Happy Halloween season, Everyone! Since we’re a little over a week out from the big day, I thought it was time to update the ’80s Halloween playlist I created two years ago. This is a music video playlist, so if you don’t see your favorite ’80s Halloween track here, it’s probably because I couldn’t hunt down a high-quality video to include! You may also notice songs that aren’t particularly “Halloween-y”, but wait until you see the videos! While this collection of videos leans New Wave and a bit goth, there’s a little something for everyone in the mix. You can check it out here, and don’t forget to scroll down for details on each track/video!
And now for a running commentary on each video…
To Cut a Long Story Short – This wonderfully goth video features flawless plaid attire that may as well be right out of a Burberry ad.
White Wedding – Did you know that Billy Idol’s then-girlfriend Perri Lister choreographed the dancing in his videos? She’s one of the dancers in this piece, as well as the bride!
Abracadabra – While many people associate Steve Miller with the ’70s, this video is undeniably and fabulously ’80s!
Rockit – I’m not going to lie…the robots in this video scared me a little bit when I was a kid. As an adult, I can truly appreciate the genius behind it all.
I Eat Cannibals – Before the Spice Girls came along, there was Toto Coelo. Enjoy!
Weird Science – Not your typical ’80s soundtrack video, folks! Would you expect anything less from Danny Elfman?!
Cities in Dust – I know there are other Siouxsie and the Banshees tracks that could have worked for this compilation, but this song and video really capture a seasonally appropriate, dark mood.
Lullaby – Whether you like this track or not, the video is a work of art, complete with a creepy, cobweb-covered band featuring Cure member Porl (now Pearl) Thompson playing every instrument.
She’s in Parties – It’s hard to believe this raw, dark video is from 1983. Don’t watch if strobe lighting bothers you.
Round and Round – This unforgettable video features Milton Berle in drag, as well as model Lisa Dean with a timeless goth princess look.
Rock of Ages – An owl, a group of cloaked men, a mysterious lady with a painted face, and a shattering chalice are a few signature images from this iconic music video.
Shake the Disease – This tune is a bit eerie, and there are some crazy camera tricks in the video that create a disorienting effect. Don’t watch if you have vertigo.
Doctor! Doctor! – This might possibly be one of the most awesome ’80s music video sets of all time…
Under the Milky Way – There’s just something dreamy about this track that reminds me of being in a field on a fall evening.
Behind the Wheel – I had to end the playlist on a fast-paced note, complete with a gorgeous black-and-white video directed by Anton Corbijn.
Don’t forget to check out the playlist here, and of course, be sure to subscribe to the Mirror80 channel on YouTube. Wishing you and yours the happiest of Halloweens!
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