Everything Else Is Muzak: A Ghostbusting Thriller

A time of grimacing jack-o-lanterns and creaking haunted houses on abandoned hills, Halloween is when the most spirited of the dead come back to life. Witherly Heights compiled some of the bests songs to get you into a gruesome mood, since any good celebration of the dead–regardless of culture–must have a thrilling soundtrack.

“Ghostbusters” (1984) by Ray Parker Jr.

Album: Ghostbusters Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

“Ghostbusters” is the theme song of the movie, Ghostbusters. The song, whose lyrics are like an advertisement for the show’s main characters–a group of men who offer ghost-catching services– reflects the upbeat and whacky tone of the movie.

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976) by Blue Oyster Cult

Album: Agents of Fortune

Though the song itself doesn’t sound much like a Halloween one, the song’s title and lyrics fit well with the others on this playlist.

“Thriller” (1982) by Michael Jackson

Album: Thriller

“Thriller” combines a both Halloweenesque tune with lyrics about monsters and other scares that make a song very appropriate for the holiday. Furthermore, the music video and screech at the song’s end contribute to its creepy tone.

“Evil Eye” (2013) by Franz Ferdinand

Album: Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions

“Evil Eye,” by Scottish indie rock band, Franz Ferdinand, has a haunting tune that incorporates sounds, such as those made by a theremin, reminiscent of typical Halloween songs. The song’s music video is also a parody of slasher horror films, which makes the song incredibly appropriate for this playlist.

“Spooky Scary Skeletons” (1996) by Andrew Gold

Album: Halloween Howls: Fun & Scary Music

“Spooky Scary Skeletons,” recognizable for its memorable xylophone tune and lyrics, is a children’s Halloween song that became viral after it was paired with the Disney animated short, “The Skeleton Dance,” and ever since has become a prominent aspect of Internet culture.

“Into the Unknown” (2016) by The Blasting Company

Album: Over The Garden Wall Full Soundtrack

This is the theme of, and captures the general mood of, the miniseries Over the Garden Wall, which is a good show to watch during Halloween or the fall. The story, which takes place during the fall, involves two brothers wandering through a mysterious forest in an attempt to find their way out.

“Grim Grinning Ghosts (The Screaming Song)” (1969) by Buddy Baker and X Atencio

Album: Grim Grinning Ghosts

“Grim Grinning Ghosts” is the cheerful theme song of Disney’s Haunted House attraction, which is a narrative of what ghosts do at night, and sets a mood perfect for Halloween.

“Monster Mash” (1962) by Bobby Pickett

Album: The Original Monster Mash

“Monster Mash” is yet another classic and iconic Halloween song. It is sung from the point of view of a man who recalls watching various common Halloween monsters, like zombies and vampires, dancing around his lab.

“This is Halloween” (1993) by Danny Elfman

Album: The Nightmare before Christmas

“This is Halloween,” an iconic song from the animated movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, details the citizens of the fictional Halloween Town setting up for their trademark holiday: Halloween.

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaz21DGMSb_qE5R9nbtvxBvTrJx0POfjj