By Dessa Bayrock (CiVLian) – Email
Print Edition: October 29, 2014
When Dessa isn’t hanging around the Cascade offices like an unemployed bum, she’s working two jobs and ingesting CanCon of all shapes and sizes at an alarming rate. Today she brings you a ghost-themed shuffle of catchy tunes you can play at your totally sick Halloween party. (Dessa is a staunch believer that one person hanging out with a cat is a party.)
“Ghosts”
Laura Marling
Nothing puts you in the spirit of Halloween like a touch of British anti-folk. “These are just the ghosts that broke my heart before I met you,” Marling croons. It’s sweet, and a little creepy, and kind of a love song. I currently have it on repeat in my car and you should too.
“Ghosting”
Mother Mother
This gem hails from O My Heart, which is full of underrated songs that ought to be played more. We follow a ghost/ex-lover protagonist who has decided to hang up his sheet for good. “You don’t need poltergeists for sidekicks,” he belts. “You don’t need treats, and you don’t tricks.” Ghosts make a surprisingly good analogy for unrequited love, as we learn in this shuffle.
“The Ghost of Genova Heights”
Stars
This song, as far as I can make out, is about returning to a childhood home. Ever return to a place you used to love and feel like you don’t quite belong there anymore? Or maybe you swallow your pride and move back into your parents’ house. You know what the scariest thing is this Halloween season? Adulthood. Think about that while you eat handfuls of disproportionate candy.
“Ghosting”
The Freelance Whales
With a dreamy ambiance, Freelance Whales have a pretty solid handle on being cute and creepy at the same time. When I listen to this one, I think about how you never really leave a place that you’ve loved – whether it’s because you’re a ghost or just emotionally attached is irrelevant. “And oh, you caught me sleeping in the power sockets. You caught me mildewing the tiles in the bathroom,” our protagonist confesses. “And oh, you shot a glance like I was doing okay. But I am never on my way.”
