So you're planning a Halloween party for all the kids in the neighborhood and you want to fire up some holiday-appropriate tunes. But you don't want to choose any excessively scary selections from that overplayed Halloween mix CD. In other words, "Tubular Bells" and "Dead Man's Party" might be a bit too macabre. 
Justine Lorelle Blanchard over at Cookie has compiled a short, nine-song Halloween playlist, and I am digging a few of her choices: "Lil' Red Riding Hood" and "Boris the Spider" strike me as particularly ideal tunes for kids. ("Thriller" is good, too, as long as your little ones are old enough not to be freaked by Vincent Price's voice.)
Naturally, I was inspired to devise my own list of Halloween songs that are fun and vaguely spooky but don't run the risk of causing any nightmares. Check it out and feel free to borrow liberally for your own family-friendly Halloween Greatest Hits compilation.
- "Spiders and Snakes" by Jim Stafford: This '70s hit is catchy and incredibly silly, a natural for the tykes.
- "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker, Jr.: I know, we've all heard this one a few too many times. But honestly, who doesn't enjoy asking the timeless question: Who you gonna call?
- "Little Ghost" by The White Stripes: Will put some genuine rock into your kids' Halloween celebration.
- The Theme From "The Addams Family": Kids like saying altogether ooky. Come to think of it, so do some adults I know.
- The Treehouse of Horror version of "The Simpsons" Theme: Really? Do I need to explain why the "Treehouse of Horror" episodes rule?
- "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra: Because no children's party is complete with a nice loungey classic like this one.
- "Walking With a Ghost" by Tegan & Sara: Celebrate All Hallow's Eve and turn your kids into fans of this indie-rock duo, all in one evening.
- "Dracula's Wedding" by Outkast: The party needs some funk. And who better to provide it than Andre 3000?
- "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" -- The Disney Version: Sing along with me now: "Who's afraid of the big bad wold? Tra la la la la!"
Of course, I have undoubtedly omitted some goodies from this list. Feel free to post your song selections in the comments below.
Image: Fox via Tvshowsondvd.com
Related Links:
Defamer's Top 10 Halloween Specials
