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Howl at the Moon Playlist

Howl at the Moon Playlist

No full moon is quite as titillating as a full moon in October.  Its bright glow illuminates all the ghosts and goblins roaming the night – and it entices even the shyest of werewolves to join the autumnal festivities. This Howl at the Moon Playlist is my love letter to this October moon – and the perfect way to add some spooky spirit to any full moon throughout the year!

The Song List

Werewolves are my favorite monsters. They represent duality of the soul – calm and collected by day and a wild release by the light of the moon. Give me the passion of a wolf over the calm and brooding demeanor of a vampire any day!

Ever since high school I have had quite the collection of wolf-related songs. My senior year I directed my high school’s fall play, The Werewolf’s Curse – or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow. It told the tale of Harry Pate, an American student in Romania who is bitten by a werewolf cub. During the full moon, Harry sprouts hair and craves rare roast beef, much to the dismay of his vegetarian fiancée. So it’s off to Dr. Frank Einstein’s castle to consult Madam Clara Voyant, where the doctor decides to make Harry a full fledged werewolf. To set the mood before the show and to use during bows, I created a curated soundtrack using only songs featuring lycanthrope lyrics. 

This Howl at the Moon playlist is an updated version with some new music to delight more modern audiences. 

Playlist Song Explanations

1. Bad Moon Rising - Mourning Ritual (Featuring Peter Dreimanis)

Let’s get this playlist started with a dark and edgy cover of the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival song. While the original has a fun and upbeat style, this version has a more goth edge. Singer Peter Dreimanis (of the band July Talk) lends a gritty, almost growling vocal tone to the piece. He sounds like quite a proper werewolf!

2. Wolfsbane - Gein & The Graverobbers

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.

The Wolf Man (1941)

Gein and the Graverobbers’ Songs in the Key of Evil was my first experience with modern horror surfer rock, having picked up the CD at a record store solely based on the cover and band name. Their songs from this album all feature audio or riffs from classic horror movies and television. Wolfsbane features audio from 1941’s Universal Monster classic, The Wolf Man. Poor Larry Talbot could not escape the curse of the werewolf – might we meet a similar fate?

3. I Was a Teenage Werewolf - The Cramps

As mentioned earlier. Werewolves embody unbridled passion. I was a Teenage Werewolf by The Cramps captures that sexy desire through pulsing drums, a sharp electric guitar riff, and howling vocals. One can’t help but to feel empowered by this classic punk rock anthem. It is my go-to song when I want to feel sexy and confident. 

4. Wolf & I - Oh Land

Wolves are not just horror icons, they are also featured in some of the earliest fairy tales. Oh Land’s Wolf & I embodies this fantastic side of wolf tales with the fairy-tale like lyrics and melody. The catchy refrain will stick in your head long after the moon disappears beyond the horizon.

5. Wolves on Parade - Mr. Moonshine

Continuing a sultry vibe is Wolves on Parade by Mr. Moonshine. The lyrics invoke a feeling of a tortured soul:

“I need you to leave,
I want you to stay,
I won’t chase you,
Anymore, anymore, anymore”

Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the fantastic music video by artist Michelle Prebich. Her red robed plague doctors, wolves, and ravens are beautiful horror figures and the forest background is a haunting setting. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop, Bat in Your Belfry, to purchase a print or two for your horror art collection.

6. Love Bites - Ice Nine Kills (Featuring Chelsea Talmadge)

Ice Nine Kills takes inspiration from horror classics for the lyrics to their rock songs. Love Bites is their love letter to An American Werewolf in London. This is a touching duet for horror-loving lovers. Sing along and howl at the moon.

7. Wolves & Werewolves - The Pack A.D.

My Honey-bunny has been my own personal werewolf ever since he starred in my high school play (The Werewolf’s Curse – Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow). Therefore, I let him pick one song on this Howl at the Moon Playlist. Wolves & Werewolves is his contribution. He likes this Canadian garage rock duo’s blend of rock and blues. 

8. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon

This silly Halloween classic was based on an old horror movie of the same name. Phil Everly (of the Everly Brothers) joked with Warren Zevon that they should adapt the title into a song & dance craze. Zevon, Everly, and Waddy Wachtel wrote the lyrics in about 15 minutes and didn’t take the song very seriously. After a few other musicians heard the song and played it live for their own concerts, Zevon finally recorded his own version – which went on to be a top 40 hit for over a month and lives on via Halloween playlists to this day!

9. Clap for the Wolfman - The Guess Who

Never one for subtlety and an affinity for literal translations, there was no better song for the curtain call of my fall play than Clap for the Wolfman. 

This song is an homage to on-air radio disc-jockey Wolfman Jack, who can be heard several times on this classic hit. 

10. Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

Finishing out this trio of classic wolf-themed songs, is Hungry Like the Wolf. You’ll be dancing in the moonlight to this 1980’s hit. The bridge is the perfect soundtrack to a werewolf transformation. The heavy breathing and building background music can easily make one image the full moon appearing from behind the clouds and a cursed soul turning from man into  musical monster.

11. Me and Mr. Wolf - The Real Tuesday Weld

Me or you, one of us is going to need to die

The Real Tuesday Weld

Me and Mr. Wolf showcases The Real Tuesday Weld’s signature jazzy and upbeat style. Mr. Wolf seems to have met his match in this swinging duet. 

This is another fantastic animated music video. Artist George Fort’s animated noir masterpiece takes inspiration Fleischer Studios cartoons (such as Betty Boop, Popeye, etc.).

12. Li'l Red Riding Hood - Bowling for Soup

Although the original Li’l Red Riding Hood by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs is a classic, I enjoy this modern take. I first heard it on the surprisingly awesome Cursed soundtrack. Wag your tails and howl along with this rockin’ hit!

13. Full Moon Tonight - Silvastone (Featuring Bellsaint)

Full Moon Tonight serves as a fitting finale to our full moon-themed playlist. It celebrates not only werewolves but all the ghosts, goblins, and creatures of the night that revel in the full moon’s glow. Keep this energy and playful spirit with you the entire night!

Bonus: Full Moon - Elvira

As with any good horror movie, there is always one last post-credits scene, so here is one bonus song for our playlist. This rare Elvira track was my favorite song growing up (although I didn’t fully understand the lyrics until I was nearly a teenager). Elvira schools us on the roots of the word moon and all the lunar hazards one may face as the full moon rises in the night sky – all with her iconic brand of sexy humor:

“Could it be the story of.. oh! Or just my time of the month? I don’t know!”

And with that, it is really time to say “pleasant nightmares” boys and ghouls. 

And That's the Howl at the Moon Playlist!

Did you like it? What is on your full moon soundtrack? Let me know on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Want more terrifying tunes for keep your spooky groove going?  Check out more music and playlists here.

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Categories
Music

Summer Screams Playlist 2021

Summer Screams Playlist 2021

Sweating in the 90+ degree heat this summer? You can still get some spooky chills while working on your tan with this Summer Screams Playlist 2021 edition. I have compiled thirteen groovy 1950’s & 60’s-inspired tunes perfect for your Summerween beach or pool party. Carve a watermelon, grab a cool apple cider, and keep the Halloween vibes going from June – August!

The Song List

The Halloween season never truly ends in my home. My friends and family have come to expect all manner of spooky additions to celebrations year round. The summer months are no different. Just as retro dresses are the hip Halloween fashion as of late, the 1950’s & 60’s surfer rock also blends wonderfully with Halloween & horror themes. These would be a perfect pairing for a 1950’s horror and sci-fi movie night – perhaps The Blob or I Was a Teenage Werewolf. 

Playlist Song Explanations

1. Season of the Witch - Karen Elson

Season of the Witch was originally written and performed by Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan and released in September 1966. It has been covered by many artists over the years but my favorite cover is this version by Karen Elson. Although the song is appropriate all year long, I have always associated it with long summer days and people watching out my front window near the Niagara River (where I grew up). 

2. The Blob - The Five Blobs

Before I was ready for more modern and mature horror, my Dad introduced me to the best of the classic b-horror films. The 1950’s had so many fun horror and sci-fi flicks featuring teenage teeny-boppers, creatures from outer space, and beach parties galore. There is only one of these films that ever terrified me as a child – The Blob (1958). Something about a monster from outer space that could not be reasoned with or defeated gave me chills. As my Dad loves to share with all my friends, co-workers, and random strangers at social functions, I told him when I was six years-old, “Dad – the Wolfman, Dracula, all those monsters aren’t real, but the Blob is from outer space and we don’t know what could be out there!”

The Blob premiered at a time when original theme songs were all the range. Burt Bacharach and Mack David wrote the song & lyrics. It is now a staple for Halloween playlists and Summerween celebrations.

3. The Twilight Zone - The Ventures

Open the door to your imagination and come with me to a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. Let’s move into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. While listening to this playlist, we’ve crossed over into The Twilight Zone. Even without lyrics, this groovy instrumental sets the mood for a spooky summer soiree. 

4. Out of Limits - The Marketts

Out of Limits by the Marketts is another take on the Twilight Zone vibe. Written in 1963 by Michael Z. Gordon, this surf rock classic has been included on many Halloween playlists and compilations over the years.  I first heard this song as part of the Elvira’s Haunted Hits CD and fell in love with the beachy instrumental vibe. 

5. The Crypt Keeper's Holiday - Gein & The Graverobbers

Gein and the Graverobbers’ Songs in the Key of Evil was my first experience with modern horror surfer rock, having picked up the CD at a record store solely based on the cover and band name. Their songs from this album all feature audio or riffs from classic horror movies and television. The Crypt Keeper’s Holiday puts a new spin on the opening theme from the popular series Tales from the Crypt.

6. Batman, Wolfman, Frankenstein, or Dracula - The Diamonds

I can completely relate to the girl this song is about! My Honey-Bunny certainly knows that the way to my heart is through scary movies. 

Of course, it’s not just me. There has been much research into why we love to be scared and how it can create close bonds. Sociologist, Dr. Margee Kerr, is one of the most prominent researchers on the subject (read her books, they are fantastic). As she says in this article from The Atlantic: 

One of the reasons people love Halloween is because it produces strong emotional responses, and those responses work to build stronger relationships and memories... We’re social and emotional beings. We need each other in times of stress, so the fact that our bodies have evolved to make sure we feel close to those we are with when afraid makes sense. So yes, take your date to a haunted house or for a ride on a roller coaster; it’ll be a night you’ll never forget.

Dr. Margee Kerr

7. Cemetary Beach - Messer Chups

This creepy surf rock hit comes from a very unlikely place – Russia! The group was formed in  St. Petersburg, Russia in in 1998 by composer and guitarist Oleg “Gitaracula” Fomchenkov. Their music pays homage to classic horror and the surf rock vibes of the 1950’s and 60’s.

8. Munster Creep - The Munsters

While no Halloween dance can quite live up to the perfection that is the Time Warp, some performers have tried to create their own spooky steps. The Munster Creep may not be well-known, but it is a fun dance celebrating Frankenstein’s monster. Shake things up at your Summerween celebration by teaching your guests this hip dance.

Put out your arms like a Frankenstin(‘s monster), stomp around the room and have a real good time! 

9. Igor's Party - The Montesas

Igor is apparently one party-loving dude. Aside from being mentioned playing the chains  in the Halloween party staple, Monster Mash, Igor’s Party is an entire song dedicated to the lab assistant’s love for rock-and-roll. Frankenstein’s castle is apparently the place to go for a spooky swinging soiree!

10. Lullaby of the Leaves - The Ventures

The Ventures are groovy enough to be mentioned twice on this list. Lullaby of the Leaves is a jazz standard originally written in 1932 by composer Bernice Petkere and lyricist Joe Young.  The lyrics (although not used in this instrumental version of the song) tell of a beautiful night under a leafy canopy. Changing leaves are a staple in Autumn and Halloween iconography, so I included this tune in our Summer Screams Playlist. Even on warm summer nights, I certainly long for a cool breeze blowing through red and orange leaves on the treetops. 

11. Horror Movies - Dickie Goodman

Produced two years after Batman, Wolfman, Frankenstein, or Dracula by The Diamonds, this song deals with the same theme – loving a girl who loves horror. I think my poor Honey-Bunny can certainly relate to the lyrics for this one!

12. Back to the Dark - Mystic Braves

Unlike the previous songs, this one is a little less on-the-nose with the Halloween in summer theme. It is not a Halloween song, but the groovy melody and  twangy guitar fit with the mood of the playlist.

I love the chorus lyrics “So come with me into my world… Don’t throw our love away and go back to the dark”. They inspire me to think of all sorts of spooky stories to tell around a summer barbeque pit.

13. Spooky Luau Beach Party - The Trolls

Since I only have one more chance on this list to be corny and without restraint, I am ending this playlist with a silly atmospheric track of a haunted luau. I like the background groans and moans. Oh the sweet sounds of zombies, ghouls, and black cats as I float in the pool!

And That's the Summer Screams Playlist 2021!

Did you like it? What songs are on your Summerween playlist? Let me know on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Don’t have someone special to share the day with? Check out more music and playlists here.

2024 Halloween Shopping

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57 Ghosts

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Categories
Music

Munster Creep

Munster Creep

℗ A Decca Records Release; ℗ 1964 UMG Recordings, Inc.

Looking for a spooky fun song for your Summerween beach party? Try Munster Creep by The Munsters. This song was included on the 1964  album, The Munsters. The album featured songs inspired by the television series with the same name. This particular song features a hip new dance craze sure to draw all the boys and ghouls out onto the dance floor.

Song Credits:

Producer: Joe Hooven
Producer: Hal Winn
Producer: Sill
Producer: Eddie Carroll
Composer Lyricist: Eddie Carroll
Composer Lyricist: Joe Hooven
Composer Lyricist: Hal Winn

℗ A Decca Records Release;

℗ 1964 UMG Recordings, Inc.

Munster Creep Lyrics

Turn up this record and turn the lights down
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Try a new dance that just blew into town
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

Put out your arms like a Frankenstein
Stomp around the room and have a crazy time
And do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
And do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

All you gotta do is just stomp your feet
And put out your arms like you’re walking in your sleep
Uh-huh
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

Come on everybody and sip a witch’s brew
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
You can do the Creep now like the monster do
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

Make like a vulture, give your girl a peck
She can be a vampire nibblin’ on your neck
And do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
And do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

If you do the Creep and you do it well
Your favorite ghoul friend will be under your friend
Uh-huh
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh
Do do do the Munster Creep

Do do do do the Munster Creep
Come every midnight and bring your special date
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Everybody’s meeting at the cemetery gates
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

It may look dead but the minute we arrive
The clock strikes twelve and the man it comes alive
We do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
We do the Creep
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep

Turn on this record, turn the lights way down
And try a new dance that just blew into town
Uh-huh
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh
Do the creep, do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh
Do do do do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh
Do do do do the Munster Creep
Uh-huh

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

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February 16, 2024 No Comments

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Categories
Music

Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist

Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist

While most people celebrate Valentine’s Day with rom-coms and pink hearts, those of us with an affinity for horror & Halloween do things a little different. Instead of Jack and Rose, we prefer Jack and Sally – and the power couple of Gomez & Morticia can’t be beat. Thus, I dedicate this “Love at First Bite” Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist to all you horror & Halloween lovers out there.

The Song List

When my Honey-Bunny and I started dating, he was not into horror or Halloween. I made sure all that changed rather quickly! Now he has learned that the way to my heart is not with flowers or jewelry, but with pumpkin & skull-shaped baking supplies, horror DVDs, and jack-o-lanterns. He loves music, so I decided to put together this Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist so we can have mood music while we eat our homemade Valentine’s Day dinner. I hope you all enjoy it as well!

Valentine's Day 2021 Playlist Song Explanations

1. Spooky - Classics IV

“Just Like a Ghost, You’ve Been Haunting My Dreams”

Spooky is the classic Halloween/horror love song. I would be remiss if I left it off this Valentine’s Day playlist. The jazzy tone is a perfect way to start the evening – the cool of the evening, when everything is getting kind of groovy.

2. Evil Night Together - Jill Tracy

I first heard this song on a goth compilation cd from a record store when I was in Jr. High and fell in love with it immediately. From the opening piano to the stunning vocals, this song is amazing. The clever lyrics are a fun blend of macabre imagery and a love song.

There is no one I’d rather spend an evil night together with than my Honey-Bunny!

3. I Put a Spell on You - Sylvia Black

There are a plethora of versions of I Put a Spell on You. The most notable are the original version from Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Bette Midler’s Hocus Pocus rendition, but for those who want something just a little different, this version by Sylvia Black is a nice change of pace. Black has an alluring voice and the musical accompaniment is slow and jazzy.

4. Love Bites - Ice Nine Kills, Chelsea Talmadge

Now that we’ve set the mood with three jazzy songs, it is time to pick up the pace. Ice Nine Kills takes inspiration from horror film classics for their songs. With Love Bites the inspiration was An American Werewolf in London. So howl at the moon with your lover while listening to this rocking duet.

5. Someday - Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly

Sometimes you just have to be silly. I can’t help but smile when I hear this song from the Disney Channel hit, Zombies. In a reimagining of the classic Romeo & Juliet story, Zombies chronicles the ill-fated love between a cheerleader and a zombie. Someday is the first love song duet and its horror icon imagery makes it a cute Valentine’s song for us horror lovers. What could go so wrong with a girl and a zombie?

6. Female of the Species - Space

“Frankenstein and Dracula have nothing on you. Jekyll and Hyde join the back of the queue”

Every once in a while, you need to remind your significant other who wears the pants in the relationship. Female of the Species is my subtle way of reminding my Honey-Bunny that I am the one running things around here!

7. Satan is my Motor - Cake

As every relationship is a melding of two people, so is this list. My Honey-Bunny had a few recommendations for spooky-adjacent love songs he enjoys. This delightfully devilish song showcases Cake’s fun alt rock sound. He also appreciates the message that although all this lovey-dovey stuff is attractive to the fairer sex, there is an alternative motive as well.

8. Cemetery - Headstones

This is my Honey-Bunny’s second suggestion. It is a little gruff for my tastes, but it does fit the horror/Halloween theme. Compromise is certainly important in a relationship! This is a fun, upbeat tune – so grab your partner and shake them bones!

9. I'm In Love with a Monster - Fifth Harmony

Love can drive you crazy, especially when you are in a relationship with a monster – or someone who is obsessed with horror & Halloween. This is another high-energy tune to have fun with!

10. Li'l Red Riding Hood - Bowling for Soup

This is another cover song, with Sam the Sham and the Pharaoh’s recording the original version. I like the more modern twist. My Honey-Bunny and I first encountered this song from the film Cursed back when we were in high school (we had a date night at the movies). Therefore, this song as a personal connection to us as well as fitting with the Valentine’s horror theme.

I remember enjoying the rest of the soundtrack as well – I should check it out again soon.

11. Haunted Heart - Christina Aguilera

I mentioned it at the start of this article, and I will reiterate it here: Gomez & Morticia Addams are the power couple of the horror & Halloween world. Haunted Heart was the featured song in the new animated Addams Family film, and the passionate, jazzy tune embodied their ghoulish romance.

12. Batman, Wolfman, Frankenstein or Dracula - The Diamonds

“It takes the Batman, Wolfman, Frankenstein or Dracula to put her in the mood for love”

Although horror fanatics tend to be seen as more of a modern occurrence, the 1950’s had its share of b-horror movie fanatics. This cheesy song from The Diamonds chronicles one man’s attempts to woo his horror-loving girl. My Honey-Bunny can certainly relate to this poor man’s plight.

13. I Will Follow You into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

While this is more of a traditional love song, its focus on love enduring after death is sweet. The somber, heartfelt melody is a fitting way to end a romantic evening. It certainly makes me want to cuddle close with my Honey-Bunny!

And That’s the Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist!

Did you like it? What songs are on your Valentines’ playlist? Let me know on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Don’t have someone special to share the day with? Check out my Anti-Valentine’s Day 2021 Playlist for Singles Awareness Day tunes.

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Categories
Music

Anti-Valentine’s Day Playlist 2021

Anti-Valentine’s Day Playlist 2021

Does Valentine’s Day get you feeling down? Do you feel like February 14th is “Singles Awareness Day”? Are you pining over a long lost love in a cold, dark room while a raven mocks you? Let’s experience the heartache and pain together with this “A Stake Through the Heart” anti-valentine’s day 2021 playlist.

The Song List

Although – full disclosure – I currently have a wonderful Honey-Bunny to spend the 14th with, I have not forgotten what it felt like to not have that comfort at this time of year. Therefore, I have curated a playlist with thirteen spooky songs that embody the downs and – eventually – ups of being on your own.

Anti-Valentine's Day 2021 Song Explanations

1. A Rose for Emily - The Zombies

I think it is impossible to be named Emily, love all things morbid and spooky, and not have a soft spot for this song by The Zombies. It is certainly one of my favorite songs of all time and a staple of any self-pity playlist I create for myself. So, let’s start our anti-valentine’s day 2021 playlist journey with this beautifully forlorn tune.

2. The House is Haunted - The Phantom Chords

“The ceilings are white, but the shadows are black. The ghost in my heart say’s you’re never coming back. The house is haunted by the echo of your last goodbye”.

This is an old song that has been covered a number of times. In this version The Phantom Chords have done a wonderful job of creating a jazzy, more upbeat tune to feel downbeat to. Haunted houses, ghosts, and other spooky imagery work very well to symbolize loss and loneliness.

3. Haunt You Every Day - Weezer

I’ve certainly been haunted by the ghosts of my past. Weezer’s Haunt You Every Day continues the previous song’s theme of losing yourself in the memories of faded love. Of course, we would all rather be the one doing the haunting instead of the one haunted.

4. The Ghost Who Walks - Karen Elson

When Karen Elson was married to The White Stripes’ Jack White, Third Man Records produced her first album, The Ghost Who Walks. The hauntingly beautiful titular song conveys the heartbreak and betrayal felt when a former love breaks up with you. As the lyrics state, it can cut like a knife.

One line from the song that resonates with me is “she’s crying to herself because his eyes never once looked cruel”. Sometimes love ends and a relationship is just not working. There is not always cruelty and malintent behind it.

An organ sound adds extra mystery and spookiness to the track. Also, that cover art is eerily beautiful!

5. Remains of the Day - Danny Elfman

No matter how bad you have it, there is always someone who has it worse. Remains of the day is the origin story for the Corpse Bride, Emily (no relation to yours truly). Unlike the previous song, here our protagonist literally had a knife plunged deep into her heart.

6. The World in My Hands - Ice Nine Kills, Tony Lovato

For those of you who aren’t aware of this amazing band, they take inspiration from horror films. The World in My Hands is based on Edward Scissorhands, but it still fits nicely in the spurned love theme of this list. We can all relate to the feeling of having a crush on someone above us in the social strata – and, of course, the knowledge that nice guys finish last.

7. Voodoo Voodoo - LaVern Baker

This fun, rockin’ song concerns a breakup gone wrong. When the song’s protagonist broke it off with her beau, he put a voodoo curse on her. If she wouldn’t be with him, she wouldn’t be with anyone else either.

8. Tainted Love - Marilyn Manson

The first half of this list featured songs of sadness, pity, and loneliness. Now, it is time to move on to starting to feel a little more empowered. Tainted love is a classic 80’s anthem of those who realize they have gotten out of a toxic relationship. No one can make a song as creepy and dark as Marilyn Manson, so this cover is a must-have on a spooky anti-Valentine’s Day song list.

9. Monster - Paramore

Next on our empowerment track here is Monster by Paramore. Being single is not always a bad thing. “Now that you’re gone, the world is ours”. We have a lot more strength than we realize!

10. Straight to Hell - LVCRFT

This song combines spooky/horror and empowerment. Sabrina is a strong, independent woman. Even though I strongly disagree with her taste in men (I’m team Harvey 100%), I love how the character is headstrong and confident. When I am feeling down or insecure, this is my current go-to song. An upbeat and peppy melody will certainly brighten your day!

11. Good Day - The Dresden Dolls

Lead female vocalists are not often altos, but Amanda Palmer is outstanding. Her deep voice is mesmerizing in this song about thriving on one’s own – and rubbing it in your ex’s face! That is certainly the best part about being single and empowered.

12. Bust Your Kneecaps - Pomplamoose

If A Rose for Emily has a special place in my heart, Bust Your Kneecaps also does for a similar reason. This song educates “Johnny” on exactly what he faces after he breaks up with the main character. As my Honey-Bunny is also a Johnny this song is a fun little tune I love to play for him as a cautionary tale.

The lyrics are not so much spooky as they are violent – or, rather, persuasive. They are certainly not threats, just promises.

13. Want You Gone - Aperture Science Psychoacoustic Laboratories

Okay, I know that this one seems like the odd one out – what does a video game song from a passive-aggressive computer have to do with a break-up playlist? Let’s take a look at those lyrics:

“I used to want you dead, but now I only want you gone.”

“Go make some new disaster. That’s what I’m counting on. You’re someone else’s problem. Now I only want you gone.”

All that sounds pretty applicable to a bad relationship to me!

And That's the Anti-Valentine's Day 2021 Playlist!

Did you like it? What songs are on your breakup playlist? Let me know in the comments!

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Music

Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie

Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie’s Living Dead Girl is a must-have on every hard-core Halloween Soundtrack. It has a pulsing beat, edgy instruments, and clips & references from old horror movies.

The opening line – “Who is this irresistible creature who has an insatiable love for the dead?” –  is from the trailer for Lady Frankenstein (a 1971 Italian horror film) and the opening musical cue is from Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left. Later in the song, the words “What are you thinking about?/The same thing you are” are clips from Daughters of Darkness (a 1971 Belgian vampire film).

Zombie uses his knowledge and (seemingly) love for vintage horror to frame this rock song  as a perfect tune for horror-lovers. Even the music video for this film references other old films – using a visual style of sepia tones, title cards, and exaggerated expressions  that harkens back to The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and other silent horror classics.

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Music

Make Out in the Graveyard – Matt Mahaffey

Make Out in the Graveyard – Matt Mahaffey

Make Out in the Graveyard by Matt Mahaffey is the end credit theme song for the underrated Nickelodeon movie, Fun Size. This cute upbeat tune mixes fun Halloween imagery with sexy lyrics about a Halloween tryst appealing to any fanatic of all things spooky.
Although appearing in a Nickelodeon film, this song is certainly appropriate for the adult crowd and a fun hit to spice up your Halloween playlist!

While you are at it, also check out Fun Size – it is actually a pleasant surprise. So why did it tank at the box office? It was probably poor advertising. The film has plot lines for every member of a dysfunctional (but endearing) family – from the young prankster son to the teenage daughter to the widowed mother (who is dating a college kid). Nickelodeon had no idea how to advertise such a broad film, so most of the trailers, commercials, and ads featured the younger family members’ plots – which made the entire movie seem like a childish misadventure film (and a film geared towards children and families as opposed to an older crowd). In actuality, although there are silly moments, the majority of the film has a more adult humor and is geared mostly to the teen/young adult crowd more than younger viewers.

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Music

Halloween Spooks – Lambert, Hendricks & Ross

Halloween Spooks – Lambert, Hendricks & Ross

One of my favorite jazzy Halloween songs is Halloween Spooks performed by the jazz trio, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Vocalists Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross create a melodic chorus and fun scat impressions of a ghost, witch, and demon, all set to a fun jazz beat.

This song encapsulates the fun of the holiday with the tongue in cheek chorus: “Halloween Spooks outside my window. Halloween Spooks behind the tree. I wish that the children could see, but I can’t find them for the life of me, and there’s Halloween Spooks outside my window pane.“

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Music

“The Piper” – Llewellyn – From the Album “Ghosts

“The Piper” – Llewellyn – From the Album “Ghosts

Ghosts is an instrumental album from Llewellyn inspired by popular ghost stories of the British Isles. These haunting melodies set the perfect mood for relaxation or meditation. The opening track, The Piper, is inspired by a ghost story from Loch Fyne by Inveraray Castle. The CD insert describes the inspiration as follows:

“The wind blows across Loch Fyne and hammers at the walls of Inveraray Castle as if to carry the sound of a piper hanged near there by Montrose and his army, before the present castle was built. Though little is known of the piper, he is said to have received his fate with honour, and the drummers played, and the women and children were forlorn as he was led to the gallows. The piper is seen and heard now and then in the remote castle where he appears on the stairs as well as in the Blue Room and the Library. “

2024 Halloween Shopping

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Happy Halloween shopping 2024! For over two decades now, the Halloween shopping season has been my main time for household and clothing purchases. Each year, I love to shop around

Read More »

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »

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