Halloween Playlist: 2009

Here's a playlist of some albums/songs from 2009 that aren't explicitly Halloween-themed, but would probably be appropriate for an eerie mix for the more indie-minded. There's a few free downloads in there and links to hear the rest. Happy Halloween!

Artist: AFI
Song: End Transmission
Album: Crash Love

It's AFI - so you know it's gonna be at least a little creepy. "End Transmission" is my favorite off their new album.

Listen on YouTube


Artist: Antlers
Song: Epilogue
Album: Hospice

The most eerie song from an album full of them - genuinely goosebump-inducing.

Listen on YouTube


Artist: The Black Heart Procession
Song: Rats
Album: Six

Considering the name of the band and the song, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that this song deserves a place here.

Download "Rats"


Artist: The Builders and the Butchers
Song: Gold and Green
Album: Salvation is a Deep Dark Well

In a fiery Southern folk album filled with references to the devil, Hell, and places called Vampire Lake, you may be surprised to learn that "Golden and Green" is among the creepiest songs here, but one listen and you'll understand.

Download "Golden and Green" (Zipped MP3)


Artist: Cursive
Song: We're Going to Hell
Album: Mama, I'm Swollen

Cursive has always been a little strange, a bit creepy, but "We're Going to Hell" takes the cake.

Listen on YouTube


Artist: Dead Man's Bones
Song: My Body's a Zombie for You
Album: Dead Man's Bones

Indie newcomers Dead Man's Bones may be notable because of the involvement of one Ryan Gosling, but it's a celebrity music project unlike anything you've heard. Their self-titled debut is a strange, creepy concept album that features a children's choir for an extra kick - and though the entire thing would make a great Halloween listen, "My Body's a Zombie for You" seem especially appropriate.

Listen on MySpace


Artist: The Decemberists
Song: The Rake's Song
Album: The Hazards of Love

A song about a widower who kills all his children? With all the morbid details? *Shudder*

Download "The Rake's Song" (via Stereogum)


Artist: DM Stith
Song: Pity Dance
Album: Heavy Ghost

One of my favorite albums of the year also happens to be one of the most haunting. "Pity Dance" is the record's first single and very, very eerie.

Download "Pity Dance" (via Asthmatic Kitty)


Artist: Ganglians
Song: Valiant Brave
Album: Monster Head Room

This psychedelic rocker is strange, messy, and just about danceable - complete with occasional evil background laughter.

Listen on MySpace


Artist: Hatcham Social
Song: Murder in the Dark
Album: You Dig The Tunnel, I'll Hide The Soil

Sexy, slinky and with an obviously dark streak, "Murder in the Dark" is enjoyably sinister.

Listen on MySpace


Artist: Marissa Nadler
Song: Ghosts and Lovers
Album: Little Hells

Nadler's soft, whispered voice and simple acoustic style is both beautiful and haunting, and no more so than on "Ghosts and Lovers"

Listen on MySpace

Also, download "River of Dirt" from the same album.


Artist: Sea Wolf
Song: O Maria!
Album: White Water, White Bloom

Sea Wolf's Alex Brown Church makes music for autumn, and though he's rarely outright scary, his music always has a dark tinge to it. "O Maria" is the rockinest tune he's written thus far.

Watch a live version on YouTube


Artist: Soulsavers
Song: Unbalanced Pieces
Album: Broken

Mark Lanegan and production duo Soulsavers have a knack for dark, swirling rock music and "Unbalanced Pieces" is no exception.

Listen on MySpace


Artist: St. Vincent
Song: Marrow
Album: Actor

From her most recent album, "Marrow" is St. Vincent's strangest tune yet, a strange and schizophrenic concoction of chamber pop, hip-hop, and rock that's more than a little disturbing.

Watch/listen on MySpace


Artist: White Lies
Song: To Lose My Life
Album: To Lose My Life

White Lies combine a morbid fascination with death and darkness with anthematic hooks for electrifying results.

Listen on MySpace


Artist: Wildbirds and Peacedrums
Song: There Is No Light
Album: The Snake

Swedish husband and wife duo Wildbirds and Peacedrums are - mostly - not interested in making cutesy love songs, as evidenced by "There Is No Light," which sounds like the work of people possessed with its crashing percussion and primal vocals.

Download "There Is No Light" (MP3)