Trick or Treat? Halloween Beats To Spook or Impress. Three-Hour Playlist. Tunes to Delight.

As we know, the majority of us reading this article celebrate New Years Day on the 1st of January. The Chinese celebrate their special mark of a brand new calendar a few weeks to a month later, while the Celts celebrate New Years Day on the 1st of November. Therefore the comfort foods of pumpkin and cinnamon spice (am I allowed to say chocolate?) naturally kick in, in the cooler, winter months. According to the Celts, the cooler months (aka winter) brought forward a blur between life and death on their take on New Years Eve (off hand, over 2,000 years ago now), and the trick or treat concept came from that, on what they called All Hallows Eve. Welcome to Halloween then. There you go, Halloween is a British concept, and not an American one. (It is like asking what came first...the chicken or the egg?) Who cares, and maybe they both did.

Candy and chocolate manufacturers count their financial blessings during this time, all the knowing that people are eager to take a risk with the trick or treats; yet on the other hand prefer to give away a treat, not knowing what the trick will entail (if any).

In either case, it is time to party, and what is a party (let alone life) without any music to ignite our souls, and lift our moods? The catering (and the costumes, although optional) must be covered, and now the question on everyone's lips in the spirit of Vocal Media's Graveyard Smash challenge is what to play? My guarantee is to bring you at least three solid hours of tunes. Good luck comes in three's doesn't it? You're welcome dear reader. NB: I will explain why I chose the relevant song, before sharing the link to such. You will get the drift.

Furthermore, dear reader, I cannot share any links, as the article initially got knocked back on the grounds of 'broken links' which is incredibly strange, as each link was checked and tested by me, prior to publication the first time round.

Halloween is also associated with ghosts, and whether or not you are into the paranormal; a Halloween night party (alcohol also optional) calls for an upbeat rendezvous, getting into the spirit of trick or treat (yep, forget about your privacy for a night). You can replace man with woman, and lucky for some, Halloween in 2021 (as at the time of writing this) is on a Sunday. That is not a dream...just saying. This is why I chose the below song to get the tunes up and running.

Song # 1: Somebody Watching Me by Rockwell

Now that the spring rolls/the entrees are now being dished out; a song that is standing the test of time, and is embracing no feat of the ghosts is none other than the theme song from the Ghostbusters. Get your dancing shoes on. Do not worry, if you spill a bit of alcohol on the dance floor, remember that there is no point crying over spilt milk! Who knows, your trick or tricksters might dance with you!

Song # 2: Who You Gonna Call? by Ghostbusters

If you need more inspiration, and perhaps for some last minute dressing up; you cannot go further than a Halloween Classic. No different to Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers hitting number one on the top of the pops back in 1991, to time in with the release of the Ghost movie (sorry, a pun of two different polarities there.) Something will be wrong if this song ever gets skipped at any Graveyard Smash, in moi's humble opinion.

Song # 3: Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett

Not to deliberately include a song by a popular artist, of who crossed the rainbow bridge in mid-life back in 2009; yet his legendary songs and dance moves (think the moonwalk) live on. None other than a tribute to Michael Jackson. Many of you would agree that he did make the world a better place. (The shorter version is shared below. If you prefer the 13 minute version, then knock yourself out.)

Song # 4: Thriller by Michael Jackson

Now for the polarity, in balancing out the singing voices of both genders. To gyrate those hips, and give them a hula hoop like workout, you might be inspired to love those human creatures that are dressing up, and knocking on your doorstep for the eleventh time already! You could be a little flirty if you wish. Pun intended on the latter. You get the drift. If you are feeling a little peckish, you might have some sweet potato chips, or bits of roasted pumpkin to snack on. Maybe they can be shared as "treats" rather than those candy canes and chocolates right now. If this song is good enough to be in the soundtrack of Hotel Transylvania 2; then it is good enough for team Vocal. Without further ado for the next track...

Song # 5: I'm In Love With a Monster by Fifth Harmony

For something a little fun, that makes you think a little of Nutbush City Limits and the Vengaboys to a degree, and to get the heart rate up a bit (if you are choosing to dance); then why not let your hair down a bit, and call the Witch Doctor over to check your pulse. Adults are allowed to be silly.

Song # 6: Ooh Eeh Ooh Ah Aah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing by Witch Doctor (The)

I am sure you want to give those new knee high black boots a good run for their money; and perhaps your broom prop can follow the directions of the flow in the next song. For a Halloween themed funky dance session (water bottles will come in handy) with a slower (but still an upbeat) tempo; your prayers have been answered, and the monsters might come out of hiding. That is right, the name of a popular ghost beginning with C is mentioned, and if the Cha Cha comes to mind, then you are right on the money here.

Song # 7: Cha-Cha Slide by Mr C The Slide Man

If the kids (of course, and only if applicable) are awake, and perhaps they might be having a nightmare or two at this point. All jokes aside, the next song will bring the family together, while keeping up the upbeat tempo, then the next song is a worthy break in the pattern, while keeping the Halloween spirit alive and kicking.

Song # 8: Halloween Rules (Kids Halloween Song) by Bounce Patrol

Another family favourite is from The Addams Family. Halloween just would not be Halloween without The Addams Family theme song. Just saying. Enough said, and let's play. Time to give the fingers a workout now.

Song # 9: The Addams Family Theme Song

In the spirit of the Celtics, and to see if the kids are willing to go back to bed again (just kidding there); yet a valid point has been made. Something more modern is up next, and just to take a breather for a bit. None other than a tribute to lead singer Dolores who passed away a couple of years ago, as at the time of writing this.

Song # 10: Zombie by The Cranberries

To get your spook and sense of curiosity back; it is only appropriate to be reminded of the occasion you are celebrating and embracing at the time.

Song # 11: This is Halloween by Danny Elfmann

Many people party until 3am at least, on any given New Years Eve in the traditional sense. In preparation to get those dancing shoes working in a supercharged way, none other than a 9o's pop sensation, that has a spooky factor tucked away somewhere will be the tune of the moment. Tine to be rocked, and to move that body again. Then again, you do not want to turn up to the office the next day, with a New Years Day hangover, literally. Then again, Halloween reminds us that time is eternal, and especially in a haunted house. Enough said.

Song # 12: 3AM Eternal by KLF

Now is the time to take to the streets on your doorstep if you dare, and to put that witch outfit and broom to good use, and for the lanterns to shine with none other than this Bette Middler's Halloween classic next. This is so appropriate for that superstitious number. The black cats of the town might begin to purr away:

Song # 13: I Put A Spell On You by Bette Middler

I am sure you are thirsty for another cocktail at this point, and the candy canes are starting to diminish. Let the zombie and fantasy vibe (pretending to die, and get caught in a witch's spell to name) continue. Treat or Treat? Absolutely. No tricks here.

Song # 14: Surfin Dead by The Cramps

A fitting tribute to the horror films (in keeping the Halloween spirit alive into the night) of the 1980's should come next. You can dance the night away, or just chill out, and soak in the blackness next. Hang onto your black cat or dog for good luck.

Song # 15: Pet Sematary by Ramones

A Graveyard Smash would not be possible without Lana Del Ray singing about witches. This was a soundtrack to the film called Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Despite this film being banned on violence grounds, Lana softens the blow below:

Song # 16: Season Of The Witch by Lana Del Ray

Scared of spiders? Halloween is not Halloween without this eight legged friend (just kidding.) Welcome to the spider appreciation song. Plastic ones encouraged. New Years Eve is a time for fireworks, and therefore to crack open those fears, and annihilate them once and for all. No pun on you know who. Enough said again.

Song # 17: Boris The Spider by The Who

All of these spooky songs (17 of them in total) could make you dream of those creepy crawlies walking around your closet, with perhaps a real skeleton coming out. New Years Eve (in the traditional sense, although the Celts are clearly different in that sense) is a time to celebrate the year that was, and to bring in the new. Freedom is something to (always) be celebrated. The land of the free people. Time for Something Good (no pun intended). Please enjoy the next two songs, before more people knock on your door trick or treating. The ghosts can return to their haunted houses for a bit. Popcorn also optional. Please stay hydrated with water though.

Song # 18: Everybody's Free by Rozalla

Song # 19: Something Good by Utah Saints

In keeping this disco theme alive, and to bring Halloween back (because it only comes once a year right?) The next song could bring back some disco balls, and vinyl record memories:

Song # 20: Supernature by Cerrone

This should spook you, just as much as it spooked the British press back in the 90's. Just because it's Halloween. Ghosts and other haunted creatures are known to be quite naughty and mysterious. Just because, and it is like London in the 1990's all over again.

Song # 21: Ebeneezer Goode by The Shamen

Tradition is key when it comes to milestone activities. No different when it comes to Halloween. I mean, the trick or treat concept will never go away. Neither will those Smashing Pumpkins. This leads us to the next song. Jam it away.

Song # 22: Halloween by The Misfits

The below song is a reflection of what life was like in Coventry (in the UK) back in the 70's and 80's. This is one timeless piece of music, in awe and in reflection as to how far we have really come. My gut feel is telling me that this classic needs to belong in a suggested Halloween Playlist. After all, the ghosts rule on October the 31st. An air of mystery indeed.

Song # 23: Ghost Town by The Specials

Hopefully you will not have any nightmares, yet all of the Halloween creatures are associated with such for some people, like the fear of ghosts and spiders. Alice Cooper has to be included here. Hopefully the below song might make you feel a little more at home on the spookiest day of the year.

Song # 24: Welcome To My Nightmare by Alice Cooper

For those heavy metal fans out there, you are also covered. As one YouTuber put it; the next song definitely contains enough metal to rebuild the Titanic. Personally, I am not a massive Metallica fan, yet my intuition urged me to include this song. Yep, in a ghosts and witches world, you could be off to never never land. Same with trick or treating. Your sack could be full of candy, or it could be depleted on the contrary. Halloween is also about taking risks.

Song # 25: Enter Sandman by Metallica

Now heavy metal is meeting rock, and a classical hit from all time has to be included at this point in the Halloween game. Then again, thunder and lightning is synonymous with the spookiness of Halloween. I am sure you are getting the drift here. Be thunderstruck. Crank this one up with permission, and something would be wrong if your neighbours complained of noise coming from your place.

Song # 26: Thunderstruck by AC/DC

Now for something of a softer tempo, and with more modernity. Then again, Halloween is also associated with the little stars in the sky. Counting candy or stars? All in the name of Halloween. Seek and you shall find on Halloween.

Song # 27: Counting Stars by OneRepublic

The time has come to switch up the tempo, and bring the vampires out of their shells. Unleash the vampires. (Apologies for the brief profanity in the lyrics, as yours truly could not find a clean version). Life could feel upside down tonight, yet in a pleasant way. #happyhalloween

Song # 28: Vampires by DJ Antione vs Mad Mark

Time to wind back the clock. Halloween is spooky indeed. Bring out the Purple People Eater next. Welcome to song number 29.

Song # 29: The Purple People Eater by Shed Wooley

Time to further reflect on your Halloween, and enjoy some treats. Time to socialise. The below song can be inspiring, yet for some, it can feel a little on the dark side (pun intended for October the 31st.) Just a ritual of new beginnings. It can be played anywhere, and anytime. Time to also bring an instrumental tune into the mix. If it is good for Outer Banks, then this tune is good enough to be added to this playlist, curated my moi. It is still a pleasure.

Song # 30: Intro (long version) by The XX

You and team Vocal asked for a Graveyard Smash, and hopefully I have delivered. The show is not over yet. Hooray. The song below might make you bash your grey trash cans. You will want to groove, and twerk the tune away. Here it is. The Halloween version of the Love Potion 31 (sorry for yet another pun):

Song # 31: Vampire Nightclub by Art Department

If your head is feeling a little under water, and to take a breather (yes, pun intended) from the monsters, spiders, witches, and vampires to name; dear readers, it is (definitely) time to breathe, irrespective as to whether this song hits the jackpot at 2am for you or not. Thank you Grey's Anatomy. Know that you are safe, and that you are enjoying a great Halloween all round. The neighbours might thank you for putting the below tune on next.

Song # 32: Breathe (2am) by Anna Nalick

The title of the song below is relevant to a Graveyard Smash this Halloween. The below song may just bring you back to your costume party, and/or to your Trick or Treating days in past October's. It has a bit of a spook element for some, and a nostalgic element for others. Please continue to have an open mind on this one. Enjoy.

Song # 33: Midnight City by M83

Yes, Beethoven was deaf, and this musical genius, despite his handicap approves this spooky song below. Furthermore, the below song has Halloween written all over it. I am sure you will get and appreciate the air of mystery while at it.

Song # 34: Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield

The below song has been chosen for obvious reasons. Happy Halloween. May the 31st be with you all, in the tenth month of the calendar year.

Song # 35: Dracula by Gorillaz

Will Smith enjoys wearing black. Nightmares are synonymous with Halloween. Now a relevant treat for the rap fans out there on this Graveyard Smash. I cannot believe it either. Well done.

Song # 36: A Nightmare On My Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

It is only appropriate to check in on our friends and family, to ensure that they are doing exactly that: Staying Alive. This 1995 version is a classic mix of the original version by the Bee Gees. Time to continue to chill, or to get up on your feet. Party on, on your Graveyard Smash. Resilience also comes to mind.

Song # 37: Stayin' Alive by N-Trance

The world of duality is all about life and death, spookiness, and anything haunted is associated with death. This is New Years Eve for the Celts, and therefore why not let the crap die, and bring the good back into life. May the next song inspire, and help you enjoy your Graveyard Smash some more on Halloween.

Song # 38: Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

The next song may be a bit unconventional in a Halloween playlist, yet fire is associated with then Halloween theme of the haunted delicacies. Let's start a fire. The Graveyard Smash is now turned up a few notches with a back to back two song playlist by The Prodigy, with a reminder to breathe once again.

Song # 39: Firestarter by The Prodigy

Song # 40: Breathe by The Prodigy

Halloween associated characters are often associated with hell, yet the world of candy canes (aka treats) are associated with heaven. Now to another classic by AC/DC. There are stairways to heaven, and highways to hell. In Halloween, the highway is the default lane, and just for a night. Spook on.

Song # 41: Highway To Hell by AC/DC

Keep on playing with the danger zone. Next up, I just had to include a Top Gun movie soundtrack into the Graveyard Smash Halloween playlist...just because. Danger is associated with haunted places, like fire with matches. Just saying.

Song # 42: Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

A modern Halloween classic is next. Hopefully this does not happen this Halloween, yet this song fits in nicely into the theme of this spooky night. Thank you Billie Eilish.

Song # 43: bury a friend by Billie Eilish

Not everyone has a sweet tooth, yet in the spirit of trick or treating, and bags and baskets full of candy; the next song is not leaving the candies behind. Do you want some candy? Yes please. Dentists might relish in their unexpected cash flow come November. Just kidding there.

Song # 44: I Want Candy by The Strangeloves

The skeletons are now out of the closet, and they want to spook us all. Just kidding again. Do not be shy. Let's dance to them. Or not. The choice is yours.

Song # 45: The Skeleton Dance by Danse Macabre

Any song called haunted is to come next, now that the skeletons have enjoyed a shake off. Taylor Swift is coming, and the one by Beyonce will come shortly.

Song # 46: Haunted by Taylor Swift

Pun intended in the next song, with more AC/DC to mix it up, and to please everyone at your Graveyard Smash party. I trusted my gut to include this one as well, and then Haunted by Beyonce will follow, I promise.

Song # 47: You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

From AC/DC to Beyonce. The next song is a Halloween sweetener. Bring out the pumpkin spices. The below will be the last suggested Halloween song for this Graveyard Smash, and therefore a slow down to help ease you back into the real world. A haunted Halloween indeed.

Song # 48: Haunted by Beyonce

The next artist has made it to the Ibiza classics playlist on Spotify. Hello Moby. All things being said, when you get to this point, I hope you are satisfied, and that you have had a terrific Halloween. Of course, if more energy is in the tank for your "graveyard smashes" - you can also go ahead and be your own DJ. For many of you, the next day will be a busy school or work day, due to the timing of Halloween being on any night, bar a Friday or Saturday night. The next few tracks have been handpicked by moi to help you cool down, undress, and sleep well; and bring in a Celtic New Year on November the 1st, with minimal or any nightmares. Easy and instrumental does it, so no lyrics get stuck in your head. It is not fun trying to get to sleep when a song or two is in your head on any given day of the week. Happy Halloween on your Graveyard Smash. It has been a pleasure leading you on this journey, and to enjoy Halloween, and the spirit of this annual event. A chance is here for you to re-do to start over and set new years intentions, just like the Celts did. Thank you.

Bonus track 1: The Perfect Life (Instrumental) by Moby

Bonus track 2: Moon by Kid Francescoli

Bonus track 3: Almost Home (Instrumental) by Moby

Trick or Treat? Yes, you can have it all. Happy Halloween, courtesy of my Graveyard Smash playlist. Once again, you are most welcome.