The costumes are made, the decorations are hung, the candy bowl is overflowing and the candy corn is almost gone. Yes, it’s Halloween, the second best holiday of the year, and it’s time to start preparing for those many themed parties to be attended, or hosted, this weekend.Why is it only second best? It is obvious that Halloween does not have the same spirit as Christmas, and that in part has to do with commercial hype. I will admit, I have already broken out the Christmas tunes, and Target has already put products on the shelves of their Christmas corner. It’s only October, and already the Christmas buzz is beginning.Forget the fact that no one seems to even pays attention to Thanksgiving anymore, but what about Halloween? It has all the potential to be just as big as Christmas, if only it were given a little more attention. Specifically, why don’t more radio stations play Halloween music like they do Christmas music?It may be a little late in the season now, but I have the perfect playlist to put you in the monster mood – and no, mother monster herself Lady GaGa does not make the list.Some are truly creepy, others are fun pop songs, and still others have that cheese factor that just screams Halloween. Of course, classics such as the “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” are sure to make it on every playlist this time of year, so they have been omitted from the following list to avoid redundancy.Halloween’s Haunted Hymns1. “Spooky” by Dusty Springfield            For an extra dose of whimsy at your party, try The Puppini Sisters’ version.2. “In the Room Where You Sleep” by Dead Man’s Bones            Ryan Gosling’s warbling, deep voice accompanied by a wheezy pipe organ are sounds many associate with Halloween. While not a themed band, Dead Man’s Bones’ whole self-titled album is the perfect soundtrack for a ghastly good haunted holiday.3. “Afraid of Everyone” by The National            Add this to the creepy category. Again, the deep voice of lead singer Matt Berninger is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. Add ethereal, breathy backing vocals and a somber melody, and this song is sure to put you in the scaring spirit.4. “Grim Grinning Ghosts” from Disney World’s Haunted Mansion            Any holiday is remiss without a little Disney magic.5. “Ashes to Ashes” by David Bowie            Someone is bound to show up to a costume party in a Ziggy Stardust costume. And if not, what kind of party are you throwing anyway?6. “Creep” by Radiohead            If the title says anything, this song was made to creep listeners out. For an even creepier version, select the Belgian girls choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers’ cover of the song, which was used in a trailer for “The Social Network.” It is chilling in every sense of the word.7. “Little Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs            It is not exactly Halloween-related, but “Little Red Riding Hood” is spooktastic and adds a little flavor to any costume party. How can you go wrong on Halloween with a song about part-human beastiality?8. Amanda Palmer            Pick any song from this artist’s discography – it is bound to be terrifying.9. “This is Halloween” from “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas”            It has almost become cliche, but Halloween just isn’t Halloween without Jack Skellington.10. “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon            Don’t let the “Sweet Home Alabama” melody fool you, “Werewolves of London” was meant to be played at costume parties this time of year.            Obviously 10 songs are not enough to last the duration of a party, so this is where you can get creative. They may not be played on the radio often, but there are a lot of creepy songs out there just waiting to make any Halloween party happily haunted. Keep in mind, however, should Evanescence be included on a party playlist, you will be mercilessly mocked.