It’s hard to believe it’s almost October! I’ve been putting the finished touches on Halloween decorations and it’s that time of year where I share a handful of selections from my ever growing collection of Halloween music, because there is more to Halloween music than “Monster Mash” and “Werewolf of London” alright? This year I thought I would focus on those fang-tastic ghouls, vampires and their ancestral land of Transylvania.

“Transylvania Terror Train” by Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures

It’s hard to believe I’ve been doing this tradition for several years now and never included anything from the fictitious band Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures. This group was put together as part of Rob Zombie’s Halloween II, with Captain Clegg played by rockabilly artist Jesse Dayton. When Halloween II premiered, this album was dropped, and features some fantastic spooky hillbilly tunes.

“Bloodletting” by Concrete Blonde

Concrete Blonde has had a start-stop career since they first hit the scene in 1982, with this song being their most memorable, which has serious Interview with the Vampire vibes.

“Riboflavin-Flavored, Non-Carbonated, Polyunsaturated Blood” by Don Hinson & the Rigamorticians

I’ve included numbers from the album Monster Dance Party by Don Hinson & the Rigamorticians in the past, and recommend the album if you want to add a large number of spooky tunes to your collection. In this number, the local blood bank is dry, and Drac is in need of something else and this “laboratory brew” comes to the rescue.

“I Want to Bite Your Hand” by Gene Moss & Fred Rice

This parody of the Beatles’ hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is off of Dracula’s Greatest Hits, which comes with the self appointed warning as a “horrible record.” The record is hit and miss with its tunes, but overall is perfectly suited to a Halloween party.

“Dracula’s Deuce” by The Ghouls

Imagine if there was a spooky version of the Beach Boys or Jan & Dean. That’s pretty much what you get with this album Halloween with The Ghouls. The album features a mix of spoof and parody type songs, along with a few instrumentals that are really great.

“The Little Old Lady from Transylvania” by The Ghouls

In a direct spoof of Jan & Dean’s “The Little Old Lady Pasadena” I can’t help but smile at the ridiculousness of this number.

“Vampire’s Curse” by The Koffin Kats

It’s really not Halloween around here without some Koffin Kats tunes. In this number the singer laments of how cruel and lonely a vampire’s life can be.

“Vampire Girl” by The Misfits

Looking for a vampire love song? Look no further than this number from The Misfits.

“Dracula Disco” by Voltaire

Look, I have no idea what is being said in this song, aside from “Dracula disco,” as the majority of the song is in French, I still love it, because it’s just so ridiculous.

“Dinner with Drac” by John Zacherle 

John Zacherle was a local horror host in Philadelphia and released this track in 1958. Supposedly the original track was deemed too violent for American Bandstand, and a new one was recorded.

The last three are tunes were featured the hilarious vampire feature film and series, What We Do In the Shadows, which if you haven’t watched either, you’re seriously missing out! Add at least the movie to your spooky movie watch list this year!

“You’re Dead” by Norma Tanega

Due to this song’s use in both the feature film and series I can’t help but now associate this song with vampires. Norma Tangea was a woman of many talents, and prior to the use of this song in What We Do In the Shadows, she was best known for her 1966 hit “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog.” Her album under the same name featured this track as well.

“Vampire Ska” by Horny Toad

I guess it’s time to admit that I do love ska music, and I honestly wish there was more spooky ska music out there.

“No Vampires Remain in Romania” by King Luan

Wanted another Halloween disco tune? Then here you have it!

If you need more vampire themed tunes (such as “Transylvania Twist” and “I’m in love with Dracula’s Daughter”), or just more Halloween songs, check out my other annual Halloween playlists!