Halloween Songs: 11 Lesser-Known Gems

Halloween, like a lot of holidays, brings about the same songs again and again. You'll always hear things like the "Monster Mash," "Werewolves of London," or "Thriller."

A few years ago, I wrote this about the talented Screamin' Jay Hawkins, who was by no means a one-trick Halloween pony, but sadly, came to be known for only one song that was played to the max every Halloween called, "I Put A Spell On You." It sort of sealed his fate.

This year, I decided to cobble together a set of some lesser known Halloween songs that I think don't get enough play this time of year when the holidays come creeping in. So here are my recommendations.

Perhaps some of you will have suggestions to add to this list? Hope you enjoy them and have a festively Happy Halloween!

Rhythm Planet Playlist: 10/30/14

1. Tom Waits / "Potter's Field" / Foreign Affairs / Asylum

2. The Jolly Ambulances / "La Bony" / Afro-Colombian Funeral Music / Buda Musique

3. Lord Kitchener / "Love in the Cemetery" / Klassic Kitchener Vol. 2 / Umvd/Ryko

4. Parliament / "Dr. Funkenstein" / Funked Up: The Very Best of Parliament/ Island Mercury

5. Cab Calloway / "The Ghost Of Smokey Joe" / Halloween Classics: Songs That Scared the Bloomers off Your Great-Grandma/ Legacy Recordings

6. Talking Heads / "Psycho Killer" / Talking Heads 1977/ Warner Bros.

7. Frank Sinatra / "Witchcraft" / The Best of the Best/ Capitol Records

8. GOL / "Angelica In Delirium" / Trance Planet Vol. 2/ Triloka

9. Dead Can Dance / "I Am Stretched Out on Your Grave" / Toward the Within/ 4AD

10. Father John Misty / "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" / Fear Fun/ Sub Pop

11. Chavela Vargas / "La Llorona" / La Llorona / WM Spain