It's still September, but I'm hecka excited for October (mainly Halloween!) so I thought I'd make a list of fun spooky tunes for you guys to enjoy. And no, this list does not include those annoying cheesy Halloween party songs or 'Thriller'. You're welcome.
1. You're So Dark - Arctic Monkeys
FAVE. This is from their 2013 "One for the Road" single and I wish it had made it onto a full-length album, although it doesn't really fit with the rest of the tracks anyway so I see why it wasn't included. Anyway, I love the references to all things dark and creepy like Edgar Allen Poe, Dracula, and H.P. Lovecraft and how the speaker in the song is attracted to darkness while being surrounded by people "walking on sunshine".
And I know I'm not your type | |
2. Doing the Right Thing - Daughter
Any number of Daughter's songs could easily be added to this list just because of Elena Tonra's hauntingly beautiful vocals and lyricism. I chose this one because I think it evokes the most ethereal atmospheric feelings of a different kind of fear - the fear that one day we will all be vulnerable to time and age eating away at our minds. (This song is also close to me for another reason which you can read more about here if you're interested).
I'm just fearing one day soon | |
3. Unfinished Business - White Lies
White Lies' "Death" could also fit on this list, since it has the church organ/synths and haunting vocals that this song is filled with (and I first heard it on a vampire film my dad was watching, ayo). However, that song sounds a bit happier than this one and NME described this song as a "ghoulish story of undead lovers", so I think that covers it.
I broke down in horror at you standing there | |
4. Tag, Your It - Melanie Martinez
I don't listen to Melanie, but I know she has a whole album of full of creepiness perfect for the occasion. This song especially makes use of voice manipulation throughout and that eerie breaking-down toy sound at the end of the track. The narrative contained in the lyrics is also quite scary.
Eenie meenie miny mo | |
5. Dracula Teeth - The Last Shadow Puppets
Okay, so I was gonna put another Arctic Monkeys (AM) song on this list but I know that's probably not fair. Instead, I added a song from Arctic Monkeys' lead singer Alex Turner's side project with Miles Kane, HAH. The combination of Alex and Miles' smooth sultry voices with the beautiful string instruments (not AM's style) and Bram Stoker's Dracula-inspired lyrics create this lovely addition to the list. Cue the "haunted house sound effects".
Wake up in an ice cold sweat and my skin starts to creep | |
6. Instant Crush - Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas
I thought I should probably add something electronic, so here it is. Julian is the lead singer of the Strokes, so it's interesting to hear him performing outside of a garage rock environment. The continuous beat and chords with the added synth notes blend with Julian's high-pitched vocals for a unique sinister-like tune. (And I had never seen the music video until now, but I'll say it's pretty creepy too). <--- Vevo doesn't allow their videos on this site so you can watch it by clicking this link.
1,000 lonely stars | |
7. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Freedom Fry
This is what the band calls a "French makeover" of the classic Nirvana anthem. It contains lyrics in both French and English, with a softer, acoustic sound. I don't know why, but this cover freaks me out more than the original song and I love it. There's something about hearing a song you already know sang in the same tune but in a different language. It's intriguing as well as spooky.
Avec les lumières éteintes, c'est moins dangereux | |
8. It's Almost Halloween - Panic! At the Disco
Okay LISTEN: I know I said no cheesy Halloween party songs and this could be considered one of those BUT I had to include it! It's P!ATD, people!! Everybody screeeeeam!
There's a devil in the corner | |
9. Nighttime Hunger - Overcoats
These two girls and their echoing vocals, golly gee. Just listen.
In daytime I build a new me but still dread the night | |
10. I Hope I Become a Ghost - The Deadly Syndrome
I like the frantic piano work, as well as the vocals (especially the eerie ooh's and ahh's).
Now that I've become a ghost | |
11. In a Sweater Poorly Knit - mewithoutYou
mewithoutYou always seems to have vivid combinations of lyrics and descriptive metaphors while telling a story with an important message. This one is about aimlessness and the speaker talks to a person he knew in the first and second verses and then [most likely] God in the third. The creepiest part is the repetition of the line "I do not exist" at the end.
Your flavor in my mind swings back and forth between | |
12. I Can Feel a Hot ONe - Manchester Orchestra
This song describes a panic attack and a nightmare that lead singer Andy Hull had. The overlapping of his vocals and the slower tempo in addition to the melancholy lyrics are extremely effective in evoking gloom and sorrow. However, don't be too disturbed by the content because hope is revealed at the end! You can view the Vevo video here.
And I realized it then, you were perfect | |
13. Icky Thump - The White Stripes
The abrupt tempo and melody changes combined with Jack's sharp vocals make this song a necessary addition. It's also a commentary on immigration, so it's relevant in multiple ways. And honestly, what could be scarier than the main character, a rude white American man?
White Americans, what, | |
Hopefully I provided you with some new {spooky} music to listen to this season - and all other seasons. Obviously these aren't limited to Halloween like most Christmas songs are. (also let me know if you'd like to see more; I'm planning on creating an unconventional Christmas playlist later on with this same concept of non-cheesiness and slight obscurity)
As always, thanks for reading!
Happy Halloween ;)
~Say Love <3