Haunted Halloween Hits

It’s finally that haunting time of year. The breeze is chilly. The trees are painted the warmest hues of orange and red and yellow. Cups are filled with hot coco and pumpkin spice lattes. But what is playing on your speakers?

Everyone knows when Christmas is around the corner because radio stations fill the air with tidings of good cheer. Now you can get into the spirit of Halloween with a spine tingling mix. From cliché favorites like Monster Mash and Purple People Eater to creepy classics you probably have never heard before, this list will you get you and your guests into the party groove.

Lets start the night with the theme song to a modern Halloween classic, Halloween. This theme song is probably one of the most easily recognized piano pieces in theme song history and implants images of a knife wielding giant into the minds of all who hear it. Then phase into a snippet from Beethoven’s 5th symphony.

Most people probably wouldn’t consider a symphony to be a Halloween song but Beethovens 5th has been featured in musical renditions of Brahm Stokers' Dracula and is widely recognized by the ominous four-note opening. It’s often interpreted as “the musical manifestation of fate knocking at the door” which can, in it self be a bit scary.

Next on the list is Our Last Night's cover of Dark Horse, originally by Katy Perry. I love Katy Perry as an artist, but I feel like this epic metal cover band gives the song a new meaning and creep factor. With its mention of magic and reference to Dahmer its earned its place.

Lets slide off a Dark Horse and into a Dragula with Rob Zombie. He may not have meant for his song to be a Halloween favorite but seriously… this song not only has a creepy video but the lyrics stick with the theme of the season.

You can’t have a Halloween party without our childhood classics Monster Mash and Purple People Eater. When the ghosts and goals get too rowdy who you gonna call? GHOST BUSTERS!

For those that enjoy dancing to the “rave-y” feeling of techno music there is “Kill Everybody,” by Skrillex. I think the title of the song is explanation enough.

Every girl I knew growing up went through the boy band phase. So what do you get when you mix horror movie villains and boy bands? Slashstreet Boys. You may have seen the videos of this parody band circulating on social media, if not take a second to imagine this… Freddy Krueger, Jason, Michael Myers and Leather Face dancing in sync while singing the slasher version of the Backstreet Boys hit song “I want it that way".

Number 9 on the list Slashstreet Boys I Kill You That Way

Every boy band fan knows that at some point at least one member of the band has to get their individual 5 minutes of fame. Which brings us to our next song, “Dreamers Paradise" by the king of dreams Freddy Krueger.

When the things that go bump in the night are keeping you from your dreams you may need a little help getting to sleep. That is where Metallica steps in with “Enter Sandman”. If that isn’t enough to send you a slumber get lulled to sleep by Ashley Serena singing Lullaby of Woe.

Her softly chilling voice tangled with the mystic imagery of the lyrics written for The Witcher 3 soundtrack are the perfect ending to an autumn night. Feel the peace of the lullaby wrapping around you as you gaze into the white abyss of a winter storm.

The next two songs play to my own passion: Psychology. A little tid bit about myself, I have a degree in psychology with a special interest in criminal behavior. Naturally some of my favorite horror movies fall into the sub category of Slasher films.

Since Norman Bates ran a dilapidated motel Slasher films have been striking fear into the hearts of people every where. Why? Because slasher films are possible. Unlike other horror movies the villain isn’t a monster or a paranormal entity. It’s a human, a deranged maniac armed with the weapons of man. Psychos if you will and who better to set the slasher mood then Tech N9ne with the help of B.O.B and Hopsin and their song Psycho.

Where do psychos belong? I think Disturbed answered that question with the next song on our list Asylum.

The final song on our list is one I’m sure most people have never heard of. If you’ve watched the movie Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark you may have heard a snippet of this gruesome melody.

“Do not laugh

when the hears goes by,

for you may be the next to die,”

These lyrics were sung quietly to the pretty tune of a music box. The rest of the song, however does not fit the peaceful melody.

Funny story… my husband and I were watching the afore mentioned movie when I recognized the tune from the music box. Hubby did not believe me that it was a real song or that I knew it. Of course I had to dash over to YouTube to kill his doubt.

Performed by Rusty Cage and formally known as “The Hearse Song,” one listen and it is no wonder why it was chosen for such a dark movie. Listener discretion is advised though. If you have a weak stomach and vivid imagination I do not recommend listening to this one.

I hope you enjoy this list of my Halloween favorites. No matter what your day entails these are sure to get you into the spirit of a haunted Hallows Eve night.