Greetings my spooky friends – it has been over a month since I last posted and I have no idea where all that time has gone. This year is flying by, but it isn’t a bad thing since that’ll bring Halloween season that much closer to us.
For today’s post, I wanted to share some of my favorite records with you that will keep you in an eerie spirit while we wait for summer to bring us Halloween once more. When I’m not obsessing over my favorite holiday, I am obsessing over music. I myself am a musician and songwriter with a strong passion for concerts, collecting vinyl, and immersing myself in music.
I was thinking the other day that I should share some of my favorite albums that I find especially spooky with you. Take a look at this list and share with me your favorite macabre records and together let’s sing these tunes loud to help us ring in Halloween 2019!
“The Silence Kills” – By Dillon
I discovered Germany based Dominique Dillon de Byington around 2013, two years after this album was released. The Brazilian born singer-songwriter and pianist has a voice reminiscent of Joanna Newsom. Child-like, ethereal, and chilling. The track “Thirteen Thirtyfive” is my favorite ear worm on the album that always creates spooky imagery in my mind when I listen. Dillon produces the perfect rainy day weather and the soundtrack for a somber coffee shop. Dillon has also just released a new album this year that still stays true to the style of the “The Silence Kills.”
“Dead Man’s Bones” by Dead Man’s Bones
I would be remiss if I did not have this record on my list. The album is 10 years old this October year and I yearn for more. Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields created an essential and timeless record for all Halloween-lovers since its release in 2009. I always include every track from this album on my Halloween party playlist. The addition of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children’s Choir on the tracks provides that whimsical yet eerie sensation to the melodies which defines the feeling of Halloween.
“The Milk Eyed Mender” by Joanna Newsom
Harp player, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Joanna Newsom earns a place on my list for this album and the tracks borrowed from it for the 2008 horror film, the Strangers. Anytime I hear “Sprout and the Bean” I think of that film and how I was watching it between the spaces in my fingers in the theater because it freaked me out so much…(or perhaps it was actually the company I watch that film with that was spooking me so).
“The Adventures of Ghosthorse & Stillborn” by CocoRosie
My brother introduced me to this group. My brother largely has inspired my current taste in music and for that, I thank him. The American-based sister duo has an unmatched and incomparable sound on this album. They also have a youthful sound to their voice (there is a trend in this list here with creepy child-like voices…), which adds to their uniqueness of their sound. The song “Werewolf” has a spooky hip-hop vibe that is the ideal anthem for a scary dance party. That is actually how I’d describe this album – a scary dance party!
“WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” by Billie Eilish
I’m not going to lie. When I first listened to “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish, I could not come to grips with what everyone loved so much about her. It was too slow and ballad-like for my taste. It didn’t stand out to me…but then, I heard “Bury A Friend” on the radio. My mind became instantly changed once I searched for the track and gave the entire album a listen. Billie is one scary ghoul. I love it! I think we can all agree, that she rules and has numerous eclectic and scary effects and lyrics that make this a spooky treasure.
“Blood Bank” by Bon Iver
I think the fact that Justin Vernon’s EP by gives me shivers makes me categorize it as spooky. There is something so strongly isolating about the melodies, mixing, and words – for example take a listen to “Woods” and “Blood Bank.” “Blood Bank” is a song that is timeless to me and I cannot tire of it. It tells a story that feels like a mystery each time I listen to it.
Halloween Head 