http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/ Halloween Discussion Forum, Haunts and Home Haunt Community. en Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:30:23 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.halloweenforum.com/fusion/misc/rss.jpg http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/ http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/353-christopher-lee-fireside-tales-bbc-radio-2004.html Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:18:01 GMT I’m not sure where I ran across these recordings, but they might … MIGHT … be my favorite ghost story readings. Right up there with Vincent Price’s Caedmon recordings from the early 70’s, and Boris Karloff’s “Tales of the Frightened”. Christopher Lee is well-known to several generations of movie-goers, from his appearances in the Hammer horror films from the late 50’s through the early 70’s up to his supporting roles in The Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars prequels. His deep voice and wonderful accent make him a more than adequate reader for these frightening tales, including: * “The Black Cat” – the Poe tale that (it seems) appears in every collection of scary stories * “The Man of Science” – a terrific tale of revenge from beyond the grave by Jerome K. Jerome * “John Charrington’s Wedding” – an story by Edith Nesbit featuring a man who won’t let anything … even death … stand between him and his wedding day * “The Man and the Snake” – an Ambrose Bierce classic about a bad case of ophidiophobia * “The Monkey’s Paw” – the W.W. Jacobs classic Each story is around 15 minutes long, featuring a few sound effects and appropriately spooky accompaniment. Lee’s voice is delightful … the studio uses stereo effects to better enhance the conversational scenes, and Lee manages to differentiate between voices in a way that doesn’t come across as hokey or cheesy. I’ve listened (and watched) various renditions of “The Black Cat” for years, so that one is a bit of a slow mover for me. “The Man and the Snake” doesn’t have terribly scary source material. The other three stories are top-notch … particularly “The Monkey’s Paw”, in which Lee’s narration slowly builds to a terrifying and satisfying climax. Ghost story recordings are becoming endangered … there were plenty in the 60’s and 70’s, but they have steadily declined in number ever since. How refreshing, then, to hear modern technology applied to turn-of-the-century stories. And how much more refreshing to hear a classically trained voice such as Lee’s leading the way. You should absolutely listen to these stories. And you can get them here! (http://www.mediafire.com/?jj0hzgvsyj3) I’m not sure where I ran across these recordings, but they might … MIGHT … be my favorite ghost story readings. Right up there with Vincent Price’s Caedmon recordings from the early 70’s, and Boris Karloff’s “Tales of the Frightened”.

Christopher Lee is well-known to several generations of movie-goers, from his appearances in the Hammer horror films from the late 50’s through the early 70’s up to his supporting roles in The Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars prequels. His deep voice and wonderful accent make him a more than adequate reader for these frightening tales, including:

• “The Black Cat” – the Poe tale that (it seems) appears in every collection of scary stories
• “The Man of Science” – a terrific tale of revenge from beyond the grave by Jerome K. Jerome
• “John Charrington’s Wedding” – an story by Edith Nesbit featuring a man who won’t let anything … even death … stand between him and his wedding day
• “The Man and the Snake” – an Ambrose Bierce classic about a bad case of ophidiophobia
• “The Monkey’s Paw” – the W.W. Jacobs classic

Each story is around 15 minutes long, featuring a few sound effects and appropriately spooky accompaniment. Lee’s voice is delightful … the studio uses stereo effects to better enhance the conversational scenes, and Lee manages to differentiate between voices in a way that doesn’t come across as hokey or cheesy. I’ve listened (and watched) various renditions of “The Black Cat” for years, so that one is a bit of a slow mover for me. “The Man and the Snake” doesn’t have terribly scary source material. The other three stories are top-notch … particularly “The Monkey’s Paw”, in which Lee’s narration slowly builds to a terrifying and satisfying climax.

Ghost story recordings are becoming endangered … there were plenty in the 60’s and 70’s, but they have steadily declined in number ever since. How refreshing, then, to hear modern technology applied to turn-of-the-century stories. And how much more refreshing to hear a classically trained voice such as Lee’s leading the way. You should absolutely listen to these stories.

And you can get them here! ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/353-christopher-lee-fireside-tales-bbc-radio-2004.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/345-halloween-s-comin.html Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:36:13 GMT Time to get back into this. I didn't get very far last year with my Halloween music reviews, so I'm trying again. This time, if it seems that the album I'm reviewing is not available for some reason, I'll upload it somewheres.

Not sure where to start this time ... maybe some soundtracks? ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/345-halloween-s-comin.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/186-troll-records-weird-tales-unknown-1973.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:37:08 GMT
Troll Records – Weird Tales of the Unknown – 1973
GHOST STORIES
I finally got to the last of the Troll Records 1973 set of ghost story albums, and I’m glad I made it. These albums just don’t see to do much for me.

This one opens with Poe’s “The Black Cat”, another staple of weird-tale albums. “A Diagnosis of Death” and “John Bartine’s Watch”, both by Ambrose Bierce, follow. Last is “The Cat that Didn’t Purr”.

The first three are classic stories written in the 19th century … the language is therefore very old-fashioned. Reading these stories is a pleasure … listening to them is a bit of a chore. I can’t find the origin of the last story, but the only weirdness of the tale is talking cats. It has been years since I read any of Bierce’s short stories, and listening to this gave me an excuse to revisit them, and that’s about all this album did for me.

Yeah, it's still good. Get it. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/186-troll-records-weird-tales-unknown-1973.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/185-troll-records-great-ghost-stories-1973.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:35:12 GMT Image: http://bp1.blogger.com/_EQXPQvxgn9A/Rk1GDU_54bI/AAAAAAAAANE/zc2Y9dlYzAw/s320/GreatGhostStoriesLPFront.jpg *Troll Records – Great Ghost Stories – 1973 GHOST STORIES* Figured I may as well complete the cycle here. “Great Ghost Stories” is the 3rd Troll Records ghost story releases from 1973 … at least the 3rd that I’m reviewing. “The Mysterious Shipwreck” is a bit long, and I doubt many young children could follow it. “The Golden Arm” is, of course, similar to “The Leg of Gold” featured on Vincent Price’s “A Graveyard of Ghost Tales” as well as the folk tale “The Hairy Toe”. “The Guitar Player” isn’t all that scary. “Here We Go!” is even less scary, but maybe kids would enjoy it. The same narrators, the same cheesy music, and the same sound effects are featured here as on the other Troll ghost story albums. But this time, the stories just don’t measure up. Halloweiner knows you want it anyway. (http://davesworld56.blogspot.com/2007/05/jason-posted-info-on-these-2-lps-here.html)
Troll Records – Great Ghost Stories – 1973
GHOST STORIES

Figured I may as well complete the cycle here. “Great Ghost Stories” is the 3rd Troll Records ghost story releases from 1973 … at least the 3rd that I’m reviewing.

“The Mysterious Shipwreck” is a bit long, and I doubt many young children could follow it. “The Golden Arm” is, of course, similar to “The Leg of Gold” featured on Vincent Price’s “A Graveyard of Ghost Tales” as well as the folk tale “The Hairy Toe”. “The Guitar Player” isn’t all that scary. “Here We Go!” is even less scary, but maybe kids would enjoy it.

The same narrators, the same cheesy music, and the same sound effects are featured here as on the other Troll ghost story albums. But this time, the stories just don’t measure up.

Halloweiner knows you want it anyway. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/185-troll-records-great-ghost-stories-1973.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/184-troll-records-thrillers-chillers-1973.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:27:41 GMT Image: http://bp1.blogger.com/_EQXPQvxgn9A/RtJFttwrj-I/AAAAAAAABEg/mxsU7euFPC0/s320/ThrillersAndChillersFront.jpg *Troll Records – Thrillers and Chillers – 1973 GHOST STORIES* Another of Troll Records four-album Halloween releases from 1973. This one is maybe not geared towards children as much as the first one I reviewed, “Scary Spooky Stories”, but the ghost stories are classics. The first is a “The Tell-Tale Heart” … a staple of ghost story albums. “The Monkey’s Paw” might actually be my favorite ghost story (though this is not my favorite rendition … Christopher Lee reads one that is absolutely chilling). I’d never heard “The Boy Who Drew Cats” before - it is a fairy tale from Japan. “The Open Window”, an old ghost story by Saki, is the last track. It’s terrific. The music is a little cheesy but probably appropriate 1973. There are just a few sound effects to enhance the stories. But the narrator bears the lion’s share of keeping the story interesting, and he does well. If you’re into classic ghost stories, this album does alright. Halloweiner doth provide (http://davesworld56.blogspot.com/2007/08/cool-kooky-hip-and-groovy-mini-scar.html).
Troll Records – Thrillers and Chillers – 1973
GHOST STORIES
Another of Troll Records four-album Halloween releases from 1973. This one is maybe not geared towards children as much as the first one I reviewed, “Scary Spooky Stories”, but the ghost stories are classics.

The first is a “The Tell-Tale Heart” … a staple of ghost story albums. “The Monkey’s Paw” might actually be my favorite ghost story (though this is not my favorite rendition … Christopher Lee reads one that is absolutely chilling). I’d never heard “The Boy Who Drew Cats” before - it is a fairy tale from Japan. “The Open Window”, an old ghost story by Saki, is the last track. It’s terrific.

The music is a little cheesy but probably appropriate 1973. There are just a few sound effects to enhance the stories. But the narrator bears the lion’s share of keeping the story interesting, and he does well. If you’re into classic ghost stories, this album does alright.

Halloweiner doth provide. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/184-troll-records-thrillers-chillers-1973.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/183-al-zanino-vampire-speaks-1957.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:23:10 GMT Image: http://bp3.blogger.com/_EQXPQvxgn9A/Rk4PFk_54fI/AAAAAAAAANk/OrTQKF7zeJY/s320/AlZaninoTheVampireSpeaksLPFront.jpg *Al Zanino - The Vampire Speaks (1957)* I wish I could find more information on Al Zanino … there isn’t much out there. This single was recorded by Zanino and Cliff Juranis in 1957. It looks like they collaborated on a Christmas single in 1950 as well … A Message From Santa … but that’s about all I can find. This single features some dialogue between Dracula and his Dwight Frye-ish lackey begging for blood, followed by a little speech by Dracula himself, and the flip-side has a lovely rendition of “All of a Sudden, My Hearts Sings” with lyrics re-written by Dracula (Zanino). I heard the side 1 – “The Vampire Speaks” - for the first time in the Ghouls With Attitude compilation from 2004, and came across side 2 – “In the Vampire’s Lair” – at Scar Stuff. It’s a quick 6 minutes of weirdness. The Dracula impersonation is good, especially the diabolical laughter. A few sound effects, some piano (low notes and high notes only, it’s like the middle 3rd of the piano was broken) … good old-fashioned spookiness. I like it. Get it from El Wiener de Halloween (http://davesworld56.blogspot.com/2007/05/al-zanino-vampire-speaks-in-vampires.html).
Al Zanino - The Vampire Speaks (1957)

I wish I could find more information on Al Zanino … there isn’t much out there. This single was recorded by Zanino and Cliff Juranis in 1957. It looks like they collaborated on a Christmas single in 1950 as well … A Message From Santa … but that’s about all I can find. This single features some dialogue between Dracula and his Dwight Frye-ish lackey begging for blood, followed by a little speech by Dracula himself, and the flip-side has a lovely rendition of “All of a Sudden, My Hearts Sings” with lyrics re-written by Dracula (Zanino). I heard the side 1 – “The Vampire Speaks” - for the first time in the Ghouls With Attitude compilation from 2004, and came across side 2 – “In the Vampire’s Lair” – at Scar Stuff.

It’s a quick 6 minutes of weirdness. The Dracula impersonation is good, especially the diabolical laughter. A few sound effects, some piano (low notes and high notes only, it’s like the middle 3rd of the piano was broken) … good old-fashioned spookiness. I like it.

Get it from El Wiener de Halloween. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/183-al-zanino-vampire-speaks-1957.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/181-sounds-terror-1974.html Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:09:41 GMT Image: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5883/1181/320/Sounds%20of%20Terror1.jpg *Pickwick Records - Sounds of Terror! (1974) Sound Effects* I’m not sure I remember this one from my childhood – it might have been too scary for our local small-town library. It opens with an out-of-place and Picket-less re-recording of “The Monster Mash”. I suppose they were hoping it would help sell the record. (It doesn’t.) The rest of the album is a nice little set of “situational” sound effects. Like the William Castle album, each track starts with a narrator of sorts describing what’s about to happen (“In his thirst for knowledge, Dr. Jekyll experimented with his own body by swallowing a diabolical chemical mixture …”), and then you are treated to what it might have sounded like (mixing the chemicals, drinking, transformation, plenty of diabolical laughter, screaming innocent woman, screaming ends, and more diabolical laughter). For a 1974 album, this manages to keep the level of corniness pretty low. Tracks such as “Burned at the Stake”, “The Exorcist”, and “Jack the Ripper” are pretty effective and plenty scary. Then again, “The Incredible Giant Crab” (two minutes of clicking, screaming, and celery-munching) and “The Blob” are pretty corny. You get about 20 tracks, and each track runs only about 2 minutes, so it’s a quick listen. Skip the bad “Monster Mash” remake, and listen to the rest – it has its moments. Monster Shindig (http://monster-shindig.blogspot.com/2006/02/sounds-of-terror.html) has it.
Pickwick Records - Sounds of Terror! (1974)
Sound Effects

I’m not sure I remember this one from my childhood – it might have been too scary for our local small-town library. It opens with an out-of-place and Picket-less re-recording of “The Monster Mash”. I suppose they were hoping it would help sell the record. (It doesn’t.)

The rest of the album is a nice little set of “situational” sound effects. Like the William Castle album, each track starts with a narrator of sorts describing what’s about to happen (“In his thirst for knowledge, Dr. Jekyll experimented with his own body by swallowing a diabolical chemical mixture …”), and then you are treated to what it might have sounded like (mixing the chemicals, drinking, transformation, plenty of diabolical laughter, screaming innocent woman, screaming ends, and more diabolical laughter).

For a 1974 album, this manages to keep the level of corniness pretty low. Tracks such as “Burned at the Stake”, “The Exorcist”, and “Jack the Ripper” are pretty effective and plenty scary. Then again, “The Incredible Giant Crab” (two minutes of clicking, screaming, and celery-munching) and “The Blob” are pretty corny. You get about 20 tracks, and each track runs only about 2 minutes, so it’s a quick listen. Skip the bad “Monster Mash” remake, and listen to the rest – it has its moments.

Monster Shindig has it. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/181-sounds-terror-1974.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/180-ruth-white-flowers-evil-1969.html Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:10:15 GMT Image: http://bp1.blogger.com/_7St4jD20p0o/Ring6PSKR0I/AAAAAAAADcQ/C4poT0EBkQE/s400/cover.jpg *Ruth White – Flowers of Evil (1969) Weirdness* I find this one hard to describe. I was introduced to it by my favorite Halloween internet radio station, Never Ending Wonder radio. It is an odd recording of Ms. White’s readings of the collection of poems “Flowers of Evil” by Charles Baudelaire, set to sparse and unusual electronic music. Ms. White’s voice is often twisted and distorted by reverb and other audio effects (making her sometimes difficult to understand). Then again, when she’s reading words like “An angel – rash wanderer – tempted by the love of ugliness – lashing out like a swimmer in the depths of a huge nightmare – and struggling, o fierce anguish, against the gigantic undertow which grows seemingly like a horde of madmen …” … this is twisted and distorted stuff anyway. She doesn’t get to use her happy voice reading stuff like that. And the electronic effects bleakly enhance the mood. The eeriest tracks are “The Irremediable”, “Spleen” (with its backward-chanting effects), and the witch’s dance-like feel of “The Litanies of Satan”. Yeah … that sounds like a cheerful little ditty. If you have an ear for early electronic music (like Morton Subotnick or Mort Garson), you might find this a interesting listen. I encourage everybody to give it a listen – it’s a very unusual recording for its time. You can find it here (http://mutant-sounds.blogspot.com/2007/04/ruth-white-flowers-of-evil-1969seven.html), along with another of her albums which is just as electronic, but not nearly as spooky.
Ruth White – Flowers of Evil (1969)
Weirdness

I find this one hard to describe. I was introduced to it by my favorite Halloween internet radio station, Never Ending Wonder radio. It is an odd recording of Ms. White’s readings of the collection of poems “Flowers of Evil” by Charles Baudelaire, set to sparse and unusual electronic music. Ms. White’s voice is often twisted and distorted by reverb and other audio effects (making her sometimes difficult to understand). Then again, when she’s reading words like

“An angel – rash wanderer – tempted by the love of ugliness – lashing out like a swimmer in the depths of a huge nightmare – and struggling, o fierce anguish, against the gigantic undertow which grows seemingly like a horde of madmen …”

… this is twisted and distorted stuff anyway. She doesn’t get to use her happy voice reading stuff like that. And the electronic effects bleakly enhance the mood. The eeriest tracks are “The Irremediable”, “Spleen” (with its backward-chanting effects), and the witch’s dance-like feel of “The Litanies of Satan”. Yeah … that sounds like a cheerful little ditty.

If you have an ear for early electronic music (like Morton Subotnick or Mort Garson), you might find this a interesting listen. I encourage everybody to give it a listen – it’s a very unusual recording for its time.

You can find it here, along with another of her albums which is just as electronic, but not nearly as spooky. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/180-ruth-white-flowers-evil-1969.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/179-various-artists-monster-party-2000-2000.html Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:24:36 GMT
Various Artists – Monster Party 2000 (2000, of course)
Music

Was Halloween Hootenanny, the 1998 album compiled by Rob Zombie, so popular that it inspired a similar release? Sure seems like it … this album reminds me of Hootenanny a great deal.

Creepy voice introducing the album? Check. (Though they may have saved a few bucks not using Zacherley. Too bad.) Surf-guitar rock and roll music throughout? Check. Mix of instrumentals and … um … not instrumentals? Check. Outro by creepy voice? Check. So, is this faux-Hoot worth listening to? Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.

The best of modern horror-rockabilly - Satan’s Pilgrims, Deadbolt, Los Straightjackets - are all represented. There are plenty more bands I’ve never heard of, but they all sound good. In particular, there is a surf-music version of the theme to Young Frankenstein that is absolutely brilliant. So, if you liked Halloween Hootenanny, you should have no problem liking Monster Party 2000.

Here's a link for sharing goodness. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/179-various-artists-monster-party-2000-2000.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/177-day-earth-stood-still-soundtrack-1951.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:55:28 GMT Image: http://www.oldkingcole.com/reviews/soundtracks/tdtess.gif *The Day the Earth Stood Still – Soundtrack (1951) Soundtrack* Bernard Herrmann was an American composer who gained most of his fame scoring motion pictures. His most famous movie scores were for Alfred Hitchcock (such as Psycho and Vertigo and Ray Harryhausen (such as Jason and the Argonauts and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad). I’m a fan of many of these movies and these movie soundtracks, but my favorite is “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. No, it’s not a horror movie, so calling it “Halloween” music is a stretch. But consider that the relationship between horror and sci-fi was strong in the 50’s ... the “science gone wrong” movies of that era are fine examples. And consider that TDtESS is “psychological sci-fi”, much like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. The film’s message – that mankind is doomed if it does not change its ways – is frightening, as are many of the Gort scenes in the film. Regardless of how Halloweenish you might find it, I almost always listen to this music during my favorite time of year. Herrmann’s liberal use of two Theremins (a treble and bass) is probably the most noticeable feature of this soundtrack. They are used as principal instruments, carrying the melody in several tracks. Herrmann uses other unusual instrumentation such as electric strings, electric and Hammond organs, and prepared piano (piano with objects placed on the strings to change the sound). These instruments convey the sense of mystery and fear that the movie requires. Nearly every track on the soundtrack makes for good October music. If you leave out the opening 20th Century Fox fanfare and two military chorales from the middle of the film (when Bobby takes Klaatu on a tour of Washington DC), you’ve got a little more than a ½ hour of unique and slightly spooky sci-fi music. And if you haven’t seen the film, hurry up and see it before the remake comes out this December. You saw (or judging from box office takes, you merely heard) what they did to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in 2007 … ugh. And this one has Keanu Reeves. Need I say more? I think this is still available to purchase, so no sharity.
The Day the Earth Stood Still – Soundtrack (1951)
Soundtrack

Bernard Herrmann was an American composer who gained most of his fame scoring motion pictures. His most famous movie scores were for Alfred Hitchcock (such as Psycho and Vertigo and Ray Harryhausen (such as Jason and the Argonauts and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad). I’m a fan of many of these movies and these movie soundtracks, but my favorite is “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

No, it’s not a horror movie, so calling it “Halloween” music is a stretch. But consider that the relationship between horror and sci-fi was strong in the 50’s ... the “science gone wrong” movies of that era are fine examples. And consider that TDtESS is “psychological sci-fi”, much like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. The film’s message – that mankind is doomed if it does not change its ways – is frightening, as are many of the Gort scenes in the film. Regardless of how Halloweenish you might find it, I almost always listen to this music during my favorite time of year.

Herrmann’s liberal use of two Theremins (a treble and bass) is probably the most noticeable feature of this soundtrack. They are used as principal instruments, carrying the melody in several tracks. Herrmann uses other unusual instrumentation such as electric strings, electric and Hammond organs, and prepared piano (piano with objects placed on the strings to change the sound). These instruments convey the sense of mystery and fear that the movie requires.

Nearly every track on the soundtrack makes for good October music. If you leave out the opening 20th Century Fox fanfare and two military chorales from the middle of the film (when Bobby takes Klaatu on a tour of Washington DC), you’ve got a little more than a ½ hour of unique and slightly spooky sci-fi music.

And if you haven’t seen the film, hurry up and see it before the remake comes out this December. You saw (or judging from box office takes, you merely heard) what they did to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in 2007 … ugh. And this one has Keanu Reeves. Need I say more?

I think this is still available to purchase, so no sharity. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/177-day-earth-stood-still-soundtrack-1951.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/176-william-castle-thrilling-chilling-sounds-fright-supernatural.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:52:18 GMT
William Castle - Ghost Story - Thrilling, Chilling Sounds of Fright & the Supernatural (1972)
Sound Effects

I have a deep appreciation for the film projects of William Castle. Castle made horror films in the late 50’s and early 60’s, and nearly every film involved some kind of gimmick to get people into the theaters. “House on Haunted Hill” was filmed in “Emergo” … at the climax of the film, when a skeleton emerges from a vat of acid, an inflatable skeleton attached to a wire floats over the theater audience. In “The Tingler”, some theater seats were wired with joy buzzers set to go off when the Tingler got loose in the movie. And in “13 Ghosts”, a ghost viewer with red and blue cellophane strips would either vividly show the ghosts (for the brave movie-goers) or remove them (for the chickens). Castle would do just about anything to get butts in the seats. He was a showman.

Each track features the sound of some innocent soul who finds him or herself in a bad situation … meeting up with a man-eating flower, a vampire, a zombie … and the listener is treated to what follows. It gets a little corny at times, but it’s all in good fun. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard some of the sound effects on other albums … some of the screams, howling beasts, and laughing goblin sounds are familiar.

No, it’s not that scary. It has all the standards you can hear on any spooky sound effects album … howling werewolves, screaming women, wind, organ music, etc. Think of it as an updated “Chilling Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”, only the situations are a bit scarier than a creaky bridge or a burning fuse. It’s not a showstopper, but it’s fun.

Man ... I can't find a share for this one. I'll put it on 4shared. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/176-william-castle-thrilling-chilling-sounds-fright-supernatural.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/173-vincent-price-graveyard-ghost-tales-1973.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:49:07 GMT Image: http://bp3.blogger.com/_EQXPQvxgn9A/RwxVbQb8inI/AAAAAAAABSQ/VPvU4azTIo4/s320/VincentPriceAGraveyardOfGhostTalesLPFront.jpg *Vincent Price – A Graveyard of Ghost Tales (1973) Ghost Stories* If you don’t know who Vincent Price is, I find it hard to believe you’re even reading this. Price recorded a number of scary albums in the mid-70’s, and this one is not only the first of the group I discovered, it is my favorite. Like other ghost story albums Price recorded, AGoGT features classic ghost stories and fascinating insights into the occult. This album features detailed instructions for creating a Hand of Glory or a Magic Candle to find treasure. When he reads the first ingredient for the magic candle … human tallow … well, that’s enough to make you shudder just a bit. But the stars of the show are the stories. “The Lavender Evening Dress” is a terrific rendition of the classic folk tale of the Vanishing Hitchhiker. It takes about 7 minutes to set up the classic tale, but the last 4 minutes make it worthwhile. “Leg of Gold” is a variant of “The Hairy Toe”. It appears the script for these stories came from various sources published at the time … “The Lavender Evening Dress” appears to have come from the book “Folklore in American Literature” published in 1958, and “Leg of Gold” from “A Book of Ghosts and Goblins” published in 1969. While those are my favorites, all of the stories are a pleasure to hear. Nobody could read these tales with the earnestness, the eeriness, and the panache that Vincent Price’s voice possesses. (Except maybe Boris Karloff.) You can hear the subtle shudder in his voice when he reaches the conclusion of “Bond of Reunion”, while at the end of “Dress” you almost expect him to launch into his classic sinister laugh. The 20-minute “Ghost Hand of Spital House” is an often amusing tale of a robbery gone wrong. It might be a little slow and uneventful for some. There are no sound effects, there’s no music … just Vincent Price. Vincent Price reading spooky tales. That’s scary enough for me. Halloweiner has it here. (http://davesworld56.blogspot.com/2007/10/day-20-halloween-countdown.html)
Vincent Price – A Graveyard of Ghost Tales (1973)
Ghost Stories
If you don’t know who Vincent Price is, I find it hard to believe you’re even reading this. Price recorded a number of scary albums in the mid-70’s, and this one is not only the first of the group I discovered, it is my favorite.

Like other ghost story albums Price recorded, AGoGT features classic ghost stories and fascinating insights into the occult. This album features detailed instructions for creating a Hand of Glory or a Magic Candle to find treasure. When he reads the first ingredient for the magic candle … human tallow … well, that’s enough to make you shudder just a bit.

But the stars of the show are the stories. “The Lavender Evening Dress” is a terrific rendition of the classic folk tale of the Vanishing Hitchhiker. It takes about 7 minutes to set up the classic tale, but the last 4 minutes make it worthwhile. “Leg of Gold” is a variant of “The Hairy Toe”. It appears the script for these stories came from various sources published at the time … “The Lavender Evening Dress” appears to have come from the book “Folklore in American Literature” published in 1958, and “Leg of Gold” from “A Book of Ghosts and Goblins” published in 1969. While those are my favorites, all of the stories are a pleasure to hear.

Nobody could read these tales with the earnestness, the eeriness, and the panache that Vincent Price’s voice possesses. (Except maybe Boris Karloff.) You can hear the subtle shudder in his voice when he reaches the conclusion of “Bond of Reunion”, while at the end of “Dress” you almost expect him to launch into his classic sinister laugh. The 20-minute “Ghost Hand of Spital House” is an often amusing tale of a robbery gone wrong.

It might be a little slow and uneventful for some. There are no sound effects, there’s no music … just Vincent Price. Vincent Price reading spooky tales. That’s scary enough for me.

Halloweiner has it here. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/173-vincent-price-graveyard-ghost-tales-1973.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/172-sheldon-allman-sing-along-drac-1960.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:51:22 GMT
Sheldon Allman – Sing Along with Drac (1960)
Novelty
Sheldon Allman was a character actor and singer who appeared in old TV westerns and guested on other TV serials like Batman, I Dream of Jeannie, and Little House on the Prairie. He provided the singing voice for Mr. Ed, and wrote the theme for “George of the Jungle”. He also had minor roles in movies. Allman released 2 albums in 1960 … “Folk Songs for the 21st Century”, with some of the most ingenious lyrics you’ll ever hear, and this little gem.

“Sing Along With Drac” was recorded to give the listener the feeling that he’s listening to an old radio variety show hosted by none other than Dracula himself. He is accompanied on piano and organ by his brother Irving Dracula, and Sammie the Teenage Wolfman is on drums. Many of the songs are parodies of old classics … “These Ghoulish Things” and “This Can’t be Blood” are examples (parodies of “These Foolish Things” and “This Can’t be Love”). I feel like I should be sitting in a smoky bar with a cigar and martini, chatting about dames.

This album provides the wit and the clever lyrics that are lacking in most other novelty Halloween music. Other albums think it is enough to use a thick Bela Lugosi accent and sing lyrics that refer to monsters , and cleverly rhyme “lab” and “slab”. This album has a highbrow jazz-trio feel that lends it class and elegance. At the same time, his lyrics are far more disturbing and morbid than any other novelty album. Check out these lyrics from “Amongst My Souvenirs”…

There’s nothing left of you. What burns went up the flue.
The rest is residue, Amongst my souvenirs.
Some bones (just two or three), to keep me company
Your bridgework smiles at me, Amongst my souvenirs.

Allman’s vampire has a deeper, more commanding voice than most. His Hitchcock, Karloff, and Lorre impersonations are terrific as well. The music – some parodies, and some of Allman’s own compositions – are all solid, and the lyrics are sharp and hilarious. The commercials, letters from listeners, and the plea for more blood donors fit in the radio show nicely.

This album, along with Spike Jones “Spooktacular” album, are my favorite Halloween novelty records of all time. I can’t recommend it enough. Allman passed away in 2002.

Here's Halloweiner's page for this album. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/172-sheldon-allman-sing-along-drac-1960.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/171-haunted-house-20-tracks-make-you-jump-night-2000.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:01:40 GMT
Various Artists – The Haunted House - 20 Tracks to Make You Jump in the Night (2000)
Oldies

“The Haunted House” features songs recorded probably in the late 20’s through the late 40’s by plenty of famous artists from the period, including Louis Armstrong, Artie Shaw, Fats Waller, Tommy Dorsey, and Bing Crosby. There’s a really nice variety here … big-band instrumentals, swing, Dixieland, blues, and comedy. At times, you feel like you could be watching an old variety / vaudeville show, with really terrific music. These aren’t very scary or spooky sounding songs, just songs that feature Halloween-ish themes.

There are some old standards that you’ve heard before, such as “With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm”, “Mr. Ghost Goes to Town”, “Dry Bones”, and “The Headless Horseman”. There are also plenty of tunes that I haven’t heard on any other collection. The sound quality is much better than one should expect from these old, OLD recordings.

This CD is a fascinating look at some of the earliest spooky recordings around. I like the variety of artists, I love the old-timey feel of the recordings … it’s just a really classy collection.

Here's a link to Eclectic Grooves, who is sharing it.

If you like this CD, you’ll probably like “Halloween Stomp”, which is shared by Wonderful Wonderblog.

And you'll also like the tracks shared by Halloween Forum's own nightbeasties. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/171-haunted-house-20-tracks-make-you-jump-night-2000.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/170-sounds-make-you-shiver-bloodcurdling-terror-horror-1974.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:13:16 GMT
Sounds To Make You Shiver! Bloodcurdling! Terror! Horror! (1974)
Sound Effects

After struggling through the not-even-mediocre music of Frankie Stein, I needed to rebound in a big way … something to restore my faith in the Halloween recordings of old. And it seemed like a good time to hit the sound-effects genre again. It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate album than “Sounds to Make You Shiver” by Pickwick records.

The first side of the album is a 15-minute definition of what a haunted-house track should sound like. Plenty of wind effects, some mysterious music, screams, chains rattling, moaning … it’s all here, along with a “welcome” and “goodbye” message from whoever is leading you through this imaginary haunted house. Side two just separates many of the sound effects you heard on side one into different tracks … cats, dogs, moans, thunder, banging shutters, etc. (The witch laugh can be heard on the Reverend Horton Heat’s “Halloween Dance”. And I think I’ve heard that creaky door in more than place, too.) I haven’t figured out why nobody ever used real cats for the cat sounds. The “hooting owl” is clearly human too. At least the growling dog is believable.

Despite those flaws, this is a classic.

Hate to keep picking on Halloweiner, so here's a share from Monster Shindig. ]]> Dinosaur1972 http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/dinosaur1972/170-sounds-make-you-shiver-bloodcurdling-terror-horror-1974.html