The Misfits Halloween 7" One of the most essential punk bands when it comes to those who delight in plastic skulls, scary movies and dressing in all black (maybe a little dark makeup around the eyes from time to time) is the Misfits. From 1977 to 1983 they were the band to see on Halloween in New York (when they would perform an annual Halloween gig on or around Halloween) and on their numerous tours across the USA. Their single "Halloween / Halloween II" set this theme in stone. Their songs were already steeped in horror movies, violent media portrayals, occult ideas and the camp schlock similar to the Cramps but injected with hardcore punk. Much like Screaming Jay Hawkins, and Alice Cooper etc the theatrics of the stage show was a big element of their presence as a band particularly in that haunted house late night horror show way. This record shows two sides, the darker side of the night for tricks or treats, based on John Carpenters 'Halloween' franchise which was at that point just two films starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasance, and introducing Michael Myers to the public consciousness as the masked psychopath serial killer. The reverse side takes things a step further and more studiously occult. The lyrics in latin are essentially a chant about werewolves. In both cases nothing in the world of punk music had ever been done like that before. This single was released on Halloween, after the band cancelled plans to release a full album, instead the material became this release and the 'Three Hits From Hell' EP. Also introduced here is their now classic logo based on the monster movie magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland lettering, cutting and re shaping the letters with razorblades and tape. This logo would go on to be inseparable from the bands iconography. It also is the first appearance of Doyle on guitar who would remain until their breaking up in 1983. A-side: "Halloween" B-side: "Halloween II" Released: October 31, 1981 Format: 7" vinyl Recorded 1981 Length 4:06 Written and composed by Glenn Danzig