Moon by little people

It's not only the content of this song that gives an air of suspicion, it's the sound of the organ combined with the jazz beat that create what feels like an old-time murder mystery party. Not to mention April Smith's vocals clearly imply that she's up to know good, playing the dual personality of coy/innocent and diabolical villain. Add in the dark humored video for the song that shows Smith going about her daily business while killing people, and you're got a Halloween crowd pleaser.

Terrible Things by April Smith by bryce-anderson

This three-piece has a knack for making music that's mind blowing enough to make you feel like you're going crazy, put nothing really solidifies that quite like this one off 2009's Merriweather Post Pavillion. The sounds effects of dripping make you feel as though you've entered a cave to some parallel universe of universe that will waltz you into madness with a rhythmic pattern that's not the easiest to follow. When they ask, "are you also frightened?" I generally feel compelled to reply, "yes, yes I am."

Animal Collective - Also Frightened by marmo

Ok, this one might be a bit of a downer for a Halloween party, but it will certainly do to create a creepy feel. The murky bass that seeps through each phrase with very little accompaniment too it makes you feel abandoned, which is scary itself, but Ben Gibbard rubs salt in the wound by reminding you that you're alone in a prison-like place with people that aren't your friends. Oh yeah, and apparently it's not an open bar.

It's hard to deny Florence Welch's vocal talents that are haunting on their own, but add to that a woman who's looking for vengeance and you've got horror story gold. This story puts Welch against a female nemesis who has apparently wronged her, causing Welch to stalk her and literally force the girl to sleep with one eye open. Moral of the story, don't cross Florence Welch otherwise you might lose some body parts....

There's something extremely catchy about this song, between its calm, minimalist instrumentation and Aaron Bruno's intense yell singing. It's easy to fall into groove that almost feels lazy. The first time I heard it reminded me of walking through some sort of industrial haunted house, the intro gets you all hyped up and the beginning of each phrase marks something new popping out at you, then it backs off to let you regain your composure before scaring you again. The song itself may not be terrifying, but with the proper setting, its beat is perfect for a good scare.

Awolnation - Sail by The Recommender

The title of this choice is generally associated with pirates and, let's face it, much like sparkly vampires, pirate costumes are a bit overdone. However, this five-piece from Indiana uses the term in a commonplace situation of betrayal. Sarah Balliet's cello is the star of this piece as it's responsible for the haunting feel of the whole thing. It crescendos in and out like a wailing ghost against Adam Turla's dissonant long notes in a way that sends shivers up your spine.

Perhaps this one's a little too easy given its title and the fact that it doesn't sound creepy in the least, but any good party playlist needs a little variety. Plus what's more scary than your car tapedeck eating your tapes? There's also mention of a "ghost computer chirping mournful beats," that's enough to set this trio from Tennessee on the run. I think they've got a larger issue than just a haunted car...

Royal Bangs - My Car Is Haunted by cityslang

Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince's 2011 release Blood Pressure is a dark natured work that still manages to give you the itch to dance, and this choice is no exception. Another uptempo choice for the playlist, this one will encourage guests to dance while still maintaining your creepy theme. The lyrics are up for interpretation, but it really comes down to Mosshart fighting off someone that's trying to finish her either in the Mortal Kombat sense or in a figurative one. In my opinion, that's the makings of a scene from a zombie movie in which case this song could set the tone for some serious zombie ass-kicking.

Moby's newest release, Destroyed, was made to be listened to alone at night in a big city as per the suggestion of the musician itself. As someone who's done this, I can honestly say it was creepy. Mostly known for dance music, Moby goes in a different direction here, particularly with this ambient piece that makes me feel like I'm stranded in a graveyard rather than a city. It's the hollowness of the instrumentation that makes me feel that way, yet it still makes me bob my head. It might only seem creepy if you're looking too far into it, but either way it feels Halloween-esque and fits in well with a playlist for the holiday.