Staff Picks: October 2024
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 spooky 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.
Becca's Pick
Stranger Things - Main Title Theme, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
Stranger Things is gearing up to drop its fifth season in 2025, but in the meantime, we will continue to watch (and re-watch) previous episodes as much as we can. This hit series is a total throwback to the 80s, packed with nonstop nostalgic gems that'll have you feeling like you're chilling in the basement on the plastic-covered lime green couch with orange shag carpeting, playing your favorite Nintendo games. Every time I hear this theme, I feel a sort of eerie tingling on the back of my neck as if something from the Upside Down is about to make an appearance.
Annie's Pick
Cruella De Vil (from 101 Dalmations), Mel Leven
Cruella De Vil's villain theme song makes a great Halloween ear-worm! Written by Mel Leven for the original 1961 animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians, I love the jazzy chords and walking bass line throughout this arrangement.
Amy's Pick
Spooky, Classics IV
Originally written as an instrumental, the best known version of this song is from Classics IV with their added lyrics about a "spooky little girl". The song appears on just about every scary season playlist, but the instantly recognizable opening riff and sax solo are great all year. You can also check out gender-flipped versions from Dusty Springfield and Martha Reeves that alter the lyrics but keep the groove.
Sam's Pick
Night on Bald Mountain, Modest Mussorgsky
Many Halloween titles are scary by name, but not necessarily by nature. This piece by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky, however, is terror-inducing from the outset, and conjurs up images of running for your life from a frenzied monster in the midst of a thunderstorm. Best enjoyed in full orchestral form!
Jill's Pick
Superstition, Stevie Wonder
Halloween is my favorite holiday, and we bust out the spooky tunes early in this house. This Stevie Wonder classic is at the top of the playlist for its funky horn lines and immaculate vibes. I can't say my own vocals are up to Stevie's level but my air trumpet skills are on point!
Chris' Pick
Somebody's Watching Me, Rockwell
IMO Rockwell's "Somebody’s Watching Me" is a must-have for every musician's Halloween repertoire. Its iconic blend of eerie synth-driven melodies and catchy, paranoid lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of the season! Released in 1984, the song features vocals by Michael Jackson on the chorus, adding an irresistible hook that audiences will instantly recognize. Its funky bassline, infectious groove, and atmospheric sound effects provide musicians with both a fun and versatile piece to perform.
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