Music that's scary and foreboding has a long history in cinema, TV, and theater. Generally speaking, spooky music reinforces a theme, whether it's background for Janet Leigh's shower scene in Psycho, or hayride music through a Halloween cornfield maze. The tempo and orchestration is intentionally designed by the composer to put you on edge for what comes next.
So, as I was thinking about this week's diary theme, what's the first song that came to mind for me? ARS's version of "Spooky":
I've known more than a few spooky women during my life. You know what they say about crazy...and what not to do with it. Anyway, I chose the ARS version of this song because I enjoy the musicianship (top 40 though it may have been) of ARS and sometimes, Top 40 ain't that bad.
Now, no scary music compendium would be complete without Rob Zombie. Sin non qua. I'm an old metal head, as well as a horror movie affectionado, so Rob (who dabbles in both) always strikes a chord with me:
Wee-ord: that's what gets the pulse racing, making you anticipate the next scene. But what about a spooky love story? Stick with this Phantom takeoff for the first minute:
And seriously, what Halloween music compendium could not end with the obvious. I mean, I think back to the productions values, the people involved in making this happen (from production to players), and I'm still in awe lo these many haunted hours later:
HIt me with your scariest stuff tonight. (Barry Manilow not allowed.)