That time of year is once again upon us. Candy, pumpkin, and sexy cat outfit sales suddenly go through the roof, and everyone here at Georgetown prepares for a night of costume-clad chaos. We at Halftime are as just as excited as you for what that fateful evening may bring, but until then, here’s some music to get you into the Halloween spirit. These tracks are not necessarily Halloween themed, nor are they the songs to play at your All Hallows Eve party. Rather, they are regular songs that give off a creepy, dark, or even sinister tone. Without further adieu, Halftime presents to you, The Weekly List: Halloween Edition 2015.
“Thriller”- Michael Jackson
This classic Michael Jackson track is a natural kick off to any Halloween evening. With arguably the greatest music video of all time, narrated by the legendary Vincent Price, the song makes every listener want to get up and dance as well as zombie Michael.
“If I Had A Heart”- Fever Ray
This eerie track combines ominous, churning synth sounds over deep vocals interrupted by sharp, howling parts sung by a female counterpart. Although not necessarily the most Halloween-ish of tracks, the song’s ability to instill a feeling of fear in the listener puts it on this list.
“Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Radio Edit)”- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It’s about time to put things back on track for a night of dancing. This A-track remix can be found playing through the speakers of many lively parties, especially on Halloween. With its choppy, syncopated beat and fun bass, everyone can find themselves bobbing along, regardless of costume.
“The Rains of Castomere”- The National
For members of the Game of Thrones fan base, this song means more than the fear of something horrible about to happen. This song stands as a scary testament to the sorrow of the episode of the same title. Listen to the National’s morose cover of this track and know that THE NORTH REMEMBERS.
“Creep (Radiohead Cover, Live at the Le Poisson Lounge)”- Carrie Manolakos
In my mind, this is one of the finest renditions of a Radiohead song that exists. Changing the vibe from a grungy, alternative track to a harmonious, lounge singer-esque atmosphere truly brings something fascinating to this dark and twisted song’s message.
“Iron”- Woodkid
Blaring horns, and tribal-style drums begin this tense song that I can only describe as “intense.” “Iron” gives the feel of an entire orchestra playing this song to leave the listener excited, aurally on the edge of one’s seat.
“Oh Death”- Rising Appalachia
Southern, folk/soul singing sisters Chloe and Leah Smith dedicate a great deal of their musical talent to creating more modern versions of old, home-sung folk songs of the American south. Their bluesy tone and fun baseline bring an interesting perspective to this tale about a man’s plea to the devil.
“Zombie”- The Cranberries
This song, the arguable opus of this Irish post-punk band, combines heavy guitar distortion and crashing drums for a dark, yet enjoyable song. Although the song is intended to be a reflection on the Irish struggle for independence, we are dumbing it down for the sake of Halloween celebrations.
“Monster Mash”- Bobby “Boris” Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers
Did you honestly think we could make a Halloween playlist without throwing this masterpiece in the mix?
Well that’s it for this edition of The Weekly List. Halftime hopes you enjoyed our selections, and we wish you all a Happy Halloween!
If you want some NEW Halloween type music, check out “The Devil’s Trying To Bring Me Down” by Carly Jamison – http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/discography/carly-jamison-the-devils-trying-to-bring-me-down/