Scary songs to play in the Dark: A mix of obscure Halloween tunes

This time every year, you’ll hear “The Monster Mash” and the “Ghost Busters Theme” ad nauseam. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing for Halloween devotees, why not dig deeper into the grave of ghostly melodies?

City Pulse music writer Rich Tupica has started your petrifying playlist of obscure songs to spin over this shadowy holiday season. All of these songs are on YouTube or streaming, so be sure to listen along while you read. Click each song title to listen along on YouTube.

Tony's Monstrosities “Igor's Party” (1960)

This upbeat Halloween dance track tells of a party Igor is attending at a castle with a mummy, headless waiter and other members of the “Monster’s Union” in attendance. Far from spine-chilling, this is a fun, kitschy late '50s-style rocker.

Roky Erickson & The Aliens “I Walked with a Zombie” (1981)

Years after his commercial peak as a recording artist, psych-rock legend Roky Erickson (of 13th Floor Elevators fame) recorded “The Evil One” LP, a haunting and unsettling tracklist. Filled with demented songs like “Bloody Hammer,” “Night of the Vampire” and “I Think of Demons,” this album gave his fans a candid glimpse into the troubled songwriter’s mind. The most lighthearted tune on the record, “I Walked With a Zombie,” mostly repeats the song title for its lyrics. Sung over '50s pop chords, it’s become one of his classics. Even R.E.M. covered it.

Bob McFadden and Dor “The Mummy” (1959)

Sung in a first-person narrative, this meek Mummy has emerged from his grave and is putzing around town in modern times. The kick is, he’s not trying to scare people, he’s just politely looking for a friend. A must-have classic novelty 45 rpm that’s stacked with humor and sporadic screams.

Round Robin ‎“I’m The Wolf Man” (1965)

“If you see me on the prowl, watch it when you hear me growl …. Grrrraahhh!” shouts Round Robin over a frantic rhythm. In 1963, Round Robin also scored a regional hit with his Chubby Checker-style dance hit, “Do the Slauson”— but today seek he’s largely known for this bizarrely sung ode to the Wolf Man.

Throbbing Gristle “Hamburger Lady” (1978)

Not every spooky anthem has to be a literal retelling of classic monster tales. “Hamburger Lady” by Throbbing Gristle is so sonically disconcerting it will give the kids nightmares. Play with caution. The song, made up of mutated resonances and reverberating chatter, is Included on the industrial magnum opus, “D.o.A: The Third and Final Report,” which Pitchfork called “a nauseating masterpiece, and an essential recording.”

Merv Griffin ‎“House of Horrors” (1962)

There are too many spooky instrumentals to list here, but this one (led by soon-to-be legendary TV host Merv Griffin) packs in some top-notch shrieks, howls, cries and strange yelps. Aside from the occasional dialog (“I won’t hurt you very much”), this single ends with a Dracula-like voice saying, “Horrible, wasn’t it? Muhahahaha!” This Halloween, turn it up and scare your neighbors.

John Zacherle “Dinner with Drac” (1958)

Another novelty track, this tells of a “dinner for three by Dracula’s house by the sea.” Of course, the singer, Zacherle, eventually realizes, “the main course is me!” Of course, this singer was also known for hosting horror films throughout the '50s and '60s in Philly and New York. He passed away in Oct. 27, 2016 at age 98. This year, spin his music and dig into his rich, creepy history.

The Hollywood Flames “Frankenstein’s Den” (1958)

Another one from 1958, this doo-wop is dedicated to the big green guy. More specifically, this vocal group sings of Frankenstein’s lair, that’s “40 floors beneath the ground.” This soulful groove (which invites you to “pull up a tombstone and sit down”) may sound unthreatening, but beware: it’s serving “strychnine and soda pop.”

The Rattles “The Witch” (1970)

Closing out this list, is a progressive rock work of genius that might just be the earliest sign of black metal. Add up all of its elements: Over the top instrumentation, panicky strings and hysterical vocals and you’ve got a Devil’s Night classic. Led by the captivating vocals of Edna Bejarano, an Israeli singer, this would be the only hit by The Rattles. It shockingly sold over 1 million copies. Guess there’s always been a market for dark, disturbing music.