In the mood for something spooky?

Jack O Lanterns

It’s late October and many folks around campus may well be looking for fun things to help them get into the Halloween “spirit”.

Maybe you’re tired of the usual suspects like “Ghostbusters“, “Thriller” or “The Monster Mash” and want to branch out? (All of the aforementioned songs, incidentally, are available to check out on CD here.)

Well, the Music Library can definitely help you get your spooky on, if you are so inclined!

For example, we have quite a few film soundtracks that could spice up your Halloween listening:

Bernard Hermann‘s soundtrack to the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic film Psycho might fit the bill (just stay away from the shower!)

Psycho soundtrack CD cover

We also have other cool film soundtracks like Max Steiner‘s score for the 1933 film King Kong

King Kong soundtrack CD

And CD compilations like The Definitive Horror Music Collection which has horror movie music selections dating from 1922 to 2009.

The Definitive Horror Music Collection CD set

In addition to film soundtracks we have some movie musicals that might make good seasonal viewing such as the adaptation of Stephen Sondheim‘s bloody good melodrama Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd film poster

or the sci-fi/rock craziness of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

You can also go DIY with Rocky Horror and check out sheet music with an accompaniment CD if you’re feeling especially Time Warp-y!

Rocky Horror Vocal Selections

You can also thrill to the ghostly sounds of the theremin — an electronic musical instrument that is controlled without physical contact. It was/is often featured in sci-fi and horror movies like The Day The Earth Stood Still. (Fun fact: Bernard Hermann did the music for this film as well!)

The Day The Earth Stood Still soundtrack

We have a cool documentary about the stranger-than-true story of the theremin that can be checked out, as well as an assortment of CDs that feature the instrument.

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

In a classical vein (pun totally intended) you can find recordings of things like Berlioz‘s Symphonie Fantastique, Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre or Mussorgsky’s Night On Bald Mountain in a variety of formats (LP, CD, streaming) for your seasonal delectation and delight.

Danse Macabre

We even have sound effects CDs to help you create your own spooky atmosphere at Halloween parties.

Braaiiins!

So why not pay us a visit and check out some Halloween fun? We’re dying to see you! *rimshot*

Halloween Music Collection - Midnight Syndicate