Top 20 Songs for a Halloween Party

The weather is cooling down, the nights are getting shorter, and every grocery store has pumpkins over-stuffing the fresh produce aisle. Halloween must be on its way. If you're an early planner, then you probably already have a battle plan for this year's Halloween party. If you're not, check out the 20 songs below for a little inspiration.

1. Halloween, by AFI. A great song to start off any Holiday night. An eerie tune and great Holiday inspired lyrics.

2. Monster Mash, by the Misfits. This Misfit's version of this classic is just, let's say, less shiny, then it's original counterpart. If you're looking for more mayhem and less good, clean, 60's fun opt for this cover song.

3. I'm Your Boogie Man, by White Zombie. If you're a fan of White Zombie or not this tune will get your blood pumping. It's fast, hard and surprisingly catchy.

4. Thriller, by Michael Jackson. Everyone needs this song on their play list. Put this on and your whole party will be dancing along, like only choreographed zombies can do!

5. I Put a Spell on You, by the Animals. What is Halloween without a few spells? Conjure up some mojo with this tune.

6. Werewolves of London, by Warren Zevon. From punk, to metal, to pop, to classic rock, please all of your guests and add this tune by Warren Zevon.

7. Black Magic Woman, by Santana. Add in a little black magic, and some amazing guitar skills, to your party with this track by Santana.

8. Abracadabra, by Steve Miller. Keep that magic in the air with this Steve Miller classic.

9. This is Halloween, by Danny Elfman. Danny Elfman and Tim Burton are the embodiment of the Halloween spirit. Bring their creations to life at your gathering with this tune from Nightmare Before Christmas.

10. Purple People Eater, by the Dirty Wee Midens. Unfortunately for my party go-ers, this staple was off the play list for many years. I just don't find Alvin and the Chipmunks quiet as fascinating as the rest of the world. Luckily I stumbled across this version by the Dirty Wee Midens. If you'd rather skip out on the cartoon animals this holiday, this version is the way to go.

11. Witch Doctor, by Devo. I loved this song as a kid. Now, I always have it playing around Halloween. Recently I switched to Devo's version. It's just spunkier than the original.

12. Zombie Dance, by the Cramps. If you are going to do Halloween right you are going to have a track or two from the Cramps. These guys love Halloween almost as much as I do.

13. Sympathy for the Devil, by the Rolling Stones. If the devil ever needs an ode to himself, it's on Halloween.

14. Dead Mans Party, by Oingo Boingo. Halloween is one of the few nights it is ok to give in to your New Wave side. After all, nothing is scarier then feathered hair and white washed jeans. Add this track to your play list and dance you're 80's-lovin' guilt away.

15. Time Warp, by Richard O'Brien. You are bound to have a Rocky Horror Picture show fan or two on your guest list. Get them out on the dance floor with this song.

16. The Beetlejuice Theme, by Danny Elfman. Beetlejuice is a classic. He's a ghost, a magician, and lives in an alternate world full of cannibalistic snakes. What is more Halloween then that? Sadly, there aren't too many songs paying tribute to the ghost extraordinaire. Stick with the theme song and give some much needed love to Tim Burton's number one ghoul.

17. Zombie Crush, by the Groovie Ghoulies. The Groovie Ghoulies are another must have band for Halloween.

18. No Costume, No Candy, by the Swingin' Neckbreakers. Add this garage band's tune to your play list and bring some order to your party. It's simple. No costume. No candy.

19. Witchcraft, by Frank Sinatra. Halloween wouldn't be Halloween with out a few witches around.

20. Bad Moon Rising, by the Creedance Clearwater Revival. Nothing like a full, eerie looking moon to spark up a Halloween night. Add in the soulful, bayou styling of CCR and you've got a great party track.