Song List – Halloween Songs
There’s been the “Top 10” and the “Top 5” but being from Sonoma, we’re going to keep doing the “Top 8” on our lists, just because we’ve been out of the norm since the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846.
Putting this list together we knew what we wanted to have, but we looked at some other people’s lists, and most had Michael Jacksons “Thriller” at the top. Other than having zombies in the video, we had no idea that was even a Halloween song, so that’s not on our list. But we did come up with some spooky tunes for sure.
8. Frankenstein – Edgar Winter
The song doesn’t actually mention any monsters, in fact, there are no words in the song at all. But this ‘70s rock classic makes it in by title alone. Factor in the amazing show the 68 year old artist put on in Sonoma at the Field of Dreams just a couple of weeks ago and it’s in for sure.
7. Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
When you’re listening to this song if you don’t go “ah wooo” when the part comes up in the lyrics, then there is something wrong with you. There are so many great cliché lines in this song, all created by the late Zevon, we don’t even know where to start. “… his hair was perfect.” And it was.
6. Time Warp – Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Charles Gray
We hate this song. One band we were in we were even made to learn and play it. Never were we a fan of the movie that made it famous, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, seeing it in it’s entirety for the first time just last year. But let’s face it, like it or not, it belongs on this list. It’s just a jump to the left.
5. Spooky – Mike Shapiro, Harry Middlebrooks Jr., James Cobb, Buddy Buie
We first discovered the version done by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, but of the almost two dozen versions of the song out there, the Classics IV were the first to pen the words to it. “Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you” Yep.
4. Tubular Bells – Michael Oldfield
Surprised by this one? This song gave us the creeps every time it came on the radio. The theme song from the Exorcist, which we never have seen in it’s entirety, was written when Oldfield was just 19 years old. Turned down by most major labels in 1973, the newcomer Virgin Records took a chance on the song and the hit was essentially the beginning of Branson’s empire.
3. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
In 1972, Stevie Wonder was still playing most all of the instruments on all his songs, but occasionally liked a guitar player to sit in. Jeff Beck got the call and came up with the into and played on the song which ended up becoming Wonder’s first Billboard #1 hit since 1963. Beck released his own version and Stevie Ray Vaughn does a respectable cover as well.
2. Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett, Leonard L. Capizzi
This is the mandatory song that you have to have on any list of Halloween hits. For years since it’s release in 1962, it was ranked number one on most peoples Halloween party lists, but it’s taking a back seat this year. Somewhere we still have the 45 of this one.
1. Season of the Witch – Donovan
Originally written and recorded in 1966, other acts actually covered and released the song before Donovan’s version finally came out in 1967. Notably, Jimmy Page, while still a studio musician lays down the guitar tracks and it ‘s rumored John Paul Jones was on the keyboards. Covered dozens of time by numerous acts since it’s release and appearing in numerous films and television shows makes it one of the most popular songs of that generation. Our favorite version? The super session jam with Stephen Stills, Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield.
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Set List – The Rundown
The Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall
452 First St. E. ste. G. Sonoma – 996-1364.
Tonight, Oct. 30, Tudo Bem – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, Full Circle – 4:30 p.m. – the Flying Squirrels – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, Mark Dennis – 3:30 p.m. – Diva Singer Night and Community Jam with Dallis Craft and Karla Downey – 7:30 p.m.
Annex Wine Bar
865 W. Napa St. Sonoma – 938-7779
Tonight, Oct. 30, Mark Larson and the Paquette Sisters – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, Scream – The Movie – 2:30 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
464 First St. E. Sonoma – 935-0660.
Tonight, Oct. 30, Solid Air – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, Funktopus – 8 p.m.
Rossi’s 1906 Dancehall
401 Grove St. El Verano – 343-0044
Tonight, Oct. 30, Acoustic Soul – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween party with Loosely Covered – 8 p.m.
HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway Sonoma – 935-9100
Tonight, Oct. 30, Witherward – 5 p.m. Christopher Paul Stelling – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, Chris Hanlin – 1 p.m. Nathan – 8 p.m.
B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille
400 First St. E. Sonoma – 938-7110
Tonight, Oct. 30, Codi Binkley and Friends plus Wingo Moon – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, DJ Hi – C – 10 p.m.
Plaza Bistro
420 First St E. Sonoma – 996-4466
Tonight, Oct. 30, Jeff Massanari and Kenny Washington – 7 p.m.
Barking Dog Roasters
18133 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma – 939-1905
Tonight, Oct. 30, Stewart Degner – 5 p.m.
El Verano Inn
705 Laurel Ave. El Verano – 935-0611
Saturday, Oct 31, Halloween karaoke – 9 p.m.
Schelville Grill
22900 Broadway, Sonoma – 996-5151
Saturday, Oct. 31, Butch Engle – 12:45 p.m.
Friday Farmers Market
Depot Park – 270 First St W. Sonoma
Today, Oct. 30, Stewart Degner – 9:30 a.m.
Sonoma Mountain Cemetery
90 First St W. Sonoma
“Bouquets for the Dead” with Stewart Degner – 1 p.m.
Olde Sonoma Public House
18615 Sonoma Hwy. Boyes Hot Springs – 938-7587
Sunday, Nov. 1, Karaoke – 7:30 p.m.
Blue Moon Saloon
19380 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma – 996-3055
Saturday, Oct.31, Karaoke – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, Blues Jam – all welcome – 10 p.m.