Happy Halloween! In honor of my favorite holiday, I decided to share a list of “spooky” music to get everyone into the Halloween spirit. Now, I listen to many of these albums on a regular basis -- the side-effect of growing up with alternative parents.

I've split this list into three different sections: the heavier metal music, my essential Halloween choices, and Halloween music for the masses. I did this because I know not everyone likes metal music, and I think it makes it easier for everyone to discover a CD to add to their Halloween playlists.

First up, we have our Metal/Horror Punk music, meant for those who keep tombstones on display year-round. Those whose blood runs thick and hot on All Hallow's Eve.

1. "Welcome To My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper.

Alice is a tried-and-true Halloween superstar. A little tinkling piano, a little electric guitar, and don't forget the guillotine. Heads will roll.

2. "Famous Monsters" by The Misfits.

This horror punk band earned their place in history with such dark and catchy punk tunes. A sure smash at any ghoulish gathering.

3. "Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Part 1" by Helloween.

Just go back and read the name of the band one more time. Done? Yeah, I don't think I need to tell you that this German power metal band brags a long epic ode to Halloween. They told you with their very name.

4. "Infestissumam" by Ghost.

This album fills the void that only operatic-goth metal could fill; and what does goth scream but Halloween?

Next up we have my personal favorite Halloween-spirit-inducers. Or at least a nice little selection of my beloved “creepy” albums.

5. "Hellbilly Deluxe" by Rob Zombie.

Without fail, this is the first album I play every Halloween. Rob is the undisputed horror king. His music? An official Halloween soundtrack.

6. "The Golden Age of Grotesque" by Marylin Manson.

Similar to Rob's position as king of horror, Marylin Manson is the king of creepy. You need look no further than his covers of “Sweet Dreams” and “Tainted Love.”

7. "Subliminal Verses" by Slipknot.

This is my favorite slipknot album because to me, it's kind of like an unsettling lullaby sung in the center of a condemned house. A guaranteed edition to any Halloween soirée of mine.

8. "Infamous" by Motionless In White.

One of my favorite bands that treats every day like Halloween. A darker, more hardcore Marylin Manson? Um, yes please.

9. "Dysphoria" EP by Crywolf.

Haunting melodies in F-minor complete with creepy children singing solos. Need I say more? Oh, he's one ginger Norwegian.

For those of you who stuck it through my crazy metal bands and uber creepy artists; here's your section, the more iconic, popular Halloween music.

10. The "Queen Of The Damned" soundtrack.

Trust me, you don't need to know any of the artists; the album on its own is the perfect mix to create the best industrial vampiric music you could hope for. If you're throwing a vampire party, you need this album.

11. The "The Nightmare Before Christmas" soundtrack.

Note that the bonus disc is IMPERATIVE in this situation. The bonus disc has all of the classic "Nightmare Before Christmas" songs covered by popular musicians and Halloween lovers like Marylin Manson and Fall Out Boy. It'll throw a nice spin on any Halloween turn-table.

12. The "Horror Movie Hits" compilation CD.

This baby comes stocked with all your iconic horror movie themes: "Dracula," "The Shining," "Psycho" (literally all of them), "A Nightmare On Elm Street," "Friday the 13^th," "Godzilla." It's got them all. A must-have for any Halloween music collection.

13. "Sounds From A Night Of Terror."

For all you weird sound-effects nerds, this compilation CD is composed of classic scary noises to play in the background of your spooky shindig.

Now, may your night be dark and full of terrors. Happy Halloween!