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Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue: This is Halloween!
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Jack and Sally aren't the only ones who are ready to rock out on Halloween
As was highlighted in the last article there are way many too songs that could fit with Halloween. A playlist was created with over 100 songs and surely there are many more that probably were left off. But there are a few songs that are severed heads and bloody shoulders above the rest. So this week's Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue is all about the most ghastly, ghoulish, crazy and fun holiday ever HALLOWEEN. Call it what you want Halloween, Day of the Dead, but whatever you call it and whatever your definition of the perfect Halloween is there is guaranteed to be a song to fit the mood.
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Something Old:
There are some older songs that have become a part of Halloween that truly belong in the Halloween hall of fame. While "Monster Mash" is a great song is very overplayed now. "Monster Mash" tends to get tiring to hear upon repeated use unlike say a song like "Thriller" or "Dead Man's Party." There are however many older songs that are perfect for Halloween, obviously there are way too many to list here (hence the previously done article that gave an extensive list.) These "Halloween" songs may not directly reference the holiday but set the mood perfectly for a haunting night. These songs also withstand the test of time and extensive play too. The best song hands down that talks about Halloween though is "Everyday Is Halloween" by The Ministry, an 80s electronic masterpiece is fun and gives everyone permission to be themselves everyday even if that means getting odd stares for the way you dress.
If it is a song you need about monsters instead of "Monster Mash" maybe opt for "Scary Monsters" by David Bowie instead. Yes it does tend to get played a lot along with songs like "Welcome To My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper. But what sets "Scary Monsters" apart from all the other quite frequently played tunes is it really is timeless and is one of the best rock songs around. But that's to expected when the legendary genius that is Bowie is behind it.
For all those naughty devils out there, there are a few brilliant songs that are too good to keep off that list. The song "Hell" by Squirrel Nut Zippers is hands down the catchiest tune ever written about that fiery prison below. The song is so clever and so fun that people will be singing words like "in the afterlife you could be heading for the serious strife," while wearing a huge smile on their face. Also cannot overlook the song that is probably one of the sexiest songs about being bad "Devil Inside" by Inxs. This 80s tune from the band fronted by the late Michael Hutchence and it's fiery lyrics is guaranteed to add a sultry feel to any party, it is truly sinfully good.
Perhaps one of the best older songs that often has been imitated but will never beat the original is "I Put A Spell On You" by Screamin Jay Hawkins. Screamin Jay was the forefather to Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie with his outlandish shows and love of the macabre both in dress and on stage. He is a legendary blues man and this over the top, haunting and even seductive gem is a classic.
Another song that is an oldie but a goodie is the classic by the immortal Johnny Cash "Ghost Riders In The Sky." The Man In Black has many songs that could fit here but this song with its catchy beat is an upbeat and fun tune that should not be left off any Halloween playlist. Speaking of ghosts no list is complete without the ska classic "Ghost Town" by The Specials. This song is a fun way to kick off any party and adds a ska/punk flavor that is guaranteed to liven even the zombified guests in the crowd.
If it is vampires that are more your scene then check out "Bloodletting (the Vampire Song)" by Concrete Blonde. The song sounds like it could be the anthem of those naughty vamps from True Blood due to the theme of frolicking around the streets of New Orleans celebrating being undead. Still just as good today as when it was created. Another personal favorite is "Pet Sematary" by The Ramones, the song from the chilling Stephen King movie of the same name about the cursed cemetery. This song is fun due to the rocking punk beat of the Ramones and when else can you sing the lyrics "I don't want to be buried in a pet sematary." Lastly no Halloween playlist is complete without the legendary "Time Warp" from the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, the scandalous dance has been making people "jump to the left and step to the right" for decades now. Although midnight screenings of the movie are more rare now this song still is so much fun to put on at any party. Plus if someone is feeling adventurous they should dress up as one of the creatures from the movie…although it may be a little harder to convince someone to dress up as Frank N'Furter.
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Something New:
Several artists have released songs over the past few years that just work perfectly with any Halloween playlist. The most recent honor belongs to the Delta Fiasco who's debut CD Blood Will Have Blood was released this past Tuesday. The CD is an electronic-rock work of art and several of the songs would turn any party from boring to electrifying in minutes. "Night Terrors Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3" are chilling and brilliant. The songs are so catchy and are like mini-epic masterpieces. You will find yourself dancing even when phrases like "Night terrors, rapid heartbeat," or "Eyes were sewn shut." are being played repeatedly. But seriously the entire CD plays out like a movie already and is the perfect CD to put on for a night of dark fun or anytime period. Sadly due to the newness of the CD none of this songs could be linked to in full length, so I highly recommend everyone do yourself a huge favor and go to Itunes and buy the entire CD or at least the songs above by either clicking the song titles above or going HERE.
Another recent release that should be in heavy rotation at a party and in general is the self-titled debut by Dead Man's Bones. Any song on the CD would work since the entire CD was inspired by the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney and a love of the macabre. But the stand out tracks have to be "Name In Stone" and the wonderful "In The Room Where You Sleep." Add children singing and it adds an extra layer of innocence and eeriness to each song.
Another newer song is Gnarls Barkley's "Boogie Monster" from their debut CD ST. Elsewhere. Yes it may not be new time wise but it is an instant classic when it comes to Halloween songs. With it's lyrics about a monster in the closet and someone hiding under the bed it is the perfect song for any Halloween night, it also has a naughty ending so this one is aimed for the adult Halloween fans out there. Another song that is newer is "Haunted" by Poe from her CD of the same name. The entire CD is perfect for a Halloween playlist but this song about ghosts in particular is so gorgeous, so stirring and so catchy that it's guaranteed the listener will not be able to get it unstuck from their brains for weeks. After listening to the song go pick up this underappreciated masterpiece of a CD!
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Something Borrowed:
Quite often there are covers that just instantly blow you away because they take the original song and make it completely fresh and new again. The first perfect example of that is a lesser known band called Rasputina's awesome gothic-rock version of "Bad Moon Rising" which is a classic tune by Creedence Clearwater Revival. With the female voice and mixing of hard rocking guitars and orchestral instruments this is one hidden little gem that just begs to be played at every masquerade ball. Another great cover award has to be given to Marilyn Manson and his quite faithful yet darkly unique version of "This Is Halloween" from the brilliant Halloween/Christmas Tim Burton tale: The Nightmare Before Christmas. He takes an already awesome ode to Halloween and puts and cool twist on it without stripping away what made the original version so good. Speaking of soundtracks, the Crow soundtrack was chalked full of great rock tunes that worked perfect for the movie. But one of the best from that soundtrack is Nine Inch Nail's version of "Dead Souls" by Joy Division. Their version of the song is haunting and not only fit the dark love story of the Crow but is still just as good as when it was released. Lastly while the Smiths version of the song "Jack The Ripper" is awesome enough already the cover version done by AFI adds a bit more of a haunting, spooky feel to the song and while the song isn't exactly word for word about the famous killer it still is extra creepy when AFI puts their spin on the song.
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Something Blue:
It's really easy to find songs that are scary or crazy for Halloween yes but blue not so much usually. But there are a few songs that spin tales of woe due to loss or wanting that work. Take for instance "Moon Over Bourbon Street" by Sting which is from his release Dream of the Blue Turtle. The song is a story about a man who transforms into a werewolf, lonely and sad he walks the streets of New Orleans pining over his love who he cannot have due to his full moon affliction. This showcases Sting's storytelling at its finest. Another song is one that has been covered by the likes of Eric Clapton is the haunting blues tale "Crossroad Blues" by the legendary Robert Johnson. The song is about a man so desperate he sells his soul to the devil and is truly one of the best blues songs ever created. It is both eerie and heartbreaking at the same time and features guitar work that any musician would be envious of.
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So there you have it a few highlights of the playlist from the previous article that needed to be spotlighted. While so many more songs could be mentioned since there are songs from the Doors, The Who, Frank Sinatra and so many more. But Halloween is about fun and just being crazy for one day and night. So go celebrate and make sure to not take yourself so seriously because Halloween is a night to let your inner child out to have some fun. But one thing is for sure the right music can just make a party so much better. Happy Halloween!
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