Halloween Tunes

Originally posted one an iWeb log on October 31, 2004

Halloween music. I think it’s underrated. Christmas gets so much of the musical focus each year but, when you think about it, there are plenty of appropriate tunes to enjoy on or around Halloween. Back in the early aughts, I made some mix discs to play at a bonfire party we were having in late October. They contained some rather obvious “seasonal themes” along with some that perhaps were not so obvious. The primary focus of the mixes was that they had to contain music that reminded me of this time of the year. To that end, at least, I was successful. Unfortunately, after the party, I somehow lost track of the (unlabeled) CDRs on which I recorded them.

Fast forward to 2003. I found myself trying to straighten up the ever growing piles of CDs and CDRs that were taking over our living space and I rediscovered these Halloween mix discs! I decided to make copies of the first (and best?) one and foist it upon unsuspecting friends, in hopes that it might add some extra flavor to their own October festivities. Since then, I've used both condensed and expanded variations on this theme for similar occasions, including a more kid-friendly Halloween mix that I made for my daughter's teachers to play for the kids at this time of year.

What follows are the track lists for both of these mixes. If, by some chance, you're interested in a copy of either, just let me know. I'm still compiling a big list of good Halloween tunes for future mixes so, if you've got any suggestions, feel free to post 'em!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Mix #1 – October 2003

1. Alfred Hitchcock Presents…
2. Moondance – Van Morrison
3. Spider Web – Joan Osborn
4. Night Time is the Right Time – Ray Charles
5. I Ain’t Superstitious – Howlin’ Wolf
6. Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
7. Bedbugs and Ballyhoo – Echo & The Bunnymen
8. People Are Strange – The Doors
9. Dark Shadows Theme
10. Mysterons - Portishead
11. The Wind Cries Mary – Jimi Hendrix
12. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
13. Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard – Tom Waits
14. Happy Phantom – Tori Amos
15. Season of the Witch – Donovan
16. Waking the Witch – Kate Bush
17. The Addams Family Theme
18. Alone in the Dark – John Hiatt
19. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
20. I Put A Spell On You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
21. Clap for the Wolfman – The Guess Who
22. Evil Ways – Santana
23. Vampire – Bap Kennedy
24. Sweet Black Magic – Ryan Adams

A more kid-friendly Halloween Mix - October 2004

1. Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett
2. Ghostbusters - Ray Parker, Jr.
3. Monster Rock - Screaming Lord Sutch
4. Little Demon - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
5. Poor Skeleton Steps Out - XTC
6. I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
7. Superstitious - Stevie Wonder
8. Scarecrow People - XTC
9. Boris the Spider - The Who
10. All Black and Hairy - Screaming Lord Sutch
11. The Addams Family Theme Song
12. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon
13. I'm A Wolfman - The Fuzztones
14. I Put A Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
15. Scary Monsters - David Bowie
16. Demons and Fiends - Robyn Hitchcock
17. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
18. I Ain't Superstitious - Jeff Beck w/ Rod Stewart
19. Witchy Woman - The Eagles
20. Season of the Witch - Donovan