Record Notes Column: A Selection of Spooky Favorites – Alexandria Echo Press

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, if not my favorite. I like the candy, I like the costumes, I like the movies.

But one possible aspect of the holiday is often overlooked: the music.

I say “possibly” because there aren’t nearly as many Halloween-specific tunes as there are for other holidays, or at least Christmas.

That's why this week I decided to write about some of my favorite spooky, seasonally appropriate titles. They may not have been specifically included to commemorate the holiday, but they certainly fit.

1. Prelude (from “Psycho”) – Bernard Herrmann

While the music from the shower scene in Psycho is rightly remembered for its bloodcurdling strings, I argue that this piece from the film's main titles is just as notable.

It starts with a real burst of sound and never lets up. It's the perfect opening to the film and also a good start to the Christmas season, which is why it's at the top of my playlist.

2. Last night I had a dream – Randy Newman

While Randy Newman may not be the first name people think of when they think of scary songs, his catalog contains plenty of horror. (For example, “In Germany Before the War” is the story of a child murderer and the complete opposite of his work for Disney.)

On first listen, it seems like this song doesn't fit in with the rest. But in the narrator's dream there is a vampire, a ghost and a life partner who does not recognize him. And what's scarier than a troubled relationship? Not much.

3. Batman Theme – Neal Hefti and his orchestra and choir

A few weeks ago I shared “The Batusi” in one of my playlists, and this week I decided to record the A-side of that CD. The reason is simple: costumes.

I don't think I've ever attended a Halloween event, be it trick-or-treating, where someone isn't dressed as a caped crusader. For this reason alone, this song is worthy of inclusion on any list of holiday-themed songs.

4. Under the House – Public Image Ltd.

This song was supposedly written by PiL frontman John Lydon after he saw a ghost in his house. “When a place is haunted, the intensity is unbearable,” he was quoted as saying.

“Intense” is the perfect word for this track. With its heavy drums and Lydon's preternatural wails, it's deeply unsettling. What more could you want from a Halloween song?

5. The Bells – Lou Reed

I don't know what Lou Reed's “The Bells” is about. After looking up the text, I'm still not sure.

What I know is this: It noises scary. A relentless, almost ten-minute roar of fear. You may want to leave the lights on for this.

This week's playlist (songs for Halloween):

Prelude (from “Psycho”) – Bernard Herrmann

Heartbreak Hotel – John Cale

Haunted House – Leon Redbone

Last night I had a dream – Randy Newman

The devil has my wife – Skip James

Zomby Woof – Frank Zappa

Batman Theme – Neal Hefti and his Orchestra and Choir

Under the House – Public Image Ltd.

Ghosts – Louis Armstrong

The Bells – Lou Reed

You can find this playlist online at

open.spotify.com/playlist/6qE8bfxvfbsZI8H7kHMzwL .

Travis Gulbrandson covers multiple areas, including the Osakis School Board and the Osakis City Council, as well as the Brandon-Evansville School Board. His focus will also be on crime and courts news.