With Halloween just around the corner comes the sights and sounds of fall; pumpkins, apple cider, Halloween costumes, crunching leaves and the perfect costume party playlist! Here are some must haves to play this weekend for your monster bash.
(Photo provided by Michael Jackson fan club)
“This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman – From the classic 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, it’s the perfect song to lead into this Holiday season. I’ve always loved this tale of Halloween Town because it merged my two favorite holidays together into a creepy, spooky, fantastic story. There have also been two amazing covers of this song by Marilyn Manson and Panic! At the Disco, though I prefer Brendon Urie’s interpretation over Manson’s.
“Time Warp” by The Rocky Horror Picture Show Cast – For me personally, it is not Halloween without sitting down with my friends and reciting all the words to The Rocky Horror Picture Show (and some of the audience participation lines as well). The main dance number to this peculiar musical has the potential to be the highlight of any Halloween party. You also have the chance to catch it live on campus in just a few weeks, as UNH’s Theatre department performs their fall show Nov. 12 through 15!
“Ghost Busters” by Ray Parker Jr. – The song inspired by a late night infomercial became the theme to one of the most popular films of the 80’s. Just about everyone knows the words to this track and its classic synth elements. There have also been some interesting covers of this song by a variety of artists, from Hoobastank to Bowling For Soup. This song is a must have for your party because if something goes wrong, who you gonna call?
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson – Halloween is just not complete without this classic from the late great Michael Jackson. I remember being younger and watching the iconic video over and over again trying to nail down those dance moves. Cool cover versions also include The Postal Service, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Imogen Heap and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. While I think this should be on your Halloween playlist, I think you need to watch the video as well!
“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon – While not written for Halloween specifically, the furry monster is commonly mentioned amongst spooky lore. I absolutely love the piano melody in this song and it’s so popular you may have heard it in a recent Kid Rock song “All Summer Long,” where he sampled the track.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween with plenty more treats than tricks!
