In honor of his band’s new album, Melophobia (which means “aversion to music”), lead singer Matt Schultz put together this list of amazing songs that scare the crap out of him.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I Put a Spell On You”
“There aren’t many songs that have as haunting vocals or creepy lyrics as ‘I Put a Spell On You’.”
Danger Doom – “Benzi Box”
“Danger Mouse and MF doom…need I say more?”
Orwells – “Halloween All Year”
“With lyrics like: ‘You’re young, they don’t listen, but I believe, get a knife from the kitchen and follow me, is it fake? is it real? But I can’t see. Take a drink from the vial, and lie with me,’ this song is sure to strike fear into your heart and put a smile on your face. A psychotic smile, but a smile nonetheless.”
Brian Eno – “Baby’s on Fire”
“Not sure if it’s what Eno is singing or his delivery, but either way this song gives me the chills and makes me want to smoke a cigarette in slow-motion simultaneously.”
Queens of the Stone Age – “Smooth Sailing”
“Being bad never felt so good. Enough said.”
The Coasters – “Down In Mexico”
“This track has a spooky vibe to it, and regardless, every chance I get to make a playlist, I try to fit it in.”
Noir Desir – “Le Vent NousPortera”
“Super dreary and dark track, plus I’m pretty sure the lead singer went to prison for murder. Not saying that’s cool, just saying it makes listening to the track even creepier.”
Thee Oh Sees – “Crack in Your Eye”
“The tone of his super eerie voice and the attack in his delivery makes me wanna believe he’s some kind of serial killer straight out of a David Lynch film.”
Modest Mouse – “Satin In A Coffin“
“Even when he sings pretty songs like ‘Float On,’ Isaac’s a scary guy. This track is the complete embodiment of his dark side.”
Dre – “Still D.R.E. Ft. Snoop Dogg”
“That piano part will haunt my dreams forever!”
Arcade Fire – “Reflektor”
“Love the French language. “Makes me think of French romance tunes, which are always scary as hell.”
Kenny Rogers – “Just Dropped In”
“The Big Lebowskiforever has made this my all-time favorite creepy track.”
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Photos by Colin Lane