Staff Picks: October 2022
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. In celebration of scary season, we're highlighting our Halloween favorites this month. Check them out below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks. For more spooky sheet music, check out our Halloween page.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Sam's Pick
Somebody's Watching Me, Rockwell
Rockwell's 1984 hit "Somebody's Watching Me" is a well-crafted slice of synth-pop that's been a Halloween favorite of mine for many years, and has one of the those choruses that gets stuck in your head every time you hear it. Fun fact: that familiar-sounding voice you hear in the chorus belongs to none other than Michael Jackson!
Chris' Pick
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, J.S. Bach
The first passage of notes in this piece is one of the most recognized sounds of Halloween…particularly when played on organ! Composed in the 1700s by Johann Sebastian Bach, this composition has been used in many popular movies including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Walt Disney's Fantasia, and many more. Add this classic to your Halloween repertoire today!
Becca's Pick
Everybody (Backstreet's Back), Backstreet Boys
Released in June 1997, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" was one of the first successful singles released by the boy band – who have now become the first boy band to top the U.S. album charts for 3 decades. The music video takes place in a haunted house, and was greatly inspired by the music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller".
Annie's Pick
In the Hall of the Mountain King (jazz version), Edvard Grieg (arr. Brent Edstrom)
Bring some classical and jazz influence into your Halloween playlist with this jazzy arrangement of "In the Hall of the Mountain King". This piece is arranged sort of like a Theme and Variations where each repetition of the melody has different spin on the original.
Bill's Pick
Season of the Witch, Donovan
Singer/songwriter Donovan's spooky and surreal "Season of the Witch" has been a Halloween staple for going on six decades now, but recently saw a resurgence in popularity with Lana Del Rey's cover of the song for the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark movie. Mix this in alongside other classics like "The Monster Mash," "Witch Doctor," "Spooky," and "Werewolves of London," and you've got a throwback Halloween playlist that can't be beat.
Mark's Pick
Ave Satani (theme from The Omen), Jerry Goldsmith
"Ave Satani"—the theme from The Omen—propelled not only Damien and the evil surrounding him into horror movie history, but also propelled a 1977 Oscar for Best Original Score into Jerry Goldsmith's hands. It is very easy to recall how this movie made you feel right from the open, making this a great inclusion in any Halloween setlist.
Dan's Pick
Ghostbusters, Ray Parker, Jr.
Who you gonna call? That's right. Ray Parker, Jr. and his 1984 hit theme song, "Ghostbusters". A fun one for all ages during the Halloween season.
From the newest releases to award-winning bestsellers and everything in between, Sheet Music Direct is your home for premium sheet music, all available to download and print instantly from any device.
Enjoy unlimited online sheet music, plus 50% off prints with PASS. Get started now with 30 days free.
Leave a Comment