If it's acceptable for supermarkets to sell kruiden-noten three months ahead of Sinterklaas, I have the right to rant about Halloween right about now. The costumes and make-up, ghost stories and games with the Ouija board are only half the fun. The other half is finding the appropriate music to be your 'soundtrack' for the evening. Here is a short mix of different genres, ranging from level 'subtle references to Halloween' to 'okay this sounds pretty creepy' :
Arctic Monkeys – Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But...
Starting easy, not a particularly spooky song. In my defense, it does contain the word 'vampires'. Plus it's early Arctic Monkeys, so it's gold.
The Black Keys – Howlin' For You Werewolves.
Yes?
The Kills – Superstition
Black cats, broken mirrors; minimal guitars and raw vocals.
Joy Division – Shadowplay
No explanation necessary.
The Cure – A Forest
Ditto
The XX – Blood Red Moon
An early demo that did not make the album despite the dark, ethereal atmosphere.
Dead Man's Bones – Lose Your Soul
Ryan Gosling's obsession with ghosts lead him to form this Halloween-themed band. Somewhat blues-y and quite theatrical, the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir is the finishing touch.
Ghosting – Mother Mother
Indie folk, subtle Halloween theme.
Florence + The Machine – What the Water Gave Me
The combination of the melody, Florence Welch's voice and the theme of drowning make this song haunting.
Karen Elson – The Ghost Who Walks
Tough call between this or her cover of Donovan's 'Season of the Witch'.
The Smiths – Cemetery Gates
A happy indie break for you.
Radiohead – Lotus Flower
Hypnotizing, especially if you're watching Thom York dance at the same time.
The Weeknd – Initiation
I had no idea R&B could be so dark; swift rhythm, a lot of bass, a surprise.
Deadmaus – Ghosts n Stuff
We've heard it a thousand times, it's still good.
Twin Shadow – Tether Beat
If you enjoyed The XX, give this guy a listen.
Metric – Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix)
MSTRKRFT's take on this pop song has given it a completely new sound; slower tempo, more bass.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell On You
This must be the creepiest song of this compilation (or you could argue, the only somewhat creepy song).