Today, we’re thrilled to have iconic Toronto DJ Dani Elwell join us for a 31 Days of Horror guest post. Elwell was born in Los Angeles, California, but was raised in Toronto, Ontario. She attended Toronto Metropolitan University from 1984 to 1986, graduating from the Radio and Television Arts Program. Elwell has worked as a Host and an award-winning programmer at various radio stations and networks since 1984. In the Winter and Spring of 2018 and Winter of 2020, Elwell taught Radiolab at Humber College and has been heard on various web, TV and radio commercials, including McCafe across Canada. She and a group of music colleagues created JAZZCAST.ca and her Alternative Bedtime Hour Mixtapes were heard on nythespirit.com In April of 2021, Dani returned to JAZZ.FM91 as Creative Strategist and the host of “Voice Tracks”. In the Fall of 2024, she began “Night Music” on INDIE88 Sundays at 8 pm and her program on JAZZ.FM91 remains on Tuesday evenings at 9, with repeats on Saturday mornings at 9. She has been a Polaris Music Prize Juror and a Juno Award Delegate. Learn more about Dani here.
When BBP asked me to put together a list of five of my favourite Halloween tunes, I begged for 10. Now I wish I had asked for 20. After 40-plus years in Canadian radio, you grab a fair amount of music along the way, especially when you hang out in the night for most of it. Some will be obvious, others perhaps not … regardless, have a wonder-filled October 31st!
In no particular order….
Screaming Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell on You
Even though Nina Simone’s voice beautifully owns this song, it is Screamin’ Jay’s composition, and it’s glorious. He apparently was drunk while recording it and didn’t remember its rather macabre approach. I love it.
Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead
I know, it’s obvious. But the cultural significance of this song is undeniable, and well, I always felt musically that it was a journey. Who can deny its impact on the opening credits of The Hunger, either!
Rosemary Clooney – Wobblin Gobblin
Admittedly, a bit of nostalgia with this one —not my own —but I love how it feels. Plus, it’s healthy to have a bit of humour during the season. I love the little guy’s determination.
Barry Adamson – Something Wicked This Way Comes
I always felt as though Barry Adamson was an underrated music creator on this side of the ocean. From his humble beginnings in Magazine and the Buzzcocks to his film score contributions like Lynch’s Lost Highway soundtrack, he somehow manages to combine so many of the influences I hold close. This is a banger.
Gorillaz – Dracula
I love the groove, I love the spoken word samples, I love Gorillaz. This was a B-side to “Clint Eastwood,” and there is some speculation that the vampire theme is a metaphor for addiction.
Heavyweights Brass Band – St. James Infirmary Blues
This song has New Orleans all over it and has been covered by Louis Armstrong, The White Stripes, Jon Batiste and more. I love how our own Canadian souls, The Heavyweights Brass Band put its somewhat foreboding lyrics front and centre without losing the atmosphere.
Simple Minds – Changeling
Even though this was essentially a club song, it sent me on a discovery of what a Changeling is and why, on earth, it would be “coming out of you!” Also, this is what electronic music felt like in 1979: haunting.
Charles Sheffield – It’s Your Voodoo Working
Again another New Orleans vibe, that mix of jazz and blues and goo.
Japan – Halloween
Sometimes, no one did sorrow better than Japan and David Sylvian. Although not directly related to the seasonal day, it does conjure. Forever creating an atmosphere.
The Specials – Ghost Town
Decay, decay, decay. The band was imploding, the British economic and political scene was restless and they managed to somehow create a spooky ska vibe that reflected all of it. Forever in my top ten.
