1. Bobby "Boris" Pickett - "The Monster Mash" (1962)
Bobby Boris Pickett - "The Monster Mash"
For those who grew up in the rock 'n roll era, this is THE Halloween song. It reached #1 on the Billboard pop singles chart when initially released and went back to the top 10 in 1973.
Read more on "Monster Mash."
2. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - "Nightmare On My Street" (1988)
Courtesy Jive Records
This song was so successful that the producers of the film Nightmare On Elm Street sued for copyright infringement. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith, the Fresh Prince, will add good humor to any Halloween gathering.
3. Michael Jackson - "Thriller" (1982)
Courtesy Epic Records
The Vincent Price laugh still packs a wallop and everyone will fondly remember the days when Michael was just another child pop star becoming an adult. The song was accompanied by one of the most famous pop music videos ever.
4. Mike Oldfield - "Tubular Bells Pt. 1" (Theme From 'The Exorcist') (1973)
Courtesy Virgin
Can you say creepy? The producers of The Exorcist knew what they were doing when they chose this song for a theme.
5. 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' Soundtrack - "The Time Warp" (1975)
Courtesy 20th Century Fox
Every party needs a group dance moment. "The Time Warp" is easy to follow. The song tells you how. "It's just a jump to the left..."
6. Matt and Kim, Soulja Boy, and Andrew W.K. - "I'm a Goner" (2011)
Courtesy Converse
It is a party in a morgue. What more could you want for a Halloween celebration? "I'm a Goner" is part of the Converse sponsored series of disparate artist collaborations. This one is truly inspired combining dance punk duo Matt and Kim, rapper Soulja Boy, and party rocker Andrew W.K.
7. The Pack a.d. - "Haunt You" (2011)
Courtesy Mint Records
It's loud, it's boisterous, and yes, it's creepy. The Pack a.d. are a garage duo from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. You will hear similar sounds to the White Stripes and the Black Keys. "Haunt You" is included on the album Unpersons.
8. Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer" (1977)
Courtesy Sire Records
Psycho killers fit in quite well with all the other creepy ghosts and ghoulies of the season. There are many recorded versions now, but the original from the Talking Heads' first album is still the best.
9. The Who - "Boris the Spider" (1966)
Courtesy Reaction Records
This goes way back to the early days of the Who. It's a showcase for bass player John Entwistle, and the playful chorus of "creepy creepy crawly crawly" makes this a Halloween favorite.
10. White Zombie - "I'm Your Boogieman" (1996)
Courtesy Geffen Records
There are plenty of tracks from White Zombie and lead vocalist Rob Zombie solo that make great Halloween selections, but my choice goes to this remake of the K.C. and the Sunshine Band classic. Suddenly "boogieman" has a different connotation!
