Stereoboard Recommends: Your Halloween Playlist (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper Feature)
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Halloween is just around the corner and, as everyone knows, every occasion needs a soundtrack. From blockbuster movies to mere adverts for yoghurt, someone out there has given the musical element some thought and, when it comes to the creepiest day of the year, there's an abundance to choose from. So, here are ten recommendations if you're looking for something to suitably play in the background of your evening.
'This Is Halloween' - Marilyn Manson. The song 'This Is Halloween' is a given, anything remotely linked to Tim Burton - especially The Nightmare Before Christmas (ironically) - would be suitable for this playlist. So why not make it a double whammy by roping in Marilyn Manson? Both a Halloween staple, and both come in this number.
'Living Dead Girl' - Rob Zombie. Another given for Halloween, Rob Zombie is practically designed to track the weird and wonderful, the creepy and the undead. In fact, any facet of his career seems to point towards something sinister or horror based, from his music to his films, so an ode to the undead is more than suitable for your evening of terror.
'Feed My Frankenstein' - Alice Cooper. Alice Cooper is the king of shock rock and horror-ific theatrics, he lives Halloween and horror on a daily basis. Frankenstein's monster is synonymous with horror and terrifying those around him, team that with a dose of lyrical cannibalism - "I'm a hungry man, but I don't want pizza, I'll blow down your house and then I'm gonna eat ya" - and you have a neat little Halloween number.
'Die My Bride' - Murderdolls. We see it every Halloween, a bloody bride, an undead bride or just - most shockingly of all - a normal bride. What could be more fitting for this costume in particular than a nice aggressive 'Die, die, die, die my bride'? Murderdolls are a fantastic band for any occasion or reason, but they fit right in here. Dark, aggressive and unruly.
'Zombie' - The Cranberries. Though heavier than their other work and very politically charged, the brooding and sombre undertones of this track make it a must. The zombies in questions here are metaphorical, referring deeply to a war between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. It's grungy and haunting, and it's great.
'Thriller' - Michael Jackson. This pretty much speaks for itself - simply designed for Halloween. From the addictive and universally known chorus to the evil cackles that close the number, this is a welcome addition to a creepily festive playlist. Plus, I can't remember a Halloween where I've gone out and not seen a drunken Michael Jackson circa Thriller attempting a moonwalk.
'Time Warp' - Rocky Horror Picture Show. Aside from the general eerie ambiance in music for the occasion, every event really should have a party number with a dance routine. For one, the Time Warp is the custom dance for all occasions, but there's a chance you'll be near someone akin to a Rocky Horror Picture Show character and, well, what more of an excuse would you need?
'Monster Mash' - Bobby Boris Pickett. Much like you need the Time Warp to provoke a mass dance off, 'Monster Mash' provokes a similar reaction. Soundtrack to many childhood Halloweens, it seems perfectly designed for the setting. Kids may be a good excuse to put this on, since it's not quite as abrasive as some of the other numbers, but in reality the main excuse should be putting it on is that it's banging.
'Highway to Hell' - AC/DC. It's Halloween, there's devils strutting around left, right and centre. You also need some classic rock and roll, iconic riffs and massive sing alongs. Cue - AC/DC. There are few situations that couldn't be enhanced by some DC, and frankly this should appear in any playlist in the world - ever.
'I'm Your Boogie Man' - White Zombie. We're enough tracks past Rob Zombie to throw in a curveball and return to him, but not really. Like most of Zombie's work, it's brilliant, it's aggressive and it's designed to evoke horror in some form or another. Admittedly, this isn't really the most child-friendly, light-hearted party track. For those into the heavier side of things, it's definitely worth inclusion.
And a bonus track...
The Addams Family Theme Song. Best - show - EVER. Okay, maybe theme songs don't often make the party playlist but The Addams Family is like a living Halloween. The movies, the cartoons, they all embody what this holiday is about. Plus, you can't resist the double finger snaps when you listen.
Have a Happy Halloween, and make sure your playlist is up to par!
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'This Is Halloween' - Marilyn Manson. The song 'This Is Halloween' is a given, anything remotely linked to Tim Burton - especially The Nightmare Before Christmas (ironically) - would be suitable for this playlist. So why not make it a double whammy by roping in Marilyn Manson? Both a Halloween staple, and both come in this number. 
