After reading Coop’s latest Crystal Lake Confessional, I was immediately inspired to do two things: Watch Friday the 13th and finalize a list of tunes that get me into the mood for spooky season. While this playlist does feature some classic Halloween tracks, I tried to go off the beaten path when possible.
My goal? Compile a list of songs you could just put on repeat at a Halloween Party and have a ghoulishly fun time. If there’s a song you think I missed, I can guarantee you with 99% certainty, I missed it on purpose. Enjoy my Halloween Party Playlist for what it is – an hour of good tunes that evoke the spirits of the season.
Don’t worry: This won’t replace my regular October Ska, Punk, and Other Junk column. Consider this a little Halloween treat.
Ska
Stop The Presses – “Dead Man’s Party”
This cover of the Oingo Boingo classic shifts the track from kooky New Wave synth to a moody and atmospheric ska song. I also think the guitar work is catchier and more memorable than the original. Don’t tell Danny Elfman I said that.
The Specials – “Ghost Town”
While it’s a song offering plenty of social and political commentary about ’80s Britain, it also evokes eerie and spooky feelings.
The Slackers – “Estranged”
Detailing a relationship gone bad, the tune is entwined with a melancholic tone that sends a shiver down your spine.
Matt Wixson – “If You Weren’t A Witch”
This song draws specific parallels between the trial and murder of one of the artist’s ancestors in the 1600s for being accused of witchcraft and how power is still misused to this day. Danceable ska melodies and relevance on multiple levels.
Mustard Plug – “Vampire”
This song uses familiar horror tropes to offer up political commentary about the United States today. The band equates the act of inviting a vampire into your home to the damage Donald Trump has done to the U.S.
Half Dizzy featuring Vic Ruggiero – “The Faceless”
Touching on paranoia, pressure, uncontrollably racing thoughts, and ghoulish beings closing in to get you, this is claustrophobic horror at its catchiest.
Punk
AFI – “Fall Children”
This is probably the most cliched song on this playlist, but it’s a must for any spooky season playlist I create. As soon as fall hits, I love to scream along with Davey Havok at every opportunity.
Harley Poe – “Gorehound”
It’s is a love letter to horror movies and the people who love them. It’s also a folk-punk anthem also pokes fun at the folks who just don’t understand why we love horror so much. This song represents the band at their ghoulish best.
Dead Kennedys – “Halloween”
At least one song on this playlist has to be called “Halloween,” right? Since I already used AFI and “Fall Children,” I knew I couldn’t go with Misfits here. Instead, I went to the opposite side of the country and settled on Jello Biafra. I enjoy his social commentary surrounding the holiday and his critique of people who use Halloween as the one night a year to be truly free and truly themselves.
Misfits – “Return Of The Fly”
This iconic act had to make an appearance on this playlist, but it was challenging to land on a single song. In the end, I chose this one because of its ’50s monster movie matinee vibes.
Ramones – “Pet Sematary”
While not one of their best songs, it’s one that I have to listen to this time of year. Pet Sematary was the first “grownup book” I read as a kid, so it holds a special place in my heart. This song reminds me of the time I convinced my parents to let me watch the movie at an entirely too young of an age and ended up scaring myself half to death. Fun times.
The Cramps – “Goo Goo Muck”
Another Halloween punk staple for me. With a little psychobilly feel and some suggestive double entendres, this one will get you to tap your feet in a hurry. The casuals who only know it from Wednesday will be happy to hear it, too.
Other Junk
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – “I Put A Spell On You”
How could you not think about this track at this time of year? It’s epic and extremely off-putting in the best possible way once he starts showing off how he got the nickname.
Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me”
Another song that focuses on the paranoia, anxiety, and fear of someone following you around and watching your every move. Who doesn’t like an ’80s dance pop song about stalking? I know I do.
Jamie T – “Zombie”
This is one of my wife’s favorite songs. It’s fun to see her light up when the chorus comes on and she starts singing along. Growing up doesn’t always mean growing up as this song attests. Sometimes those immature habits come back.
Geto Boys – “Mind Playing Tricks On Me”
It seems like much of my Halloween playlist deals with the idea of anxiety, paranoia, and being followed. This track is no different. With an Isaac Hayes sample as the backbone, this song is a must for this time of year.
Talking Heads – “Psycho Killer”
Written from the perspective of a disturbed murderer who feels nervous, anxious, and alienated, the tune is as dark and brooding as it is catchy.
Jonathan Coulton – “Re: Your Brains”
Historically, zombies have been used to criticize society. This song uses that conceit to discuss toxic, passive aggressive work culture by taking a satirical and hilarious swipe at corporate office life.
The Ska, Punk, and Other Junk Halloween Party Playlist
If this is your first experience with Ska, Punk, and Other Junk, I write a monthly column showcasing the latest and greatest in those respective genres! Here’s the link to the September 2026 column, as well as an archive of all my past columns for maximum musical discovery.
f you want me to listen to your ska, punk, or other junk, please feel free to contact me here. You might just see yourself in a future column! You can also reach out to me on Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and Facebook.