloween one year, devils night another year and once on a friday the 13th. He always used to play the cool dates in Detroit.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I definitely agree with Thriller at number 1. The video totally puts you into Halloween spirit.
Another thing I remember is that Carmina Burana is a very popular tune for other artists to sample. I vaguely recall hearing parts of it in an Old Spice commercial as well as a bunch of songs through the years.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Well, I can say that some of these ( The Raven) are a little odd and unusual, but nice. I would add the following songs to my list:
“Shadow of the Moon” by Blackmoore’s Night
“Tooth & Claw” from the Killer Instinct soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwsKxPq2xs)
“Night on Bald Mountain” by Modest Mussorsky.
“Love Potion No. 9″ by The Clovers
I will think of some other later. Great list, Jamie!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I do believe there would have been riots in the streets if Thriller wasn’t #1.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Oh, I also second anything by Danny Elfman- Oingo Boingo’s Dead Man Party is a song I recently got excited about. I kept hearing it at Six Flags and wanted to know who did that.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:18 am
im not sure if i understand what kind of criteria was used to select the songs, for they go from seriousley scary to all out fun, but still, i think they all might well be added to a halloween themed party, totally.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Hey… great list…
Some additional suggestions:
“Hillbillies in a Haunted House” by the Austin Lounge Lizards
“Science Fiction Double Feature” (Opening Theme) and “The Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“Munsters Theme”—a good, rollicking surf beat tune.
“Haunted House” by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons
“Halloween” — theme music to the original film. Creepy as hell and instantly recognizable.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Agree with Halloween theme and I Put a Spell on You, and I’d like to throw the Twilight Zone theme in the mix.
I miss Michael Jackson so much. If he came back on the scene and was normal again and explained all this away with “sorry guys, I got abducted my aliens, but I’m better now” I would totally accept that just because I wanted to.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:25 am
The majority of these songs aren’t frightening, but then do make me feel like Halloween. Love this list!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Also, does anyone do the 5 little pumpkins rhyme/song with their kids?
The kids from the daycare I used to work at LOVED that song..we would sing it well into November, before we broke out the Christmas music.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:26 am
My two picks:
Scary Monsters & Super Creeps – David Bowie
Werewolf Bar Mitzvah – Tracy Jordan
October 29th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Add me as another one surprised that the Halloween movie theme didn’t make the cut.
Two more for your list:
Nightmare on My Street – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Black No. 1 – Type O Negative
October 29th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Thanks for the great list!! I’ve been looking for some Halloween music to play around the house (and hopefully scare the bejesus out of the hubby once he walks in the door). I think O Fortuna would be appropriate for that! LOL
October 29th, 2008 at 6:33 am
#15 is one of the best songs ever. Did you leave off the contributors name, J? I can’t imagine you ever saying ‘the awesomeness which is Ozzy Osbourne’.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:35 am
i really expected to see an entire list of thrash metal. good variety. i am glad that you didn’t include anything from rocky horror. i can’t stand that movie.
maybe should have included the theme from halloween.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Halloween for me always has to include The Misfits – Halloween
And pretty much anything from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 29th, 2008 at 6:45 am
glad to see charlie daniels on the list, but “the legend of woolly swamp” is more associated with Halloween than “devil went down to georgia”.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Yay i wuv 15 14 10 9 7 3 1 i think i shall use them at my party
October 29th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I think I’ll hide a recording of #6 in my kids’ room and play it at about mdnght.
I was hoping Thriller would be number 1!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I’m kind of disappointed that “Haunted House” by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons wasn’t on this list. I consider it a halloween classic more than 11-15.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Aww man, you gotta admit, Thriller rocks! I love that dance.
I remember when it first came out. A load of neighbours came round ours to watch it (In the day!) and I was banished to the kitchen as my mum said it was scary and would give me nightmares.
This is a great fun list, thanks. :0 Listened to number 2, The Addams Family and The Monster Mash. Great fun!
Happy early Halloween everyone!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Great list. I remember hiding under my blanket the first time I saw the music video for Thriller. And Alice Cooper in general is scary.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:17 am
What about that song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show….damn it whats the name of it!!! Lol!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Great List! I love Tubular Bells
October 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Why isn’t the theme from Halloween (Michael Myers) and Tubular Bells on the list? Are they not *party* oriented enough?
October 29th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Awesome list! Bark at the moon will always be the best guitar hero song ever in my mind
.
Also, I’d give my left leg to be able to play the fiddle like that Charlie Daniels guy.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I think it’s been said but I would include some songs from Rocky Horror and the original Halloween movie. That song always has the ability to creep me out and have me looking over my shoulder.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Kristin: The Warp?
October 29th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Oh, and nice list
I’m glad Manson is on here, though I probably wouldn’t have chosen This is Halloween. If I was Your Vampire is a lot more spooky in my opinion, but I love Manson so I’m a little biased. :p
And I kind of figured Monster Mash would be included.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I didn`t know White Zombie did a cover of Im Your Boogie Man,very cool indeed. Charlie Daniels is awesome on the fiddle also.Let`s leave the comedy to the pros. Ha Ha !
October 29th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Oh, and Omegakain… Tubular Bells IS on the list. It’s number five…
October 29th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Been a lurker for quite a while, but this list got me off my butt to comment! One of my favorites would be “Hell” by the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Just can’t sit still when it’s playing. I also agree with Dawn Bearer…Ave Satani!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:47 am
What about “Haunted House” by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons (not to be confused with KISS’ Demon)? Or “Then She Bit Me” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince?
October 29th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Great list, as usual. As soon as I finished reading it I wondered where Psycho Killer and Black Magic Woman were. First in omissions. Again it’s like this site read my mind. Happy Halloween
October 29th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Can’t forget Halloween and Halloween II by the Misfits, but you could probably just add their entire catalog.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Finally decided to register and start commenting so as not to talk to my computer when I had an opinion on these lists. ^-^
Sadly most of these don’t strike me as “Halloween” songs, but then again my idea of Halloween songs are the cover of This is Halloween and I’m Your Boogie Man, the only two current metal songs on here.
Another song that should have been included, just for creepiness alone is the theme to Rosemary’s Baby.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Thriller scared me every time it came on MTV when I was a kid!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Seriously great list! I hadn’t though of Bach, but it’s so true. I love Halloween and I’m sure I’ll use some of these myself… Maybe throw some on at work.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Chris: Thriller scared me on TV, too… And Vincent Price on it creeped me out.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Zri: You registered *just* to officially comment?? I’m sure the iPod had nothing to do with it…
October 29th, 2008 at 8:04 am
awesome list.I loved Alice Cooper’s concept album when it came out.It used to freak my sister out when it got to the “Steven” song……
damn…..hadn’t thought about that album in years.Alice was light years ahead of his time.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Definitely have to agree with Thriller. It’s so widely used and popular, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard the song, or doesn’t even know part of the dance.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Here’s my own Halloween Party List: (I work as wine director at a private Country Club, and it was my responsibility to create a playlist)
1. Dead Man’s Party – Oingo Boingo
2. Grim Grinning Ghosts – Haunted Mansion Ride
3. Red Right Hand – Nick Cave
4. In The Hall Of The Mountain King – Grieg
5. Danse Macabre – Saint-Saens
6. Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bauhaus
7. Scary Monsters – Bowie
8. Season Of The Witch – Donovan
9. Theme From The Munsters
10. Hell – Squirrell Nut Zippers
11. Trio In E-Flat – Schubert
12. March Of The Gallows – Berlioz
13. Chant Of The Paladin – Dead Can Dance
14. Marian – Sisters Of Mercy
15. Movement Of Fear – Tones On Tail
16. I Put A Spell On You – Marilyn Manson
October 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
PS.none of the links are working for me…….
October 29th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Brickhouse…….Alice (speaking of the devil) did the Vincent Price thing first..and better, if ya ask me.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I wish they would do a remake of Thriller. With all the current special effects, they could make it awesomely scary!
sorry if this gets posted more than once. I keep getting an error when I hit submit.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Hmm, third time trying to post this comment, maybe this time it will work.
I highly reccomend the older albums of the band Dir En Grey for Halloween parties. They are a Japanese Visual Kei group, so haunting imagery is sort of expected. Their tracks “-Zan-” and “Mask” are great examples of lead vocalist Kyo’s brilliant cackling.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Here’s one that many of you probably never heard:
“Shoes Upon the Table”, by Willy Russell, written for Blood Brothers.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:39 am
esotericstyle.having some troubles posting as well.
*kicks her computer*
Vincent was on his TV special back in the mid 70’s…unheard of programming for the time…
Meant to add that but was busy re-visiting his music on youtube.
Jamie.thanks for reminding me of one of my favorite albums from back in the day…….
October 29th, 2008 at 8:43 am
There are two songs off the eclectic album “Invisible Means” by the brilliant musicians French,Frith,Kaiser Thompson. Whose resumes include such diverse bands as Henry Cow, Captain Beefheart and Fairport Convention.
“Now that I’m Dead” by John French, a scathing atack on the music industry’s penchant for making money off of dead artists, sung in the appropriate Bela Lugosi style.
“Now that I’m dead, I’m finally making a living”
Also Killing Jar written by Richard Thompson is a dark and murderous ditty appropriate for the holiday.
How about An Excitable Boy by Warren Zevon? It may be an upbeat tune but don’t you folks listen to the lyrics? Pretty damn twisted, perfect for halloween. Enjoy.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I went to hershey park in the dark and heard just about every one of these songs.
F-YES for halloween!!
October 29th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Ernie the Wino: Interesting list!
I’d throw MM’s “I’d Put a Spell on You” in the mix. Nice!
October 29th, 2008 at 8:53 am
** I agree with MM’s song on *your* list, that is… I realize that sounded odd. :S
October 29th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Nice list… kinda knew Thriller was gonna be number 1…
I would have liked to see the Halloween Song (from the movie), that one usually makes it on my lists… Theres so many remixes anyone can find one that suits them…
October 29th, 2008 at 9:06 am
yeah, the halloween theme song i hear quite a bit. I expected Monster Mash to be number 1, for some reason i completely forgot about the existence of thriller though.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Monster Mash has to be number one. A must hear at every halloween party- or any party for that matter.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
No ‘Dead Mans Party’ by Oingo Boingo ?, no ‘Boris the Spider’by The Who ? no ‘Little Demon’ or ‘Frenzy’ by Screamin Jay ?, no ‘Fire’ by A. Brown ?
And for ironys sake I would include Screamin’ Jays’ version of ‘You Made Me Love You’, an old love song in which SJH sounds like he’s killing someone or something. ( possibly the microphone ).
October 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Some great ideas for the Hallowe’en Party! What about “Ghost Town” by the Specials?
October 29th, 2008 at 9:35 am
As I started reading this list I was wondering if you were going to include Monster Mash or Thriller and was pleased to see them at number 3 and number 1 respectively.
A few of the other songs never struck me as Halloween songs but now that I think about it fits. Great list
October 29th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Wow, I’ve never heard of most of these songs. Cool list, good ones to add to my collection for Halloween.
My fave is an oldie but a goldie – Monster Mash =). I was going to say Purple People Eater, but I notice it’s in the Notable Extras…
October 29th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I mean, I was going to say, “What about Purple People Eater?” but then I noticed it in the extras.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’m glad to see Ghostbusters and The Addams Family – Two of the best themes ever, never mind the halloween stuff!
Great list.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I agree, Screamin’ Jay Hawkings should definitely be on this list =D
October 29th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Absolutely fabulous list, especially as I’ve been trying to find out the name of the piece, O Fortuna, for years! You’ve just handed me the answer to my quest.
In all seriousness, this really is one of the best lists of late. I like the mix of music, classical to metal…a little something for everyone, and a taste of everything for those of us who might not have listened to some genre’s otherwise.
Good thinking jfrater!
Now, gotta check to see if I’m registered…
October 29th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Monster Mash is more of a St. Valentine’s Day song to me… anyone else?
October 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Wow, no theme from “Halloween”? I thought it would surely make the list after seeing “Tubular Bells.”
Maybe this should have been a top 20 list. Other notable absences:
“I Put a Spell on You” by Screaming Jay Hawkins
“Hey There Little Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs
“Halloween” by The Misfits (actually, most of their catalogue is appropriate
“Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo
“Cold Ethel” by Alice Cooper (again, most of his catalogue fits this category
“Psycho Bitches Out of Hell” by HorrorPops
“Living Dead Girl” by Rob Zombie
You know, this list could go on for days…
October 29th, 2008 at 10:24 am
“devil went down to georgia” – not so much. love the song, but not as a halloween song.
“monster mash” should be number one in my opinion. it’s the widest ranging halloween song…for kids and adults alike at numerous events.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Love this version of Monster Mash by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
During Halloween I’m also partial to Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo, The Munsters Theme and the soundtrack to the Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 29th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I remember my sister and I having the record “Thriller”. I think I was five, yeah it was scary then. Scary now too, but as the list said for different reasons. I loooove Rob Zombie, I bet it’s Halloween at his house all the time! The notable mentions made me laugh. “Devil Woman”, my husband said all his friends would sing that to him when we started dating!! Everybody have a safe one!
October 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
My dad used to think they said “There’s a bathroom on the right,” not, “There’s a bad moon on the rise,” in the CCR song Bad Moon Rising.
I always picture gladiators going to war, or something like that, when I hear Carmina Burana.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:53 am
From the Legendary Steely Dan Man WALTER BECKER NEW ALBUM ‘Circus Money’ OUT NOW
Unrepentantly and delightfully steely Dan-esque An understated gem.
“ Q “Melodic funky, and as smart as you like.”
The Times **** Uncut **** Daily Express **** Record Collector
http://www.sonic360.com/walterbecker
October 29th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Most people read this site from work. Most people have YouTube blocked at work. Most people wish you’d stop with the video lists.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Okay, how scary are those red eyes and teeth for #7? Definitely sent a tingle down my spine. EEK!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I still love listening to Thriller. Interesting #6 and #2, I assumed that they were made specifically for horror movies or scary scenes. The Exorcist one still gives me the creeps!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Great list Jamie! The only disappointment, mentioned by a few other folks already, is the omission of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It is played in countless theaters at midnight on Halloween. Tim Curry in drag is nothing but scary.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Nice list! Well, numero uno came as no surprise
By the way free delivery at doorsteps joke reminds me of the sign to be put at sex offenders’ doors “No candy at this residence,” I don’t think its really that great an idea why not also add something explicit and scary at the doors.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Monster mash is absolutely amazing.
Very happy to see Nightmare Revisited song by Manson
October 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Definitely with everyone who’s mentioned “I Put A Spell On You”, except the rendition I remember the most is from watching Hocus Pocus (a favorite for a silly Halloween laugh).
Loving the Addams family just because it’s such a catchy tune, and seeing Monster Mash because it always plays at least once in any small party.
Ultimate favorite on the list, however has got to be Toccata And Fugue, Halloween or not.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
My mom says that anything by Atreyu or my favorite band Cradle of Filth could be Halloween music.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Thriller being number one was no suprise!
I just knew it would be on here.
great list btw!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am
No-one so far has mentioned the Eagles’ “Witchy Woman”. Not sure if it should be listed, but perhaps an honorable?
BTW: If I post these and then register later, would these posts be included in the drawing?
October 29th, 2008 at 11:50 am
bob: most people don’t fit into your “most people” category. i don’t check the list from work. don’t have you tube blocked anyway. and i like the video lists.
if you don’t like something, come out and express your opinion clearly. don’t try to hide behind the idea that you are doing the rest of us a favor.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
A good halloween video.
http://tinyurl.com/3zytve
October 29th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Here’s a good one from Buck Naked and the Bare Bottom Boys, “Teenage Pussy fron Outer Space”.
http://tinyurl.com/5utkfq
October 29th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Thriller will always be number once. I remember watching it as a kid and actually being scared to go outside…in the day light. lol the video still gives me the creeps
October 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
127. Bob: I really find it unduly annoying when someone uses “Most people” when they mean “I” simply because there’s safety in numbers. Even artificial numbers.
People with any intelligence at all, and with the capacity for delayed gratification, will wait until *after* work to play the videos. Has this not occurred to you?
I am lucky, I don’t read LV from work, I love the videos. If, however, I were working, I would save LV for my afterwork treat, and do my work while at work.
WOW! What a concept!
October 29th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I also like I put a Spell on You from Hocus Pocus. Werewolves of London is awesome! Now I have that song stuck in my head…”oooooooo werewolves of london!!”
October 29th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Great list – I’d like to add Modest Mussorsgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. We play it every Halloween! I’ve included a link to the clip from Disney’s original Fantasia, which scared me as a child and was definitely an unfair follow-up to a piece about dancing hippos and ostriches (Dance of the Hours).
Happy Halloween all
October 29th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Ok, NOW I’ll include the link
Sorry about that.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
15 songs and you couldn’t list this one. I’ll take this video over THRILLER any old scary night of the week, but if you really want a fright, check out Courtney Love’s version of this Halloween classic.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is the greatest song ever.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Yeh I agree with thriller for #1, good list
October 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Whoever said Werewolf Bar Mitzvah – Tracy Jordan, I’ll have to give a huge second (third, whatever) to-
Boys becoming Men, Men becoming Wolves. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Spooky-Scary!
October 29th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
segue: It is definitely the most diverse list I have ever written
October 29th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
i remember seeing the pemiere of “thriller” at the local roller rink when i was about 2nd grade. on that huge screen in the dark, when videos were still a new concept, scared the crap out of me. and vincent price in surround sound when there was all sorts of people i didn’t know skating around in the relative dark. *shiver*
October 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Well, if its going to be a long party…must have more…Foo Fighters, maybe The Pretender. Also, any song by Leonard Cohen would be good, he can sing anything and make it kinda creepy…remember natural born killers? oh yeah!
October 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I love this list. Being a fan of all things dark and weird, I feel like I should have some big list of suggestions, but my head’s to icky and foggy with sick to think of it. I was gonna be very sad if #2 wasn’t on here. XD
October 29th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Bent guns, g, but no black metal??? No Darkthrone, no Burzum, no Bathory?
October 29th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Wow Segue, you’re deserving of the Nobel prize for economics. Work at work; wonder why no-one else ever thought of that? And likely the same folks who despair all the jobs that are now located in other countries are the ones to whom the concept is most foreign.
Can’t watch videos at work Bob? Good!
October 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I have a little suspicion that this will be a big list….
October 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Nice list.
I must say, I’m kinda disappointed creature Feature wasn’t on here…
October 29th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I really enjoyed the list. I love how their were classic music pieces from classic Halloween film were used.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I just thought of a couple- “Cry Little Sister” from Lost Boys always creeped me out, and would be thrown into the party for pure nostalgia (It’s not a great party/dance song).
“Space Lord” by Monster Magnet- This is a good party song… Not very scary, but it has horror/sci-fi themes.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Nice choices, but you totally missed Toccata and Fugue in D Minor!! Just the first 5 seconds are enough to scare you (and get you right into the spirit of Halloween)!
I would also recommend Night on Bald Mountain, which is sinister and scary (but bordering on the cartoony), although I don’t know how Halloween-ey that one is nowadays:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I’m telling you, that picture icon for this category is what Michael Jackson really looks like. Love “Thriller”, though.
Pink IPod Jane the “Librarian”
October 29th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
142. Ellycat: Two great songs. I Put A Spell On You was a good year ’round song, a sort of weird, sad love song.
Werewolves of London is one of the primo Halloween songs.
Aaaaaooooooooooooooo
October 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
154. Mom424
Wow Segue, you’re deserving of the Nobel prize for economics. Work at work; wonder why no-one else ever thought of that?
****
Mom, I do what I can, where I can.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
One of my favourite Halloween themed songs is Monsters by Matchbook Romance.
Astute Guitar Hero players will recognize the song as being from Guitar Hero 3.
I didn’t see much organ music on the list though, organs are the scarest single instrument. The scariest organ I ever heard was in Bristol Cathedral when the organ player was practicing. The acoustics made it sound extremely creepy.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
149. jfrater
segue: It is definitely the most diverse list I have ever written
****
You get my undying thanks for letting me know the name of one of my favorite pieces of music, O Fortuna.
And I checked, I am, indeed, registered. I did it so long ago I had no recollection of it but it absolutely means I’m in the running for the prizes!
TA-DA!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I’m so totally bummed right now! for absolutely no reason whatsoever…my computer is not playing thise videos! they each start to play & then stop 1 second in. When I go to youtube directly, I get no sound:(
October 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
devil went down to georgia!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Weeeee! Thriller! XD
October 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Werewolf Bar Mitzvah – Tracy Jordan
Definitely! Why didn’t I think of that one?
October 29th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
kreachure: did you read the list?
October 29th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Great list. I try to listen to (even though some people think it odd) Thriller every so often, keep it fresh in my mind. I’m glad to see that one at number one! The video for the song is even very fun to watch to get ‘into the mood’ of things:) Scary stuff…
There are some songs on the Queen of the Damned movie soundtrack that remind me of Halloween oh so much, as well. Different OVERALL theme (vampires and what not) but it still fits in with Halloween and the general theme of Halloween.
Either way, great list!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Most of the songs on the list make remember me bunch of things. But Thriller! Oh God! It pass on TV on every Halloween so it remember me every single Halloween day I lived since I am 4 years old! I am glad that it is on first place!
Also the bollywood version of Thriller is a good one! Haha!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Awesome, awesome list, I’ll have to go about procuring some of these tracks in preparation for the big night.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
nice list, get to do the thriller dance for a halftime show with my band
October 29th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
If you want to watch a movie which is scary through and through, and filled with a sound track which will send shivers down every nerve in your body, rent “The Hunger”…and don’t plan on sleeping that night.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
As for #6, O Fortuna – Carl Orff, I never knew the name of this! Thanks for that, I’d like to listen to this while driving around town:)
Also makes great background music for reading (any type of book in my case, but some people might be more prone to read one type or the other with certain musics being played.)
October 29th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I think the AFI version of Halloween by the Misfits is awesome
October 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Some very good songs! Thriller was a perfect choice for number 1. Honorable mention: The Monster Mash
October 29th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
NEEDS some E Nomine on here!
Mitternacht (Midnight) is an incredible one, so is Das Tier in Mir (the animal in me). Mixing pounding music with latin chorals and predominantly growled german lyrics, they’re a solid choice for any Halloween party.
You could also probably toss in anything by the Cruxshadows,, or indeed their entire genre.
I’m disappointed the musical scope of this list is so mainstream and narrow: face it, Halloween is the one night a non-goth can get away with listening to Darkwave.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
yeaaa thriller
October 29th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
more appreciation for the info, love that o fortuna but didnt know the name (like a lot of others i see
but where is “Freaks come out at night” by whodini???
October 29th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Yay.. fun list Jamie!
I don’t know if it’s been mentioned yet (I didn’t see it anyway), but there is a great Halloween song that I used in a short film I made with some neighborhood kids.
The song is called ‘No Costume No Candy’ and it’s by the Swingin’ Neckbreakers.
Happy Halloween Everyone!
October 29th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Nice list. I definitely agree with #1!!
CAUSE THIS IS THRILLER!…
October 29th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
If this is a repeat… sorry, but my comment seems to have disappeared.
This is a fun list Jamie, and I actually knew all the songs that made it
Thanx!
Another good Halloween song that I haven’t seen mentioned yet is called ‘No Costume No Candy’ and it’s by the Swingin’ Neckbreakers.. It’s a great one if you like Halloween and Rockabilly (and who doesn’t??!!)
Happy Halloween Everyone!
October 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
DiscHuker: Indeed I didn’t. I just quickly browsed through it and the comments. I seriously didn’t see #2, and I blame ADD. (And work. I’m busy, dammit!)
October 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Good list J. I’ve heard most of these songs but never knew who to attribute them to.
I think Rockwell’s hit “Somebodys Watching Me” is a good Halloween themed song.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Where is “Halloween” By the misfits? i mean cmon… “Dead cats hangin’ on poles” where are there better lyrics?
October 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I have more songs to add to my Halloween party playlist now, Great List…And what would a party be without Thriller?
October 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Oh I love Marilyn Manson’s cover of “This is Halloween”, I remember seeing it performed live on Jay Leno and it was awesome
Anyway, this list just makes me wish halloween were a little bigger over here in Australia…
October 29th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Kid Rock totally killed that warewolves in london song.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I meant werewolves (obv).
October 29th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Great list…I was surprised to see the Halloween movie theme not on the list…I use it for a ringtone for my phone every October
October 29th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I love this List. i knew half of these would be on the list. Thanks also for adding Bach as #2. i have been dying to know what the name of that piece was.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
i played Thriller in a halloween parade with my marching band (WCUMB!!!) and i’m surprised that Superstition isn’t on this list, that’s another great halloween song, that WCUMB also played last year.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
love the songs
especially manson and the exorcist song!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Most of these songs have now wound up on the music playlist for the Halloween party we’re having here…Crazy fun.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
great list
i just love halloween. its my favorite holiday
i like panic at the disco’s version of “this is halloween”. they also did a cool song called “its almost halloween” thats worth looking up.
i like the michael jackson joke too. it gets a “lol”
October 29th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Wow, I’m glad that “The Raven” made the list. I had a 9th grade English Teacher who played the whole “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” album in class for us while we were studying Poe. I still love it!
Great list.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
177. MPW: Some very good songs! Thriller was a perfect choice for number 1. Honorable mention: The Monster Mash
****
Been missing you, buddy. You have to hang around more often, your wit is sorely missed.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
no Saint-Saens Danse Macabre? still a great list
October 29th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Love this list. Good Job
October 29th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
The 14-minute video is regarded by many as the greatest music video of all-time, and the song itself is considered to be one of Jackson’s signature songs.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’ve always wanted to learn the dance to Thriller.
It is a classic and defenitly deserves to be number 1.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
198. ajensen87: no Saint-Saens Danse Macabre?
****
WOW! Did that ever do a number on my memory!
When I was in grammar school through middle school (it was all one school), we had a weekly music/art session, with classical music being piped into the classroom while we all drew whatever images the music brought to mind.
I can still remember the day Saint-Saens Danse Macabre was the piece of music (I had no idea what macabre meant, I was maybe 10), and my drawing had willow trees blowing wildly, and dark clouds overhead, with black horses running in the background.
Kind of weird when you think about it, but accurate.
That particular program, btw, was one of my favorite hours of the entire week for 8 solid years.
I don’t think it’s done any longer.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
What, no Nightmare On My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince?
October 29th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
As for comment #190, by lizzypop82 – I’ve been waiting for someone to mention that! I was going to say something about it and then decided to see who would be the lucky person. You are!
I have a tendancy to use that as a ringtone for the month of October as well. Very good I’m not alone:)
The Halloween theme is certainly one that most people would pick up on (“Oh, I know that!” type).
I think the list was good in a sense that not everyone knew ALL of these, so it worked out well:) Adding too many familiars might have thrown it off. Great mix up either way.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Boston24, posting # 203 – GREAT! I’d forgotten all about that! I don’t think it puts out that “Halloween” feeling that some of these other songs might, but it’s definitely a keeper:)
Thank you for that, I’m going to have a listen or two.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I heard the theme from Danse Macabre a few days ago on Korean tv, but I’ve completely forgotten the context (drama or advertisement). I learned it in first year high school. There is a pipe organ arrangement of it. I *had* a CD by an organist who conducted one of the choirs I was in, played on the same organ as clip number 2. I *had* it. Somewhere along the way I lost it. Most of my CDs are in cardboard boxes in Australia, anyway.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I agree that Thriller should be number one.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Wow I agree almost 100% with this list.
There have been two halloween parties at my school the last two weeks. The one last wednesday played everything on this list. The one tonight played everything but 14 and 15.
Pretty interesting but I think this list, even though it’s one of those fun ones, pretty much nailed it.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
No “Spooky” by Classics IV? That’s a great halloween party song!
October 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I really enjoyed this playlist, Halloween being one of my favorite days. I totally agree that “Thriller” is #1. People may not respect Michael Jackson as a person, but he is sure one hell of an artist.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Im from India so we dont have Haloween. But here we just celebrated a national festival where Ram (hindu god) slays a demon and returns back to his native land. Guess holidays everywhere are at around the same time. [:)] btw.. Ghostbusters is an awesome movie and an even better song. Love the Be Kind, Rewind version of it too… rofl
October 29th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Ok 3rd attempt: Apologies if this shows up multiple times!
I would add a few more metal tunes. Metal is the perfect Halloween music.
A few suggestions: Halloween by Helloween, Fear Of The Dark by Iron Maiden, Seasons In The Abyss or Dead Skin Mask by Slayer (Or just about anything by Slayer), Black Sabbath by Black sabbath, and The Ripper by Judas Priest.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
oh, i’d also add I Put a Spell on You, from Hocus Pocus. that’s a good one too.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Great list. I had forgotten how much I like “Werewolves of London.” And yeah, “Thriller” does belong at #1.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Well, I kind of hate The Devil Went Down To Georgia.
Also, it really isn’t scary at all, at least not in the way that’s being implied…
And how is it even possible to choose Manson’s version of This Is Halloween over Panic at the Disco’s?
I’m assuming by “spookier” you meant that his/her version was, in general, a worse song; so much worse that it would cause the listener to fear for music itself…
Manson is a retarded musician, and I think he/she should just give it a rest…
October 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Great list. Although we don’t really celebrate Halloween here in Australia, it’s still fun to think what you might play if you had a party.
I’d have included more AC/DC – Highway to Hell, Hells Bells, Back in Black; also a couple of Rocky Horror songs – Science Fiction, Time Warp; Black Magic Woman – Santana; more CCR – Midnight Special; Voodoo Child – Rogue Traders.
Hmmm, maybe next year I’ll have a party anyway.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Also, I think “What’s This?” would have been a good addition, original or FOB version.
I’m partial to the FOB version, myself.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
hehe monster mash is the best
October 29th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor always conjures up images of Lon Chaney as the Phantom of the Opera :O
October 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
The most creepy music I have ever heard was listening to Pink Floyd in a dark room on a pair of really good headphones from vinyl. That can really freak someone out. Just try Dark Side of the Moon alone.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I’m glad Thriller is number 1. Old Michael Jackson (pre-super-insanity Michael Jackson) is good, but Thriller is great. It’s just fun!
And as much as I adore Don’t Fear the Reaper, it’s not exactly a Halloween song, so it’s good that it’s not *actually* on the list.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
music by boards of canada ought to be on this list… for a very psychedelic halloween
October 29th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I am flabbergasted “Dead Man’s Party” isn’t on the list. Seriously. Not only is it always on the play list at every Halloween party I’ve ever been to (unlike some of the songs on this list…), but I genuinely love that song. Since it was written by the same author as, and is the predecessor to #7’s Danny Elfman, it really needs a place. I am officially submitting my disappointment.
Furthermore, I can’t even win the prize, because I have never been able to fully register. It never sends me an email, though that’s never been a problem registering for any other site. Surely that’s enough to win me a nano? (My iPod recently broke… a month after the warranty expired… I’m really miserable here… )
October 30th, 2008 at 12:42 am
“Cause this Is Thriller, Diller Night!”
October 30th, 2008 at 2:11 am
don’t fear the reaper is a tight tune. i loved that it was on rockband!
October 30th, 2008 at 2:46 am
we had to sing o fortuna for choir . . it did sound quite eerie! . . and the monster mash ahaha as i was reading i new it was going to come up . . we did the mash!
October 30th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Ho god. I’ve had that ringtone on my mobile for AGES (used for family members who call, hehe) and I STILL jump at the striking half trill of the intro when my phone rings. Now THAT’s what I call a horror song.
BTW, was kinda expecting Chopin’s “Funeral March” here.
October 30th, 2008 at 3:13 am
The soundtrack to Eraserhead could be playing in the background under every other song – and then there is the vain hope of “in heaven everything is fine”…
October 30th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Panic: That’s YOUR opinion. I’m quite inclined to think that FOB and Panic! At the Disco are a bunch of tired, overrated, overused emo rags. But that’s MY opinion, which I won’t shove on anyone. Eh… And Manson is male.
My thinking for why the Manson version was included is because it has a harsher, grinding tone, which is regarded by most as scarier. This is in contrast to (no offense meant) Panic!’s tendency to sing higher and slightly… I guess lighter.
There are a few Tool songs that are downright creepy that could mesh well on the list… Just can’t remember the names of them right now.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:44 am
That Rob Zombie songs is one of his worst
you should have done either Living Dead Girl or Dragula
but i was quite delighted none the less to see him in this list
October 30th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Never heard some of these songs. Others I suggested for a friends Halloween party mix a few years ago. I think I also suggested Tool – Sober.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Well I must say that I am impressed with the diversity of this list….We have metal, goth, classical, country, 60’s, pop, theme songs…..seriously very well done. Maybe one of the most diverse and well put together list on here…I am very proud (not that you need my approval). I am a huge fan of listverse (IMO) greatest site ever. I was excited to see Marilyn Manson (His music has something a little creepy about it and he him self has a great sense of costuming)also CCR although I am realatively young I am a big fan of CCR. Although thriller may not be the creepest Halloween song Michael Jackson might have the creepest Halloween costume. I have heard most of these songs and again I must say very impressive list.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:49 am
216 Panic: Wow I am kind of irritated about the whole Manson thing….A. he has been around way longer than your main stream happy ‘Panic At The Disco’ band (not that I don’t like them because I do)B. The man is brilliant. Have you ever seen his interviews? Have you ever read any of his stuff? Seen his art work? He is probably one of the most intelligent musicians of his time IMO. C. No one does a cover like Manson (sweet dreams, tainted love, personal jesu, etc….)He is a born performer…He knows how to sell himself and does it well. Okay well I will stop ranting now just came across your comment and had to post.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:04 am
You’re nowhere without Ministry’s Everyday Is Halloween and the Apotheosis version of Carl Orff’s O Fortuna.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I’m a little worried about the fact that I have most of these songs on my playlist all year long. And as has been said before it makes me sad that Rocky Horror Picture Show had not even a mention.
But good list overall.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Number 2 is perfect for atmosphere….I am trying to find a good CD of Funeral Dirges and similar organ music….
October 30th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is absolutely mesmerising.
October 30th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Awesome job on this list. Finally I have found the names of two songs that have been driving me crazy for years. O Fortuna and Toccata and Fugue. FINALLY!!!!! Thanks so much.
Although how does Time Warp not make the list? That was kind of a big oversight. Great list though.
October 30th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Thriller is definitely #1, but I think the video adds a lot to making it scary. I still have nightmares when I see that video. Also, I think “Don’t Fear the Reaper” should be on the list (even though it is notable extra) because that song is pretty awesome. Also, whether you like the song or not, that Fall Out Boy video with all the vampires is pretty good for Halloween theme.
October 30th, 2008 at 7:46 am
At least “Purple People Eater” was in the “Notable Extras” portion. Not only an awesome song, but an awesome movie. Neil Patrick Harris, Ned Beatty, Screech . . . a dream cast.
October 30th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Monsters’ Holiday!
October 30th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Bauhaus: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”
The Cramps: “Voodoo Idol”
Well, pretty much anything from the two above-mentioned bands.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Time Warp? Time Warp anyone?
October 30th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I didn`t know Halloween wasn`t celebrated in Aussie Land ! It`s lotsa fun.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I like CCR’s ‘Bad moon rising’ but it just doesn’t give me the shivers. Now, ‘don’t fear the reaper’ is definitely scarier.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Shweet list good sir.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:33 am
What a fun list. Thiller used to give me nightmares. And nice to see the Marilyn version of This is Halloween.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:35 am
127. Bob: Most people wished you’d shut the f up, get back to work, and watch the videos at home. “Most people” was created by you to make you feel like your voice was speaking for someone else, when it isn’t.
119. segue: If you enjoy O Fortuna, Enigma did an entire album experimenting with that song called The Screen Behind the Mirror. The song “Gravity of Love” heavily samples it- that was the major single off the album.
174. segue: Faces of Death is pretty creepy, too.
221. stugy: Interesting. Maybe my time when I was heavily into that was different then yours: I remember listening to it while reading Stephen Kings “Eye of the Dragon” and pining away for my boyfriend while I was on vacation. It’s a lot sunnier in my mind.
223. pinkdustcrisp: Oh, do I love Boards of Canada. ROYGBIV is my favorite, but not as creepy as pyschadelic.
226. munro: Good call.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Kind of an odd one:
The Greenskeepers – Lotion
Taking lyrics from the script of Silence of the Lambs…
October 30th, 2008 at 9:40 am
220. ChuChu: You read my mind! He was so scary, especially when they take his mask off, eep!
244. THEKID: Finally! I hoped someone would mention it! I thought I was the only one who considered Time Warp at least a little Halloween-ey!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Ugh, I forgot to say: that tiny Michael Jackson pic is giving me the CREEPS!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Dead Mans Party
Funeral March of the Marionettes (Hitchcock’s theme)
Witchcraft
I cast a Spell on You
Hell’s Bells
Don’t fear the Reaper
Ghostbusters (and Ray Jr’s other hit – Somebody’s watching me)
Monster Mash
Werewolves of London
Thriller
Tocatta and Fugue (is the very definition of Halloween music!!)
October 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Is that really how MJ looks now? Yikes!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am
…agree with a few others – definitely need more cowbell to this list….Don’t Fear the Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult…
October 30th, 2008 at 10:02 am
oops – i guess that’s Rockwell’s “Somebody’s watching me”.
also, how about “People are Strange” or the Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”. not scary really, but they fit the Halloween theme
October 30th, 2008 at 10:12 am
249. Cedestra: Thanks for the musical tips, and thank you also for adding your voice to the Bob problem.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I really have to agree with the people saying metal is the perfect Halloween music. My Halloween nights are never complete without Helloween.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Thriller is definitely the number one pick. Personally i don’t think metal is the perfect Halloween music… if it were, you’d have metal in ever scary movie, but instead you have the mysterious piano melody with discordant string chords. That’s truly scary.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I recommend the TSOL song “Code Blue” but only for grown-up parties and/or fans of violent, offensive old-school punk songs. WARNING: This song “glorifies” necrophelia. As I said, it’s offensive and only for fans of hardcore punk music.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:24 am
This is great! I’m going to go home tonight and make a playlist for my party tomorrow. Mostly as an excuse to make people listen to old Alice Cooper
My addition? Nick Cave – Tupelo. Not exactly halloweeny, but really creepy with the thunder and epic-sounding music.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Hey Kreachure . . . I told everyone THAT was Michael Jackson’s real face yesterday, and could you imagine THAT coming to your house asking for candy?!!! Although, I personally think the nose was airbrushed!!!
HAPPY SPOOKING TO YOU ALL
You rock, ListVerse (and no, I’m not just saying that to get an IPOD).
October 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
very cool list! too bad I’m not having a party. and until I began studying classical music, I always thought that O Fortuna had been written for the Baz Luhrmann Romeo and Juliet movie, since it was the first time I heard it. haha.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hey, isn’t “Monster Mash” represented by the movie Arsenic and Old Lace?
Just wondering . . .
Jane the Librarian
October 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am
ok I thought of another good one… Selected Ambient Works Vol.2 from aphex twin. some truely bizzare, creepy atmospheric stuff
October 30th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Thanks jane. I was just about to ask what the Cary Grant film in the Monster Mash clip was.
Saved me the effort. erm………..sort of.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
As for post #231 by Maelstorm, good call on the Living Dead Girl. I am not a huge fan of Rob Zombie or anything, but it was good. The first time I heard it was from that Chucky movie that it was featured in (not sure how long it had been out before then) – but it definitely gave the parts of the movie a bit of ambiance that it needed.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Ghost Town by the Specials?
October 30th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
O Fortuna has always been a horrific song for me. I didn’t realize that it’s name was so unknown. Ever since a nightmarish experience in 5th grade drama club, that song has been cursed. I hear it everytime something bad is about to happen. It will inevitably either play on a website, on the radio, on PBS; it’s somewhat erie. Wonder if I have a family history with it?
Anyway, I avoided clicking on the YouTube link as a result of above mentioned curse.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Omg! the Monster Mash, scary movies and candy are the reasons that make Halloween soooo much fun. Well worth the wait of a year to hear the Monster Mash….no matter what costume I wear to the parties I can still dance to it..lol
October 30th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Tubular Bells is an amazing album. Its kind of sad that thats the only song people know about.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Toccata and Fugue in D minor should be number one! Its funny because I only like underground rap and classical pieces like this. Keep up the good lists and I would like to see one like Top Ten Lost Palaces/Castles or maybe Top Ten Sharpest Man-made Objects, lol
October 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
the entire welcome to my nightmare album was fantastic also glad some one else remembered …hey there little red riding …another good goofy greats type …i want my baby back
October 30th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
How about ‘The Time Warp’ from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.. I always watch that movie on Halloween!
October 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I have never heard that version of “This is Halloween”, I love it! Thanks for putting it up! I’ll have to find it somewhere because it is awesome! The other songs are all completely awesome as well, especially the classical bits.
October 30th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
These are good songs!
October 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I use these on my radio station
October 30th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I like the tubular bells but I really dont think it sounds that scary. Curse I havent seen the exorcist
October 30th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
With all of this talk about the Rocky Horror Picture Show, I just realized I’ve never fully seen it. I’ve seen bits and pieces, that’s about it. Where I live, in Ohio, there’s this local theater that used to ONLY feature that show. Then, the place was closed down and within the last couple of years, reopened as a movie theater, a bar, and now both. Wonder if they are thinking of putting that show back out for old time sake on Halloween? Only time can tell… I suppose it would be cool though, with all of you talking about it, I’d love to see it in all of its glory, at a theater, with the great picture and sound…and a cold beer.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Ok…so I’ve just downloaded most of these songs plus some scary movies themes (Jeepers Creepers, Halloween, Freddyls song,etc) to my phone so i can hear while I take my nephews trick-or-treating…I guess I’ll be jumpy tomorrow if any kid says even a boo!
October 30th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Great list… I like all of these, but Toccata and Fugue in D Minor has got to be my favorite. It’s a classic.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
fantomas’ directors cut is pretty halloween-ish throughout
October 30th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I second Excitable Boy.
Also Swamp Witch.
And just about anything from Rocky Horror or Little Shop of Horrors
Also that song that starts
Hey Children Whats That Sound
Everybody Look Whats Going Round
Cheers
Lee
October 30th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
The two greatest song on the list our, without a doubt “Thriller” and the Ghostbusters theme. Thriller is timeless though, it was revolutionary when it came out and, like the post said it is still widely played today and generally one of the most well recognized songs.
We actually just watched the video for Thriller in one of my classes the other day in Halloween spirit, so excellent choice!
We should do a list of Halloween movies next
October 30th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I agree with you, InfiniteJorge, except I’m not volunteering to write that list:)
Perhaps the great Mr. Frater can take hold and do our bidding?
October 30th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
How about the Theme to Bram Stoker’s Dracula or the Poltergeist soundtrack
October 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
This a great list.!!
I think the only thing scarier than thriller, is possible that indian version internet meme that was around a while ago.
haha.
oh also, i love the bach piece.
a lot of his fugues (with minor tonalities) have some really creepy melodies..
October 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
this beats them all. Everyone sings on this track, everyone.
Arcade Fire’s Win & Regine + Redd Kross’ Steve McDonald + Beck + R.E.M.’s + Joey Waronker + Buck 65 + Rilo Kiley’s Jenny & Black + David Cross + Roky Erickson + Devendra Banhart + Sloan’s Chris Murphy + Elvira, Mistress of the Dark + Smoosh’s Asya & Chloe + Feist + Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore + Gino Washington + Sparks’ Russel Mael + Les Savy Fav’s Syd Butler + Subtitle + Islands’ J’aime + Sum 41’s Stevo + Malcolm Mclaren + Tagaq + Peaches + That Dog’s Anna Waronker + Postal Service’s Jimmy Tamborello + Wolf Parade’s Dan & Spencer + Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O
any hallowe’en song with a david cross cameo is a winner in my books…
October 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
great list I especially like Marilyn Manson’s version of This is Halloween mostly because I like Tim Burton’s strange sense of bipolar-ness he shows through his work,but what about witchy woman by the eagles, or black magic woman by santana or even stairway to heaven (backmasked)by led zeppelin? Great list!
October 30th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Monster Mash, of course, a classic.
However, Thank you for getting Thiller stuck in my head.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I have the ghostbusters theme stuck in my head, I recorded it off of youtube and put it in my iTunes and my iTunes seems to play it (on shuffle) every 2nd song.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I remember listening to the monster mash in elementary school i loved that song!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
You forgot somebody’s watching me by rockwell
October 30th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
AOOOO000oooooooo Werewolves of london! haha love that song, everytime I hear it the start reminds me of sweet home alabama. Did this song use lynard Skynards work for their song? Great list as always Jamie, new member, old reader. Keep up the good work. This list actually got me in the halloween spirit that I love, remeniscent of so many fall seasons of my youth…well earlier youth lol. Take it easy and enjoy the season big guy!
October 30th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
i gotta say JEEPERS CREEPERS like the old time version will freek you out if u here it and think about it
October 31st, 2008 at 3:43 am
If you’re into exploring some new music, here’s a playlist of some great indie Halloween songs…
http://www.youlicense.com/PlayLists/UserPlaylists.aspx?ID=ab0c860c-43d4-489c-bdc1-4df1c9f5890d
Enjoy!
October 31st, 2008 at 4:28 am
Michael Jackson scary?! I had like 8 years when I saw this and didn’t get scared.
Why didn’t you put Aphex Twin’s “come to daddy”? That freaks me out even now
October 31st, 2008 at 6:22 am
Another good song for any day, but especially today is “Dead Souls” by ‘Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows’. The refrain, “Death and Decay with every spell/For us there’s neither heaven nor is there a Hell”, gives me gooseflesh every time I hear it, especially in the artist’s mournful voice. Here’s a link to the video and song on Youtube:
Enjoy!
October 31st, 2008 at 7:20 am
A lot of Mahler’s later choral works, the things he wrote after losing his son, are full of minor tonalities and eerie overtones. So sad they make you cry while sending shivers down your spine!
October 31st, 2008 at 9:09 am
i also agree with infinitejorge, there definitely needs to be a halloween movie list.
October 31st, 2008 at 9:09 am
I really love when they had “monster mash” on the Simpsons valentines day episode
October 31st, 2008 at 9:10 am
“I saw a werewolf drinking a Pina Colada at Trader Vic’s; his hair was perfect”
October 31st, 2008 at 9:24 am
I agree that the Marilyn Manson version of “This is Halloween” is way creepier than the original; however, the original will always hold a special place in my heart.
Oh, and hell yeah to Ghostbuster’s Theme, that funky beat gets me every time, “I ain’t afraid of no ghost.”
October 31st, 2008 at 10:01 am
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
(Listening to them now…)
October 31st, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hi i’m new here. this is more an experimental post to anything but just to say hi and i would love to meet people here especially trumpet players (like me!! (-:
October 31st, 2008 at 10:25 am
Chillin’ to some halloween songs and eating my nieces trick r treating candy mmmm…
October 31st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I hadn’t heard the Manson version of This is Halloween before, thanks!
Nice list as usual
October 31st, 2008 at 11:14 am
Okay, I just listened to the Marilyn Manson version of This is Halloween – and I don’t prefer it to the movie. It’s good, but I like the different voices throughout the original.
Thanks for introducing me to that version! I like their version of I Put A Spell On You – which could’ve also made this list.
October 31st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Purple people eater NEEDS to be on this list? How can you leave that song out?
October 31st, 2008 at 11:40 am
jfrater: Absolutly nobody is ever satisfied with your lists huh? Everybody thinks you should make your list based off of all their favorites. Reading a lot of these comments I have started to notice that it probably has to be the most annoying thing ever. I applaud you for not shutting down the site, because it seems to be the majority of your readers think they should be running the site themselves.
October 31st, 2008 at 11:44 am
I just realized a glaring omit: Night on Bald Mountain! I love that song and it screams Halloween. That is a must have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccBj4cLqHt4
baba: Purple People Eater is in the Notable Extras at the bottom.
October 31st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
K1W1taxi the name of the song your talking about is For What It`s Worth. Performed by Buffalo Springfield. (written by Stephen Stills)
October 31st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
no time warp? *sad face*
October 31st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Happy Halloween!
Maybe everyone can travel to the Top 10 Incredible Recordings for tonight and listen to the exorcism or even The Sounds of Hell!!! Mwahha…a bit too much?
Everyone have a fun night, enjoy the eerie sounds of everything.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
The entire Nightmare Revisited album is KILLER! I love the Amy Lee version of Sally’s Song.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Happy Halloween everyone!
xdr: Hehe, I think you misunderstood some of the comments. Some of us were saying that a picture of him from nowadays (like the one appearing in this list’s link icon thingie) is pretty scary.
MJ is far scarier with the way he looks today than when he played a zombie in the thriller video!!
October 31st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I totally forgot to add (why isn’t there an edit comment button??) Sandy Claws!!!!!! The Korn version gets me everytime. I’ll be singing it for the rest of the day!
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Put him in a box
Burry him 100 years
Then see if he talks
October 31st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
when it comes to tubular bells not being scary. i finally got a copy on cd about 5 years ago and im not allowed to listen to it when the wife and daughter are home . it gives them both the hebbie gebbies and they dont even think about the exorcist connection ,the wife doesnt remember and the daughter never saw it. i still think it is one of the best pieces of misic i have ever heard.
October 31st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Kreature (316)Happy Halloween back atcho.I can only imagine what you are for Halloween, your name being what it is.
October 31st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
LOL LOL LOL
I just came back from my monthly visit with my pain management doc.
The receptionist was wearing a full kimono get-up. I stared at her for a moment then asked, quite seriously, why she was dressed like that. Everyone in the office turned to look at me simultaneously, at which nanosecond I realized what day it was!
Happy Halloween all!
October 31st, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is so awesome when you hear the whole thing.
October 31st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Cliff Richard – Devil Woman
The theme song from Sabrina the Teenage Witch (just kidding sounds just like all other 80’s-90’s sitcoms on abc).
October 31st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I think monster mash should be #1!
October 31st, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Just recently listened to Manson’s ‘This is Halloween’. I like it, pretty nice. I still prefer Mr. Elfman’s work on it, but I’m not downing Manson’s job.
Either way, great stuff.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
GHOSTBUSTERS
October 31st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Great List
October 31st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
dude, Thebrasspioneer, i am a fellow trumpet player!! i’m a trumpet major at West Chester University!! Yeah trumpet players!! happy halloween everyone!!
October 31st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
i remember playing monster mash in band 6th grade… i LOVED it!
October 31st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Oh! and I was listening to part of Alice Coopers radio show tonight and he played a lot of really great halloween songs, it was a GREAT night of work
Happy Halloween to all of you especially you j_frater
October 31st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I’m surprised so many people were unaware of Manson’s “This is Halloween.” I actually found it online on accident while looking for something else, but that was probably 3 years ago. Also, I would like to suggest “Eet the Children” by Otep. It has lots of loud guttural screaming, which is always a good thing.
October 31st, 2008 at 10:53 pm
BOO!
;( 
November 1st, 2008 at 2:05 am
311 Brickhouse: Night on Bald/Bare Mountain is actually about the night of St John’s eve – June 23 – but the concept very easily fits onto Halloween.
November 1st, 2008 at 2:08 am
And the winner is: Brickhouse (comment 108) – Congratulations! Please email me (jamie at frater dot com) with your choice of prizes! Happy Halloween!
November 1st, 2008 at 2:52 am
What about Beethoven’s 5th? Death knocking at the door? Wanted to have a post that related to the subject
November 1st, 2008 at 2:54 am
Wow, commented 44 minutes too late for the prize
November 1st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Good list but…
Where’s witch doctor?
and you prefer the manson version of this is halloween??
CLASSIC Danny Elfman. Come on!
November 1st, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Congratulations Brickhouse!
November 1st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Grudgingly, I also send my congratations to Brickhouse (I wish I won it) just kiddin.Have A happy November.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
No suprise at numbers 10 and 3. It just wouldn’t be halloween without them, now would it?
November 2nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Why is the Time Warp not on this list????
November 4th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Just before, I heard the Danse Macabre coming from the television and raced to look, and it was Yuna Kim skating in last week’s Skate America.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
“Bad Moon Rising” was of course used on the soundtrack to the brilliant movie “An American Werewolf In London”
November 6th, 2008 at 10:19 am
343. keogh17: Gay? What, is that your mating call?
November 21st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
black sabbath by black sabbath should be no.1!
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
What about Boris the spider?? I was really expecting that to be first. Also the Exsorcist theme is good.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Yes, Melina, Boris the Spider by the Who is good. Daltrey’s vocals are definitely creepy on that track. Of course, I wouldn’t dance to that though. Maybe drink to it, though. Maybe not.
December 4th, 2008 at 4:51 am
This is Halloween by Marylin M, it’s annoying, don’t like it.
February 13th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
For Whom the Bell Tolls-Metallica
Heaven and Hell-Black Sabbath
Living after Midnight-Judas Priest
Sober-Tool
Frankie Teardrop-Suicide
These are worth listening to, and I think they would go perfect with Halloween.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
hahahaa number 6 is from the carlton draught add!
its a big ad!
March 19th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
my current favorites are marilyn manson’s rendition of “this is halloween,” icp’s “halloween,” metallica’s “enter sandman,” modeste mussorgsky’s “a night on bald mountain,” and anything, ANYTHING by rob zombie. the man’s pores ooze halloween awesomeness.
March 19th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
JFrater, I have been checking out your site for about a month now and in this list you have helped me find several songs I have been looking for for some time. Awesome.
May 4th, 2009 at 2:44 am
You had every single song I would have put on there, including the MM This Is Halloween! Great list, great songs, definate Halloween feel to all of them!
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Some of these songs reminded me of a song from Nightmare Before Christmas I’m surprised that was not one of them…Man I wish I could remember the name of the song though
June 8th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Where is Night on Bald Mountain? I remeber the first time I ever heard it was in Fantasia, and I thought it was the PERFECT Halloween song. Very ominous sound to it, I woiuld play it at any party I had.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:59 am
Hi,
These Halloween songs remind me of a dark night where its raining and ghosts are singing theses songs. i don’t have a collection of Halloween songs ,but will love to have one. Anybody who can suggest me.
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 am
dude where’s the Rob Zombie stuff? preferably “Dragula”, “Living Dead Girl”, and “House of 100 Corpses” (yes, he made a song along with the movie. and it’s brutal.)
September 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Great list ofHalloween songs. I would like to see The number of the beast on the list.
September 13th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Great list of Halloween songs. I would like to see The number of the beast on the list.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
they should have Included Don’t fear the reaper in this list
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
they also should have included bela lugosi’s dead
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
The time warp would also have been good.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
of course, no one could forget thriller
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
To answer your question,Daisy, you can find collections of halloween music just about anywhere. I’m sure there are a few good one.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
phantombanker was right. they should have included witchy woman
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
there were also several songs at least worth a good honorable mention such as-
Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones
Bat Out Of Hell – Meat Loaf
Super Freak – Rick James
Voodoo Child – Jimi Hendrix
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
this list should have had much more heavy metal in it.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
They probably also should have had the talking head’s Psycho Killer
and the who’s Boris the spider
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
i never MM did a version of This Is Halloween. it is going on my WANTED list right now!!