Halloween is just days away. That means parties, booze and costumes, candy, games and general debauchery. But Halloween also has a music tradition and history. Perhaps the most famous early “creepy” music work is “Toccata and Fugue in D minor,” attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach sometime between 1703 and 1707. No doubt you’ve heard it countless times – you might have even played it for the kids as they trick-or-treat at your door. Should you need a little reminder, click here.
Halloween music really took off in the 20th century. From early songs such as “Monster Mash” to “I Put a Spell on You,” artists have continually taken on Halloween as a theme for a new song, or a way to reinvent an old one.
So, in the spirit of the helliday (see what I did there?), we present you with 13 songs about Halloween. Not surprisingly, most of them are titled “Halloween.” There are some tricks and treats below from the likes of punk all-stars Dead Kennedys and Siouxsie and the Banshees to folk standout Lou Reed … and what kind of playlist would this be without a little Marilyn Manson; performing a track from ‘A Nightmare Before Christmas’?
Anyway, below is the playlist – enjoy. And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
The Black Cab Sessions is one of the coolest music websites I’ve ever seen. In its second year, renowned artists play a quick gig while riding around London in those famous bulbous black taxi cabs.
Perhaps because of the shape of the taxis, the sound is surprisingly good and the lineup is impressive – Bon Iver, Brian Williams, Ryan Adams, Fleet Foxes, My Morning Jacket, The Kooks and many others including, of course, Death Cab for Cutie. One of the remarkable things about this series is that the cab drivers are the real deal, not part of the production crew. The artists and film crew actually stand on the street with their instruments and flag a cab.
And it turns out the artists are enjoying themselves too. Apparently the site has come to the point where they are turning down artists these days. Another interesting note is the cost of “production” – about £15, or $30.
Sign up for their newsletter on the Black Cab Sessions website to get updates, London music news and alerts of new sessions.
Also, check out The Londonist for an interview with the website’s creators.
Below is a double session from The Kooks.
