Sounds to Make You Shiver! Horror Novelty Records of the 1950s-80s

halloween records (3)

Back in the prehistoric days before the internet and video games, kids derived enjoyment from the rotation of circular discs called “records”.  There were musical records – but, for young boys, nothing beat the horror novelty record.

These came in a variety of forms – sound effects, scary stories, or “Monster Mash” style jams.  Here, for your viewing and listening pleasure is a generous helping of just such old-school horror novelty records.  I”ve included YouTube links to their audio. Enjoy!

 

 

halloween records (18)

Ghostly Sounds (1975)

Listen

 

 

Not all horror novelty records were for the young’uns…

halloween records (17)

When this was released, stereo was a relatively new technology in home entertainment.   If you just purchased a new hi-fi with this capability, naturally, you’d want records that accentuated the stereo feature.

The back reads “To test your stereo equipment…. or scare the hell out of your neighbors.”  So, there’s two options for you.

Listen

 

 

halloween records (4)

BBC Sound Effects Vol. 13 – Death & Horror’, 1977.

Listen

 

 

 

halloween records (2)

You just can’t top Sounds to Make You Shiver! (1974) as the greatest horror themed record of all time. From a child’s perspective, it’s got it all – especially for children of the 70’s, who were completely monster crazy. Could you possibly portray the joy of Halloween and with more enthusiasm than this?

Listen

 

 

 

halloween records (13)

Night in a Graveyard (1985)

Listen

 

 

 

 

halloween records (1)

Milton Delugg was the band leader for The Gong Show and composed the score for Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. 

The cover it is by Jack Davis, who always delivers the goods. Of course, it’s shouldn’t be surprising that the former EC artist for Tales from the Crypt would make a fantastic album cover.

Listen

 

 

halloween records (19)

Any child of the 1960s or 70s who got into Halloween/scary sound effects records will have fond memories of this one – a well-loved classic.  Side 1 had stories, Side 2 the effects, and it came with an illustrated book.

Listen

 

 

 

halloween records (16)

A Spooktacular in Screaming Sound! (1959) Spike Jones

Listen

 

halloween records (9)

 

halloween records (15)

Frankie Stein And His Ghouls ‎– Monster Melodies (1965)

Listen

 

 

halloween records (12)

Another classic by Frankie Stein – Ghoul Music (1965)

 

halloween records (14)

Famous Monsters Speak (1963)

Listen

 

 

halloween records (11)

Sounds of Terror (1974)

Listen

 

 

 

 

 

halloween records (7)

Listen

 

 

halloween records (6)

Halloween Horrors (1977)

Listen

 

 

halloween records (8)

Listen

 

 

halloween records (5)

The Monster of Frankenstein (1974)

Listen

 

THE END

halloween records (10)

 

Would you like to support Flashbak?

Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.