SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VARIOUS ARTISTS – CHILLING, THRILLING HOOKS AND HAUNTED HARMONIES

VARIOUS ARTISTS
CHILLING, THRILLING HOOKS AND HAUNTED HARMONIES
BIG STIR RECORDS

I love Halloween, it is a great time of the year. The candy, the scary movies, and the overall anticipation of the night. Ray Bradbury once wrote that Halloween night was second only to Christmas, and he may be right. Big Stir Records have come up with the perfect album for any Halloween party and the soundtrack for Halloween night. Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies is a new compilation of garage, classic and alternative rock bands performing Halloween theme songs. It is full of songs, sounds, and funny or scary transitions that make the album essential.

The title and front cover of the album set the entire tone for this project. It is a perfect homage to the classic Walt Disney’s Chilling, Thrilling Sounds Of The Haunted House. That album could be found in most homes from 1969 well into the 1980s. It is a classic. Here, Big Stir pays tribute with some of the wonderful sound effects and introductions. It is a chance for the label to showcase some of the amazing talent on their label. On both counts, the album succeeds.

It is the music that sells the album. From the opening introduction that takes the listener into the world of garage, classic, and alternative rock. Kicking off the programme is Librarians With Hickeys and the clever “Ghoul You Want.” This is perfect rock, with great lyrics. They are a newer band who come up with 1960s pop rock that stays in the listener’s head after one spin. The Spongetones, a power pop rock band who have been around since 1979, gives us “Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Mix).” It is one of the best tracks on the album. The melody is incredible with lyrics that conjure up childhood memories. It is actually quite wistful and a definite highlight of the collection.

SPILL FEATURE: WHERE’S ONE? – A CONVERSATION WITH STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK

Strawberry Alarm Clock is back with their first new material in a very long time. The original five members have reunited for the brilliant “Monsters,” which is everything a fan could want. It is also a new single from the band. The Pepper’s Ghost Players bring an element of musical theatre to the brew with “Spread My Ashes In The Haunted Mansion,” which manages to squeeze in a reference to Jack Skellington. And sparkle*jets u.k.’s “Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)” brings aliens to the party as well.

The transition pieces, such as fake trailers and little skits/poetry adds a great deal to the album and brings everything together. The little bits are funny, witty, and very interesting. It is hard to not love the pieces along with the music. The songs are humorous as well, but there is nothing wrong with some corny skits, designed to thrill, bring chills and a some groaned laughter.

Big Stir have put together a brilliant album. Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies is an album that can be enjoyed every Halloween season. There is so much spread over the two-disc set that it is nearly impossible to get tired of it. The songs are excellent and well chosen by the bands. They have stitched together some great rocking tunes. It is also a great mixture of old and new bands. Everyone seems to fit together on Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies and it is a fun, thrilling and entertaining ride. Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies is the White Christmas album for Halloween. It is essential for the Halloween season.

Spongetones Links

Strawberry Alarm Clock Links

Librarians With Hickeys Links

Sparkle*Jets u.k. Link