songs for Halloween: updated edition.

I have been waiting all year for Halloween. IT'S FINALLY HERE.

A few years ago, I wrote about the best songs for Halloween. It's time for an update! I present my favourite songs to listen to on Halloween.

  "This Is Halloween"

the Citizens of Halloweentown

If you listen to ONE song for Halloween, it's got to be this one. It's from The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is technically a Christmas movie... but it begins with the citizens of Halloweentown celebrating Halloween. 

"Werewolves of London"

Warren Zevon

If you listen to TWO songs for Halloween... well, you know. You can't help but go "ah-hoo0oooooooo" right along with Warren Zevon. Also, it's super clever. My favourite line: "I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's/his hair was perfect."

"Thriller"

Michael Jackson

This is an obvious one. It is THE zombie song, after all. Who here hasn't attempted the Thriller dance? Plus, it's got that awesome Vincent Price voiceover. 

"I Put a Spell on You"

Bette Midler

Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie of all time. It just is. One of the highlights is Bette Midler (as Winifred Sanderson) singing "I Put a Spell on You" at a Halloween party and hypnotizing all the adults. The Creedence Clearwater Revival version is also worth a listen.

 "Witch Doctor"

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Alvin and the Chipmunks are better known for their Christmas songs, but this is a worthy addition to Halloween. Plus, that bass sax is out of control.

"Monster Mash"

Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers

It's certainly not Halloween without hearing "Monster Mash" at least once. Is it the original Halloween song? Possibly.

"Dead Man's Party"

Oingo Boingo

Fun fact: Danny Elfman is the lead singer of Oingo Boingo. Danny Elfman is perhaps better known as the composer to most of Tim Burton's films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas. Danny Elfman ALSO provides Jack Skellington's singing voice. Anyway, this song is so danceable and about going to a party full of dead people. Very Halloween.

"Somebody's Watching Me"

Rockwell

This is a classic 80s song, even though who knows what has become of Rockwell. This song is famous because of Michael Jackson singing the chorus. You can't help but look over your shoulder!

"Re: Your Brains"

Jonathan Coulton

I really don't know who Jonathan Coulton is - I just love this song. It's about zombies in an office, and it's framed like a work meeting. So good.

"Don't Stop Me Now"

Queen

Ok, so I do have to qualify this song. It is probably only a Halloween song if you've seen Shaun of the Dead. Shaun of the Dead is a hilarious movie about zombies, and there's this amazing scene where the heroes are all beating up zombies while this song plays in the background. They do it in time to the song, and it's like a beautiful choreographed dance... for bludgeoning zombies.

"The Time Warp"

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Last, but very much not least, I bring you "The Time Warp." Of course, Rocky Horror is the ultimate Halloween cult film. I've been to a handful of midnight showings, and they are truly fantastic. Of course, everyone stands up and does "The Time Warp." And EVERYONE can do it, as the song itself provides instructions. After all, it's just a jump to the left.

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I hope you all have a fun and spoooooooooky Halloween!