Thom Yorke - Suspirium

This is a waltz thinking about our bodies

What they mean for our salvation

With only the clothes that we stand up in

Just the ground on which we stand

Is the darkness ours to take?

Bathed in lightness, bathed in heat

All is well, as long as we keep spinning

Here and now, dancing behind a wall

When the old songs and laughter we do

Are forgiven always and never been true

When I arrive, will you come and find me?

Or in a crowd, be one of them?

Wore the wrong sign back beside her

Know tomorrow's at peace

It's the day after, and I am completely and utterly wrecked. Today is a day to recover and just veg on the couch, so just a quick post today.

I absolutely love this song by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke. It was featured in the 2018 Suspiria remake (which by remake standards was quite exceptional), and it perfectly envelops the malaise of day-after melancholy. A beautifully haunting and simple song from a man and his piano...

Enjoy.

  

Alan Howarth - "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" Soundtrack

Like most Halloween fans, I'm all about the first three installments of the film franchise. But I recently picked up the Mondo Halloween box set, featuring the soundtracks to the first five films.

I have listened to the soundtracks to the first three films a million times each, but I was pleasantly surprised by Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. This soundtrack was composed solely by Alan Howarth, who had worked previously in conjunction with John Carpenter on Halloween II and Halloween III: Season of the Witch.

Howarth takes the iconic 5/4 theme timing of the original, but adds a nice bit of ambient sound to give it a fresh update. And I love Mondo's new vinyl release version. It's slightly different than the 1988 original, but it still flows really well. And you gotta love that red-and-white clown costume split vinyl! This one has been on constant rotation at the Cemetery all weekend long...

John Carpenter - "Halloween Triumphant"

Only three more days until the new Halloween film hits theaters! In the meantime, enjoy another new track composed by John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies for the film...

New Halloween Soundtrack - By John Carpenter!

I was beyond excited upon hearing that there is a new Halloween film in the works, especially with legendary director John Carpenter brought on to produce. This new film somehow fits in as a new sequel to the 1978 original, which makes no real sense especially with the quality of the original sequel, but like everyone else, I'm willing to give it a shot. Because hey, John Carpenter.

So imagine how giddy I got when news broke that Carpenter was tagged with creating the new score to the film, too. A new Carpenter-associated Halloween film WITH A CARPENTER SCORE! Technically it will be composed by Carpenter, his son Cody and godson Daniel Davies (part of his band that have been touring for the past 3 years), which should make for an interesting update on the original score.

After hearing this news, I was all in. On October 19th, I will be in line to see this at my local theater (large crowds of people be damned!). I have been taken over by Halloween mania...

And to keep the hysteria going, Sacred Bones Records announced the release of the new Halloween soundtrack this week. Kaboom. My head just exploded. 3 different vinyl versions from Sacred Bones. And literally a thousand other release versions throughout other record labels, record stores and countries. Enough to make a collector go mad...

I quickly settled on grabbing a copy of the Sacred Bones "Art Edition" of 2,000. An alternate, die-cut sleeve with amazing (better!) art by Chris Bilheimer, really cool clear-and-orange-blob vinyl, and a huge, super cool Michael Myers target practice poster. And I'm glad I moved quick on this one, because all 2,000 sold out in 24 hours. Unbelievable. I guess Halloween mania isn't just limited to me...

The Halloween soundtrack drops on October 19th!

John Carpenter Live at the Majestic Theatre, Detroit 11/10/17

I was a bit surprised when I saw that John Carpenter was heading back out on the road for another tour, this time in support of his newest release, John Carpenter Anthology (Movie Themes 1974-1998).

When I saw the tour schedule, I noticed that again like last year, he was not stopping anywhere in Ohio (what the hell, John!?!?). The closest stop was Detroit, a nice three hour drive from the Cemetery. And after going back and forth, I eventually decided to check it out again, this time with Mrs. Highbury along for the ride. We don't get out to that many shows anymore, but for John Carpenter, we would make an exception!

We both hopped into the car and made the quick-ish drive over to Detroit, ready to experience an amazing show. We arrived at the Majestic Theatre 30 minutes before the doors opening, only to have to sit outside in frigid temperatures for over an hour. And furthermore, my camera was denied access to the show, so I could only shoot with my phone.

But even with all that, the show was incredible and we had an amazing time. Carpenter and his band came out and flawlessly cranked through his massive library of iconic horror film soundtracks and even included a few of his original compositions from 2015's Lost Themes.

Of course, if you have seen my post from last year's show, you'll quickly notice a LOT of similarities between that show and this one. A lot of the same songs and accompanying film clips that played behind the band played on this tour, too. But honestly, hearing live versions of utter Carpenter classics like Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York, Big Trouble in Little China, They Live and especially Ennio Morricone's epic title track for The Thing is an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up...

And with a painfully steady hand, I was able to film the final track in their incredible set...

We really, really enjoyed this show. And even though it was very similar to last year's tour, I'm still glad I went, especially so that Mrs. Highbury could experience it. And she loved it, too. We were both happy that we made the journey.

And of course, we couldn't make it through the whole show without a stop off at the merch table. I ended up picking up a John Carpenter autographed vinyl copy of his new Anthology (Movie Themes 1974-1998) and an INSANELY cool Escape From New York shirt. And then I had to go back and buy an Anthology screened tote bag to carry it all in...

I've been spinning Anthology nonstop since I got home, and I highly recommend picking up a copy! Especially for that slightly more guitar heavy version of The Thing and for Christine. And obviously for Halloween and Assault on Precinct 13. And definitely for The Fog and In The Mouth of Madness. But mostly for They Live and Escape From New York. Yeesh.

Carpenter's Anthology Tour continues on, heading toward the East Coast, so get out and see him if he's playing near you. Or even if not! It is well worth the trip!

  

John Carpenter & Alan Howarth - "Halloween II" Soundtrack

While I think the general consensus is that the 1981 sequel pales in comparison to the original (outside of that insane Ben Tramer scene, of course), Halloween II really shines with its soundtrack. The duo of Carpenter and Alan Howarth take the original film's iconic sparse piano notes and give them an updated synthesizer reconstruction, creating a deeper, more menacing sound. And the use of The Chordettes' classic Mr. Sandman track adds the prefect unsettling kiss at the end of an exceptional horror soundtrack.

John Carpenter - "Christine"

Iconic horror director and composer John Carpenter's newly re-recorded theme for his classic 1983 film, Christine, set to a brand new video. But this time, the driver of the cherry red '58 Plymouth Fury isn't Arnie Cunningham...

LV-426: Happy Alien Day!

Day on Acheron (formerly known as LV-426) was dim twilight, night was darker than the farthest reaches of interstellar space, because not even stars shone through its dense atmosphere to soften the barren surface with twinkling light.

"The Bride of Frankenstein" With The Cleveland Orchestra

If you're in the Cleveland area tomorrow (Tuesday, April 26) with nothing to do, why not check out this incredible show!

From The Cleveland Orchestra:
She's alive!!! The 1935 classic horror film with legendary film composer Franz Waxman's evocative score played live by The Cleveland Orchestra. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) and Dr. Pretorius go back into their laboratory, exhume more bodies, and convert a female corpse (Elsa Lanchester) into a bride for the Monster (Boris Karloff).

Purchase tickets here. 

Carlo Maria Cordio - "Rosso Sangue (Absurd)"

I finally had the chance to see Absurd, a lesser-known early 80s Italian slasher, directed by the infamous Joe D'Amato. Great gore, an amazing 6-foot-9 villain and an end scene that is well worth the time to watch. Add to this an incredible score by Carlo Maria Cordio (pretty much this one amazing song used over and over), and you have a cult classic Video Nasty must-see!

Be sure to also check out the recent soundtrack re-release, in what is perhaps the greatest record cover ever created by Wes Benscoter, for Mondo. This too, will be making its way into my collection in short order!

 

Evil Dead 2 - Fan Designed Packaging Poll

From Waxwork Records:

Waxwork Records is excited to launch our very first fan designed soundtrack poll. What this means is that you get to vote on various concepts for the front album cover, inner gatefold, and back cover art of the LP jacket for our upcoming soundtrack release of the 1987 horror classic, EVIL DEAD 2.

It’s no secret that Waxwork Records likes to let fans behind the curtain to see what goes on behind the scenes here in our camp. As true fans of music, cinema, and art, we think it’s crucial to let everyone have a look at how our products are created. We have taken you into our pressing plant, we have taken you into artists’ homes and studios, and now we want you to have the opportunity to help design one of our deluxe soundtrack releases on vinyl.

Waxwork Records has worked closely with illustrator Justin Erickson of Phantom City Creative to illustrate various artistic concepts of our EVIL DEAD 2 soundtrack release. Justin is a true talent and a great problem solver. We think you’ll love what he came up with!

So, come join us in the woods and help us design our groovy EVIL DEAD 2 release. But, remember to keep out of the fruit cellar!

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE!

(For what it's worth, I voted D/B/B.)

  
  

Theme From "Friday the 13th Part III"

I'm beyond excited for Waxwork Records' latest release: the complete, double LP soundtrack to Friday the 13th Part III, composed by Henry Manfredini. It is by far the greatest soundtrack of the F13 franchise, and with new cover art by Ghoulish Gary Pullin, an optional 3D lenticular cover and "3D colored" or "Blood Splattered Hockey Mask" colored vinyl options, a mandatory release for your collection.

And did I mention that this has the infamous "disco theme song"!?!

"Nightmare Isn't Over" (Halloween II Rework by Le Matos)

Here's a cool new rework of John Carpenter's iconic 1981 horror theme song. The track is still available for FREE on Le Matos' bandcamp page!

Goblin Rebirth

I received a pleasant surprise from my mailman yesterday in the form of the Goblin Rebirth record that I had pre-ordered back in May! I wasn't sure what it was until I opened it, as the record showed up a week before its official release date. Sweet!!

And I'm glad I ordered the "pink & gold merge" vinyl because it is stunning, especially with how it ties into the colors and art of the sleeve.

After a couple of spins, I'm really pleased! A solid release filled with synthesizers and guitars that harken back to the classic, lush Italian horror soundtracks of the original Goblin. Another highly-recommended release!!

The standout track on this release for me is, "Back in 74":

X drifts away from his woodland home, leaving his companions behind to finish the ceremony. He cannot understand what has happened but he knows he should not be here. He is dazed and confused. He has no sense of time or distance. Now he is in a place that is vaguely familiar and he watches as an elfish group playfully instructs its offspring. One of the children is particularly daring and disobedient... The fairground is fertile land for goblin mischief. It dawns on X that he is looking on his own past.

X relives his childhood and early adult life, observing his triumphs and mistakes. So many errors—something is telling him that he should be seeking elsewhere and his journey begins.

You can stream the full release at the Goblin Rebirth SoundCloud page. And you can still order shirts, vinyl and CDs from Relapse Records.

  

Frank Vinci - "You're Just What I've Been Looking For (Angela's Theme)"

The weekend soundtrack mix keeps on rolling. Today, we go for a new wave track that burrowed itself deep into my head with that incredibly catchy synth riff.

From 1983, it's Frank Vinci with "You're Just What I've Been Looking For (Angela's Theme)" from the cult horror classic, Sleepaway Camp.

With an ending like that, do we REALLY think Angela was "Just What I've Been Looking For"???

John Russo's MIDNIGHT Soundtrack by Quintessence & Paul McCollough

A beautifully haunting track coupled with amazing cover art. I must admit that I have not seen, nor even heard of this 1982 movie, but the new vinyl soundtrack release is going on my want list. Full soundtrack on vinyl, available here. Enjoy! 

In checking out the trailer, the movie will be going on my "must-view" list, too!

Umberto & Antoni Maiovvi - "The Hook & Pull Gang"

Without a doubt my favorite new release. Gritty, grimey and perfect! I just wish I could have been at MondoCon or BeyondFest to see this score performed live during the showing of the iconic film it was written for...

From Death Waltz:
The debut release on Death Waltz Originals is not only a brand new recording from Umberto & Antoni Maiovvi entitled 'The Hook & Pull Gang’ but is also a full re-score of the notorious classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The duo will exclusively perform the re-score live at MondoCon & Beyond Fest in September . The screenings will retain ALL of the dialogue and sound effects and will be accompanied by brand new music to accompany the images on screen.

The Sounds of the Cemetery, 2014

I wanted to take a second to share with everyone the audio that I used in this year's yard haunt.

I'm always on the lookout for the next great track to use in my haunt, and I usually gravitate toward dark ambient tracks. They provide a dark and creepy sound that fills the yard, yet manages to stay in the background, not becoming the focus. I find that these kinds of tracks support the visual aspect of the haunt perfectly. A constant, unrecognizable sound that instills atmospheric dread and discomfort.

A week or two before Halloween, I discovered the track that would be used for the main cemetery audio. I honestly can't remember how exactly I stumbled upon this track, but once I heard it, I knew that was the track to use.

Pioneering dark ambient artist Jeff Greinke has been composing music since 1984, but it was a track from his 1992 release Lost Terrain that really caught my attention. His track The Moor sets a perfect mood of layered dread that slowly creeps from the dark corners of the cemetery. A truly eerie track that waited 22 years to be used in my Halloween setting!

On top of this main track echoing throughout the front yard, I used a support track for my front porch crypt. I picked this track solely for the purpose of supporting my newest prop, Le Cadavre de Vodoun. When I heard this track, I new that it would fit perfectly as it swirled out from beneath the coffin, enveloping the two figures shrouded in foggy darkness (my mom and aunt!) as they handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters...

Alongside dark ambient, another go-to for audio inspiration for me has been horror movie soundtracks. The genre has been very popular lately, with stellar releases and re-releases coming out from great labels like Death Waltz, Mondo and Waxwork.

In September, Death Waltz released The Equestrian Vortex, a 10-inch record with tracks composed by Andrew Liles, using audio cues from the 2012 film, Berberian Sound Studio. While the prospect of a blue and yellow swirled 10-inch record excited me, hearing the cut from side two, Lord, We Beseech You stopped me in my tracks. Not so much a structured audio track as a long, demonic repetitive female chanting that added a whole new depth of creepiness to the crypt.

And unfortunately, I couldn't find the track online, so to hear it at Death Waltz, you have to first click on this link. On the menu to the left, click on the "Listen" tab. Then click on the little blue arrow icon next to "Side 2. Lord, We Beseech You" and be prepared to be creeped out.

Together, these two tracks added the perfect underlying effect of dread that really supported the visual punch of my yard haunt. Over the past couple of years, I have really focused more on the audio aspect of my haunt and I no longer use the traditional "spooky sounds" tracks. I think going outside the standard audio selections can really take your haunt to a frightening, new level of terror and unease.