A Halloween Playlist (SNS Week of 10/25/2020)

 As I write this Halloween 2020 is tomorrow.   Being that this is, indeed 2020, it'll probably be unusual this year. thanks to COVID-19, which now seems to be escalating once again.   As we already wear masks, it kind of blends in with any costume that you can come up with.   I'm not sure if the gang of young ghosts, goblins and the like will be patrolling the neighborhoods this year, or if there will be any big Halloween parties this year as they'll most likely be inside,  which would make it hard to social distance.  I know I didn't get invited to any this year.

Anyway, I've seen people look for playlists for Halloween.  In years past, I've had my iPod going as a backdrop to the trick-or-treaters making the rounds, and have concocted and added songs to a playlist.   Aside from the usual pop entries like "Ghostbusters", "Thriller", "Monster Mash", "Season of the Witch", as well as mood instrumentals from the likes of Mannheim Steamroller and Midnight Syndicate, I've thrown more songs together that perhaps may be missing from your playlist.  Therefore, here are thirteen songs that perhaps you might have overlooked. 

1. "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" - Charlie Daniels Band.

Of course the late, great fiddler's biggest hit,  "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a must on anyone's playlist, but this 1980 song from his Full Moon set, which hit #31 that year, is an eerie tale,, based on an actual place in Daniels' childhood, where things mysteriously disappear.    While his big "Devil" hit is an up-tempo hoedown, this one sets the scary mood of the subject matter.

2."Don't Fear the Reaper", Blue Oyster Cult

This popular 1976 track, which concocted the catchphrase "more cowbell!" is a must.    Sort of a dreamy, psychedelic, slightly retro throwback can get you into that spirit, rather easily.

3. "Elvira", Oak Ridge Boys

I'm probably the only one who includes this song on a Halloween playlist, but, based on the title alone, it fits.  What you probably didn't know was that (1) this 1981 version is a remake of a Dallas Frazier song from of 1966, and (2) It's not about a woman, but a street in East Nashville.    Before the Oak Ridge Boys covered it, it had been remade several times by artists such as Rodney Cromwell, and Kenny Rogers & the First Edition.   But the "Elvira" connected to this holiday is that of a dark, shady woman, most notably played by Cassandra Peterson in the movie Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, a 1988 comedy, horror film.   It is also a popular costume.   Therefore, the song, in its own way, fits.

4. "Haunted House", Jumpin' Gene Simmons

This 1964 hit by this artist, who is no relation to the KISS front man of the same name, is in the same mode as a "Monster Mash" or "Ghostbusters", played for fun, but with a macabre slant to it.    

5. "Revolution #9", The Beatles

You probably would never equate the Fab Four to anything Halloween, and perhaps nobody ever thought to link this avant-garde trip from The White Album to it, but think about it.    Turn out the  lights, put on the strobe and the glow in the dark objects, and loop this song ad infinitum.   And if all this psych-trip doesn't to the trick, then the line "turn me on, dead man" should.

6. "Spooky", Classics IV / Atlanta Rhythm Section

Take your pick which version...either the 1968 hit by the Classics, or the 1979 one by its spin-off ARS, the title should be sufficient.   I would prefer the original if I had to pick as it fits the mood somewhat....plus the line..."I propose....on Halloween" clinches it.  

7. "Pet Sematary", The Ramones

From the movie of the same name based on a Stephen King novel, its this punk band in its later period performing the title track.   A bit more slowed down and melodic than their classic material, the 1989  song where the protagonist doesn't "want to live my life again" makes its point, and thus worth inclusion.

8. "Werewolf", Five Man Electrical Band

This Canadian band  is noted mostly for their 1971 hit "Signs", but they had a few other gems as well.  This one definitely fits the season.   This 1974 song was last of their five chart songs, and does have that scary aura to it. 

9. 'Witch Queen of New Orleans", Redbone

We have our share of "witch songs":  Donovan's "Season of the Witch", and Eagles' "Witchy Woman" come to mind, but there's this one from this Mexican-American/Native American band best known for their #5 "Come and Get Your Love".  This #21 song from early 1972, their second of three chart songs (1971's "Maggie" was the first), has a pulsating yet eerie beat to it, claim that "she'll put a spell on you", and the song does exactly that.

10. "Nightmare on My Street", DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

The Fresh Prince, of course is Will Smith, and the song based on the classic A Nightmare on Elm Street.  Back in rap's "fun period", this one glares with mystery and a bit of comedy thrown in for good measure.   My favorite part is when Will phones Jeff to make sure he doesn't fall asleep, but Jeff does anyway, as which Freddy takes over and exclaims, "I'm your deejay now, Princie"...  love it!

11. "Do They Know It's Halloween", Beck, Feist, Rilo Kiley, Arcade Fire, Devendra Banhart, Wolf Parade & Thurston Moore

This 2005 song by alternative artists of the period is sort of a cross between "Time Warp" (from Rocky Horror Picture Show) and "This is Halloween" (from The Nightmare Before Christmas).   Should definitely be a hit at any party.  The title, of course suggests the "Do They Know It's Christmas" song, but doesn't sound anything like it.   The band, consisting of these mentioned above, is collectively called "North American Halloween Prevention, Inc".

12.  "Cellophane Symphony", Tommy James & the Shondells

This is the great lost Pink Floyd trek, that would feel at home on one of that Brit band's albums.   Then again, you could probably add any of Floyd's albums to the list, but this one stands out in a way.   First, the band, up to that poin,t was noted for its top 40 "bubblegum" style hits like "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Mony Mony", but by 1969 changed direction to a more psychedelic direction, which started earlier that year with "Crimson & Clover".   This lead-off title track from that follow-up album is pretty much spaced-out and perhaps played back to back with either Pink Floyd or the aforementioned "Revolution  #9"

13.  "Devil Woman", Cliff Richard

There are a lot of "devil" songs that could make the list:  Aside from "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", we have "Sympathy for the Devil" and many others.  This one is definitely in the pop vein for this British singer, his first hit on these shores after being around for almost twenty years at that point.  Definitely fits the fun mode.

Of course, there are countless others:   "Somebody's Watching Me" (Rockwell), "Black Cat", Janet Jackson, "Love Potion No. 9", The Searchers, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" various, but my favorite is by Electric Light Orchestra; "Time Warp", "This is Halloween", and countless others.

Are there any others that I missed that might be linked to Halloween?

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THE CURRENT PLAYLIST:   Back to the SNS 100, David F. Porfirio's "Driving At Dusk" remains at the top for  a second week.   And to be honest, I can see this song on Halloween playlists.  Though it's not "scary" per se, isn't it dusk when all the ghouls come out on Halloween night?    Up to the runner up spot is Miley Cyrus' "Midnight Sky".   With all the serious contenders well back, it's a toss up, which of these will top the list next week.   

As for the adds this week:  It took the Avalanches 16 years to follow-up their awesome Since I Left You featuring the title track and "Frontier Psychiatrist", both of which reached my year-end top 10 for 2002, with 2016's Wildflower., which featured the track "Frankie Sinatra", which hit the #9 spot on my blog that year.  Only four years later, the Australian contingent releases their third set We Will Always Love You, due in December.  The group, which relays on samples to make up most of their music, works its magic once more on their Top Debut this week, as "Wherever You Go" leads the newbies at #66.   The track features the likes of Jamie XX (of The XX), Neneh Cherry (of "Buffalo Stance" and "Trout" fame) and dance artist CLPYSO.   It's a mishmash of electronic, techno and other EDM pretty much wrapped up into one.   Maybe not as quirky as "Frontier" or "Frankie" but it works.

Close behind is "Where the River Flows", by Christina Alessi & the Toll Collectors.  It's their second single release this month, following "Whatever Gets You Through".   While that track is pretty much country-rock flavored, the new one is more rawer and more of a rock song, and is my favorite of the two.

Next is Cage the Elephant's "Skin and Bones", the fourth single from 2019's Social Cues.    There is a new remix of the song, as the album has been out since early 2019.    Another good track for the band.  New Jersey's Sharon Van Etten is featured on Deep Sea Diver's "Impossible Weight".  The Belleville artist gives another awesome performance on this.  Also added is Dermot Kennedy's "Giants", Royal Blood's "Trouble's Coming", and AJR's follow-up to "Bang", titled "Bummerland".   

Whatever you do, please have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist

October 25, 2020

This Week	Last Week	ARTIST-Title	Weeks on List
1	1	NUMBER ONE:  DAVID F. PORFIRIO "Driving at Dusk" Album: Overactive Imagination (2 weeks at  #1)	11
2	5	Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky	7
3	2	Michael Kiwanuka - You Ain't The Problem	11
4	3	The Mystery Lights - 21 & Counting	11
5	4	Winnetka Bowling League - Come to the Beach	12
6	9	Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar	10
7	13	Devon Gilfillan - The Good Life	7
8	12	Real Estate - The Main Thing	8
9	11	Elle King - The Let Go	8
10	14	Surfer Blood - Karen	8
11	6	Shannon Marsyada - A Love That Doesn't Hurt	13
12	16	Animal Island - Tonight	9
13	8	Guards - So It Goes	16
14	7	My Morning Jacket - Feel You	14
15	18	Pickwick - Never Gonna Be Enough	8
16	10	Screen Age - Blue Eyed Addiction	24
17	20	Dan Croll - Away From Today	8
18	27	TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK: FLEET FOXES "Can I Believe You" Album: Shore	4
19	15	Karen Wallo - Rain Away My Sorrow	11
20	17	Elise Farnsworth - In the Morning Light	15
21	24	The Backseat Lovers - Kilby Girl	15
22	23	Iration - Right Here Right Now	9
23	19	The Regrettes - What Am I Gonna Do Today	17
24	21	The Jayhawks - This Forgotten Town	14
25	30	Christina Alessi & the Toll Collectors - Whatever Gets You Through	4
26	29	Sea Wolf - Blood Pact	12
27	22	Delta Spirit - How About It	15
28	32	Morgan Wallen - 7 Summers	6
29	36	Mabel - Mad Love	5
30	39	Black Pumas - Black Moon Rising	6
31	26	James Bay - Chew  On My Heart	9
32	28	Eliza and the Delusionals - Pull Apart Heart	22
33	25	Bakar - Hell N Back	17
34	33	Pretenders - Didn't Want to Be This Lonely	6
35	31	Donna Missal - Let You Let Me Down	23
36	47	Tennis - Superstar	3
37	56	MOVER OF THE WEEK: THE BLUE STONES "Let It Ride" (Single Only)	2
38	34	Delacey  - Chapel	27
39	43	Tame Impala - Is It True	9
40	52	Bright Eyes - Mariana Trench	4
41	44	The Rolling Stones ft. Jimmy Page- Scarlet	6
42	58	Phoebe Ryan - Ring	5
43	46	The Beths - I'm Not Getting Excited	5
44	35	Gary Clark Jr -Feelin' Like a Million	10
45	38	Pepper - Change●	26
46	45	The Go-Go's - Club Zero	5
47	48	Saint Motel  - Preach	6
48	67	New Order - Be A Rebel	2
49	53	The Strokes - Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus	4
50	37	Christina Alessi - So In Love With You	16
51	65	Black Pumas - I'm Ready	2
52	40	Chicano Batman - Blank State	11
53	63	Phoebe Ryan - Try It Sober	3
54	64	Bebadoobee - Care	3
55	41	Tennis - How To Forgive	13
56	60	Nothing But Thieves - Real Love Song	6
57	55	Milky Chance and Jack Johnson - Don't Let Me Down	18
58	61	Django Django - Spirals	3
59	49	Donna Missal - How Does It Feel	18
60	66	Ava Max - Kings and Queens	3
61	76	Of Monsters and Men - Visitor	2
62	50	Colony House - Original Material	21
63	71	All Time Low ft. Black Bear - Monsters	4
64	70	Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine	6
65	73	Eliza and the Delusionals - Sentimental	2
66	---	TOP DEBUT: THE AVALANCHES "Wherever You Go" Album: We Will Always Love You	1
67	75	The Regrettes - I Love Us	3
68	---	Christina Alessi & the Toll Collectors -  Where the River Flows	1
69	59	Dreamers - Heat Seeker	15
70	---	Cage the Elephant - Skin and Bones	1
71	51	Billie Eilish - My Future	7
72	69	Walk Off the Earth - Further We Go	4
73	57	Best Coast - Everything Has Changed	28
74	78	Bon Jovi -ft. Jennifer Nettles - Do What You Can	2
75	---	Deep Sea Diver ft. Sharon Van Etten - Impossible Weight	1
76	54	Ray LaMontagne - Strong Enough	20
77	83	Kathleen Edwards - Hard on Everyone	2
78	42	Bruce Springsteen - Letter To You	5
79	---	Dermot Kennedy - Giants	1
80	62	Real Estate ft Sylvan Esso - Paper Cup	19
81	----	AJR -Bummerland	1
82	74	AJR - Bang!	27
83	---	Royal Blood - Trouble's Coming	1
84	68	Foster the People - The Things We Do	7
85	72	Neon Trees - New Best Friend	13
86	77	Elise Farnsworth - Safety Net	24
87	79	Black Pumas - Colors	19
88	81	The Outcrops - Lost Days●	31
89	80	Norah Jones - I'm Alive	21
90	82	MyKey ft. Cavetown -Was It Something I Said?	21
91	84	The Rolling Stones - Living in a Ghost Town	26
92	85	Moon Taxi - Hometown Heroes	9
93	86	Arkells - Years In the Making	10
94	87	Michael Franti and Spearhead - I Got You	9
95	88	Semisonic - You're Not Alone	12
96	89	Weezer - Hero	19
97	90	Avett Brothers - Victory	8
98	91	Finneas - Let's Fall in Love For the Night	21
99	92	Amy Shark - Everybody Rise	12
100	RE ENTRY	Gary Clark Jr - Pearl Cadillac●	25

 

 

Songs with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week.   ● Songs with 25 or more plays on iTunes/iPods ▲   Songs with 50 or more plays.