Call this playlist the ‘Halloween playlist that’s not really tailored to Halloween.’ Nonetheless, the song titles reference various ‘creatures.’ 

LLeave it to The Musical Hype to literally make something out of nothing.  Playlists are supposed to be playable, right? The latest concoction is a pseudo-Halloween playlist, except that the pseudo part might be an overstatement.  Honestly, the majority of these songs have nothing to do with the pagan holiday, save for their respective titles. The big rule for this list was that some sort of creature at least loosely associated with Halloween must be featured in the title. Also, rather than reaching for the obvious like “Monster Mash” or “Love Potion No. 9,” more contemporary songs were chosen. In other words, because it’s a pseudo-random-Halloween list, you can read this quickly assembled mess any day of the year, if your heart so desires. 

1. The Weeknd, “Party Monster”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

Creature: Monster 

“Party Monster” is one of the most aggressive songs from Starboy. It has an enigmatic, dark, and, dirty sound. No, the has nothing to do with a literal monster, unless in entails the stripper pole (“And I’ve seen her get richer on the pole”), drinks, drugs, and sex (“I’m the realest, she said I’m the realest / Head be genius, dick game be the meanest”). The hook surprisingly eschews profanity, gives thanks to God, and then embraces irresponsibility.

“I’m like, got up, thank the lord for the day

Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name

Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name

(Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name)

Got up, thank the lord for the day.”

2. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “If We Were Vampires”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

Creature: Vampires

On “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit goes deep. He acknowledges and reflects on the fact that one day him or his wife will die and one will be left alone.

“It’s knowing that this can’t go on forever / Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone / Maybe we’ll get forty years together / But one day I’ll be gone / Or one day you’ll be gone.”

On the second verse, the vampires come into play. “If [they] were vampires,” they’d have nothing to worry about after all. Obviously, Isbell realizes this isn’t realistic in the least.  He goes on to say:

“Maybe time running out is a gift

I’ll work hard ‘til the end of my shift

And give you every second I can find

And hope it isn’t me who’s left behind.”

3. Fleet Foxes, “Mearcstapa”

Crack-Up • Nonesuch • 2017

Creature: Grendel (Beowulf)

“Mearcstapa” – what a title. So, what exactly is a mearcstapa?  It is an old English word that literally translates to march stalker, but perhaps more accurately, it’s marsh stalker.  According to Amanda Petrusich of Pitchfork, “Mearcstapa” (the song) is named after a Grendel from Beowulf.  Also, interesting, though not directly related to the song, Mearcstapa is Monsters: the experimental association for the research of cryptozoology through scholarly theory and practical application.  Just FYI. In the context of the song, Pecknold focuses on the marsh stalker in the context of the sea, highlighting the words eyes (both verses) and lines (first verse) in particular.

4. Harry Styles, “Two Ghosts”

Harry Styles • Columbia • 2017

Creature: Ghosts

The main attraction on Harry Styles’ debut album is “Sign of the Times”.  However, the British heartthrob has a ghostly record on his hands as well. “Two Ghosts” is well-rounded record, moderate in pace, featuring respectable vocals through and through.  The chorus is simple, but sufficient by all means.

“We’re not who we used to be…

We’re just two ghosts standing in the place of you and me

We’re not who we used to be…

We’re just two ghosts swimming in a glass half empty.”

Acoustic rhythm guitars dominate the production. All in all, good vibes.

5. Tyler Glenn, “Devil”

Excommunication • Island • 2016

Creature: Devil

“Sunday mornings make me nervous.” Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees) was pissed off on his debut solo album, Excommunication.  The album focused on his break with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, aka the Mormon Church.  The main reason for this break was Glenn’s homosexuality:  “I swear I still believe in something / But I couldn’t pray the gay away.” Disappointed by being unaccepted by the church as a gay man, naturally, he left.  One of the biggest instances of his newfound skepticism towards religion comes at the end of Excommunication, “Devil.”

“I think I still believe in Jesus

He’s a friend when I choose to pray

But my demons get me high, ‘til I’m burning all the time

Yeah, they never wash my sins away.”

6. Marilyn Manson, “SAY10”

Heaven Upside Down • Loma Vista • 2017

Creature: Devil

The left-hand path is empowered on “SAY10,” clearly a play on Satan.  Making “SAY10” even more enigmatic and frightening is the music.  Initially, on the first verse, “SAY10” sounds completely foreboding, with Marilyn Manson singing in a whisper.  On the chorus, the deck of cards is completely revealed with a catchy, yet incredibly blasphemous hook. Chocked full of religious references, “SAY10” transcends its beastly title.

7. Radiohead, “Burn the Witch”

A Moon Shaped Pool • XL Recordings • 2016

Creature: Witch

“This is a low flying panic attack / Sing the song on the jukebox that goes / Burn the witch / Burn the witch / We know where you live.” What happens when you combine Radiohead and witches? Awesomeness, of course! “Burn the Witch” served as a promo single from the band’s 2016 effort, A Moon Shaped Pool.  Furthermore, it’s the opening record from the album.  An intriguing, mysterious affair, “Burn the Witch” makes for a clever, dramatic, and dynamic listening experience. “Stay in the shadows / Cheer at the gallows / This is a round-up.” Thom Yorke’s vocals are splendid, never forced, yet pack a punch.  Instrumentally, the strings are the crowning achievement. “Red crosses on wooden doors / If you float you burn.”

8. Machine Gun Kelly, “D3MONS” (Ft. DMX)

Lace Up • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2012

Creature: Demons

On “D3MONS,” Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly taps DMX for a feature. “D3MONS” is twisted, representing the effects of various demons.  Machine Gun Kelly references drug use, for example: “My skin is bluish, voices in my head saying / ‘Don’t be stupid all you have is in that bag you better use it.” He goes on to confirms how badly the demons are messing him: “I swear that I can feel ‘em fucking with me/ Every night I feel ‘em fucking with me/ Please God tell these demons stop fucking with me/ Every god damn night, I feel ‘em fucking with me/ Why? / Please God.”

9. Highly Suspect, “Wolf”

The Boy Who Died Wolf • 300 Entertainment • 2016

Creature: Wolf 

“It’s not a question / This shit is real.” “Wolf”, the closing track from The Boy Who Died Wolf, commences somewhat mysteriously, with the element of surprise.  Nearly seven minutes in duration, it is far from a straightforward rock record. Badass frontman Johnny Stevens delivers clear, commanding vocals, balancing tenderness and grittiness.  In addition to his mad pipes, the production is magnificent.  Throughout it course, there are a number of notable, hard-hitting lyrics.  One of the most memorable occurs on the second verse, where Stevens sings: “Do you remember we were young? / Imagination filled our lungs / Wolf, don’t make a helpless move / You see me and I see you.”

10. Childish Gambino, “Zombies”

“Awaken, My Love!” • Glassnote • 2016

Creature: Zombies 

Childish Gambino aka the multi-talented Donald Glover, dabbles in zombies on “Zombies.”  Fitting.  “All I see is zombies feeding all around us / All they eat are people (and you won’t survive) / They don’t know what happened, they just stay alive.” While zombies are the choice of predator, Glover is clearly being metaphorical. The zombies which he speaks of are people – very bad people. Metaphorical or not, his dramatic performance is a treat.

11. Logic, “Black SpiderMan” (Ft. Damian Lemar Hudson)

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

Creature: Spiderman

“Black SpiderMan” serves as the penultimate record on Everybody, the third studio album by Logic.  The rapper enlists Damian Lemar Hudson for the assist.  “Black SpiderMan” features lush, gospel-tinged production work, giving the record an exuberant quality.  Logic sings respectably on the hook, over the spiritually-driven backdrop. Following the spirited hook, he breaks into quick-paced, spirited rhymes.  The central theme is that everybody is included. “I ain’t ashamed to be white / I ain’t ashamed to be black / I ain’t ashamed of my beautiful Mexican wife as a matter of fact.” He continues to explore the message, adding sexuality and religion to the mix. The titular lyric arrives towards the end of the lengthy verse, with Logic changing the perceptions of familiar things, including references to black Jesus.

[📷: Republic, Southeastern, Nonesuch, Columbia, Island, Loma Vista, XL, Interscope, 300, Glassnote]