Weekly Playlist: Extended Spooky Halloween Edition (10/31/2024)

Photo Courtesy of The Cramps Official Instagram

Bryce Russell | Arts & Entertainment Editor

“I Was A Teenage Werewolf” – The Cramps

The greatest spooky/horror movie themed rock group (sorry Misfits), the Cramps were pioneers of the genre that became known as “psychobilly.” Singing about werewolves, human flies, and aliens over top of deranged rockabilly-style music, the Cramps are a one of a kind band. This track is from their 1980 debut Songs the Lord Taught Us, and is basically a horror b-movie in music form.

“Spooky” – Classics IV

Aside from “Monster Mash,” spooky is probably my favorite Halloween-specific song. A groovy 70s song about being in love with a “spooky girl” (and ultimately proposing on Halloween), “Spooky” is an absolute classic.

“Psycho” – Jack Kittel

Originally recorded by Eddie Noack in 1968, I came to know this song from Billy Strings’ live covers of it. This version is by Jack Kittel and was released in 1974. A creepy murder ballad from the point of view of (you guessed it) a “psycho,” this song brings an eerie country vibe I’ve never found anywhere else. If you like it, I’d also recommend checking out live versions of Billy Strings playing it in recent years.

“Bela Lugosi’s Dead” – Bauhaus

Goth rock innovators Bauhaus have a load of spooky songs to choose from, but I decided to pick their most popular, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” The group’s 1979 debut single was inspired by and named after horror movie legend Bela Lugosi, most popular for his 1931 portrayal of the famed vampire in Dracula. 

“Werewolves of London” – Warren Zevon

Another song about werewolves for this week, this track is probably the most popular song by underrated singer/songwriter Warren Zevon. With fantastic, funny lyrics inspired by old werewolf movies like Lon Chaney Jr.’s 1941 classic The Wolf Man and the 1935 film Werewolf of London, Warren Zevon made a classic for the Halloween season. This song also has Mick Fleetwood and John McVie of Fleetwood Mac playing drums and bass, so that’s pretty cool. Also, If it sounds familiar, that’s because the melody was later ripped off by Kid Rock for “All Summer Long.”

“Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell

Instead of putting Michael Jackson’s well-known classic “Thriller” on this list, I thought I would give some more attention to Rockwell’s 1983 single “Somebody’s Watching Me,” which features Michael Jackson singing the chorus and Jermaine Jackson on backing vocals. Released by the legendary Motown record label, the song has remained Rockwell’s only big hit, with different versions of it being four of the artist’s five most played songs on Spotify. A techno-soul song about being paranoid, it’s been a staple of Halloween parties since its release.

“Night of the Living Dead” – The Misfits

American punk band the Misfits were pioneers of the genre that became known as “horror punk.” Both the Misfits and The Cramps took inspiration from classic horror b-movies and combined them with the energy of punk rock. However, whereas The Cramps were more inspired by the rockabilly of artists from the 1950s like Gene Vincent and Chuck Berry, the Misfits kept a more traditional punk style to their music. The lead singer, Glen Danzig, went on to form the band Samhain (named after the Irish holiday that inspired Halloween), and then his band Danzig, which was more influenced by heavy metal.

“Season of the Witch” – Donovan

Donovan is one of those artists that didn’t truly make it out of the flower-power movement of the 1960s, but the stuff he released during that time still holds up (except for maybe his early Bob Dylan rip off stuff), such as “Sunshine Superman,” and the spooky “Season of the Witch.” This song is perfect for your Halloween playlist if you want a little psychedelic rock flair.

“The Black Angel’s Death Song” – The Velvet Underground

One of my favorite bands, The Velvet Underground didn’t always make the most listenable music, but it certainly was always interesting. The droning sounds of John Cale’s viola and Lou Reed’s bizarre lyrics and deadpan delivery. Of all the songs here, this one is most likely to set you on edge (but probably not the best for a party, unless you want to clear everyone out).

“I Put a Spell On You” – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was one of the strangest acts in the early days of rock and roll. “I Put a Spell On You,” released in 1956, was a huge hit. Combined with Hawkins’ wild yelling and devious laughter throughout the track, when he performed live, he would often use macabre props like skulls, torches, and would emerge from a coffin during performances. This theatrical aspect has retroactively made his music an example of “shock rock,” which sought to bring the “shock factor” to rock and roll.

“Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt Kickers

It’s the “Monster Mash.” It’s the greatest Halloween song ever. Actually, it’s the greatest holiday song in general. What else is there to say?