I haven’t crafted a DeJamz before, but I am very happy to be here. As soon as the air turned crisp, I bugged Grace and April with my request to be entrusted with the honor of putting one together. I fully believe I was born for this time of year (despite being stuck with a February birthday). To lean into the true meaning of my humanity, I will share the music I listen to during this blessed month! From switching my white waterline eyeliner to black as the calendar hits the first day of fall to simply switching train lines, this is my soundtrack.
Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
O children, listen up. We’re opening strong with my Halloween anthem. Featured in my all-time favorite film, the 1996 classic “Scream,” this song reminds me of all the things I love: horror movies, fluttering leaves in the wind, and, for some reason, the ominous feeling that someone is following me. I truly believe no song could fit better in a horror film for any reason. From Cave’s deep and unsettling voice to the ominous background chimes and noises, there’s something so comforting in its perfection.
August Underground by Ethel Cain
It’s only at this time of year that I’m a sucker for a good instrumental. Often, my mind is moving too fast and the voices in my head talk over each other so quickly it's difficult for me to turn them off and listen to a song with no lyrics. Yet, listening to this song instantly makes the world, and my mind, go dark. It transports me to somewhere equally horrific and wonderful. With the name inspired by the 2001 pseudo-snuff film “August Underground,” along with its already chilling beat it’s a perfect accompaniment to a gloomy October day
You’re So Dark by Arctic Monkeys
This song speaks to me above all others. I’m sure my bible-sized collections of H.P. Lovecraft and Poe’s works smile as they hear their shoutouts. Cosplaying the “mysterious girl” trope is never easier than when this song is on replay. It’s also a throwback to this time five years ago when I was in my prime of worshiping this band like my religion, and the dark figure described was simply the coolest person to ever live. I can honestly say I would still strive to be this person if it would help me pull the lead singer. Yes, Alex, shun the daylight for me!
Love Voodoo by Duran Duran
From an innocent crush to manic obsession, this song explores the nuances of a slightly unnerving relationship. Nothin’ better than a good old battle of manipulation and resistance! I can’t tell whether to worry about this fictional couple or simply allow myself to get lost in the gorgeously smooth atmosphere created. I must say, after taking a Haitian Vodou class, I’ve grown to hate the derogatory and incorrect Western spelling of “voodoo,” but I suppose I’ll let it slide for the sake of a Halloween hit.
Dracula Teeth by The Last Shadow Puppets
I didn’t want to have two Arctic Monkeys songs on here, so I thought as long as Alex Turner was in a different font, it would work (despite a Dracula reference in both). What can I say, his voice just gives off that melancholic October vibe. While so many of their songs fit this theme, I unfortunately couldn’t get them all onto this DeJamz, but they hold special places in my heart. Besides the Stoker reference, the song also gives odes to all things spooky throughout the rest of the lyrics. Cue the haunted house sound effects!
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