On Track! Rare Covers

The original plan was to do another desert rock mix, but noticed Ape Machine's "Ape'n'Stein." Ha, so clever! It's Edgar Winter's Frankenstein, and so off with yet again another covers mix, and a good one at that. How good I say? Well, one track in particular and hands down, the best version (so far) of a Pink Floyd track - Syrek's "Have a Cigar." Terry (Syrek) is a massive shredder. And good vocals to boot. Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders' "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" is, you guessed it, hands down the best version (so far) of Dylan's poignant ballad. But, I wouldn't say their version isn't as poignant... need to be heard!

Of all the tracks, I'd say a dozen are quite rare. The exceptions, and I'm guessing here, are Earthless' take on Hendrix's "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)," Juliana Hatfield's not-as-subtle version of Olivia Newton-John's "I Honestly Love You," and pianist David Sides run-through of Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends." On the rarer side of note - TheClavhens' take on The Beatles but aptly titled, "Why Don't We Do It in the Snow?," Solace's covering Pink Floyd's "In the Flesh" (the second version), and Brian Bromberg's double-bassing Kansas' "Carry on Wayward Son."

16 tracks, a variety of genres, and they're all good, and some more than good. Enjoy!

Chilling Yet Hauntingly Beautiful Classical Music for Halloween

A quick banter regarding the selections...

Bach's "Toccata and Fugue" - An obvious choice, and (probably) included in 95% of other Halloween classical mixes. It's a great opener and sets the experience in gear...

Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" - Another obvious, but I didn't want to lose focus with the listeners...

Korngold's "The Gnomes" - I wouldn't say it's frightening, but it will grab your attention...

Mussorgsky's "The Gnome" - I originally wanted "Night on Bald Mountain." Maybe next time...

Penderecki's "Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima" - This piece was the inspiration for the comp's title. It's harrowing, chilling, frightening, yet so beautiful. Do not be surprised if you find it disturbing. Excerpts have been included in films such as "The Shining," "The Exorcist," etc.

Milhaud's "The Good and the Bad Tutor" - Hectic but not as frightening.

Berlioz's "March to the Scaffold" - Another usual piece for the theme, merely added to keep you listening...

Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" - Another well known piece and I'm sure most relate it to Alfred Hitchcock.

Chopin's "Funeral March" - Another well known piece to keep you on edge.

Béla Bartók's "String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: V. Allegro molto" - If this frightens you, you are not alone. I don't know the background or history on Bernard Hermann's score to Hitchcock's film, "Psycho," but it wouldn't surprise if Béla was an influence.

Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93: II. Allegro" - I just wanted something by Shostakovich.

György Ligeti's "Atmosphères" - Yes, you are correct - you've heard it in Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey."

Prokofiev's "The Magician Tchelio and Fata Morgana Play Cards" - A good choice for the theme.

Malcolm Arnold's "Tam O'Shanter Overture" - See previous entry.

Grofé's "Trick or Treat" - I found this by fluke. I don't recall the exact details, but thought it would make a good finale.