Spooky Song Share: Louis Armstrong "The Skeleton in the Closet"

As someone who enjoys October generally, and who has *multiple* playlists of Halloween music (one of which is nearly 7 hours long), I have decided that in addition to my memento mori goodies this month, I shall endeavor to also share some spooky music with folks who might possibly be interested.  


So here is the inimitable Louis Armstrong performing "The Skeleton in the Closet" (taken from the 1936 film Pennies from Heaven): 


Pennies from Heaven featured Armstrong in a supporting role and "The Skeleton in the Closet" shows him in fine form from a storytelling, acting, and music standpoint.   (Apparently, Armstrong got the part at the insistence of the film's star, Bing Crosby.)    

The song was written by Arthur Johnston and Johnny Burke (along with the rest of the songs for the film -  the title song "Pennies From Heaven" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song).  

The song swings and there's even some delightfully spoopy stagecraft and vintage Halloween vibes in the filmed version.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cool Stuff: Denmark Wildlife Cam

Image
Since the world is ... rough at present, here is something cool that I figure is worth sharing. In this case, a lovely 24/7 wildlife cam featuring (mostly) badgers, foxes, birds, raccoon dogs, martens, rodents, and the occasional housecat.   It is located in Denmark and is run by a a nature photographer named Morten Hilmer . It tends to be on as background noise in my house a LOT.  Here is a link to the YouTube page:   https://www.youtube.com/live/F0GOOP82094?si=hDVL8KX-hny0M8uU
Read more

Spooky Song Share: Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Heads Will Roll"

Image
Today's Spooky Song Share is "Heads Will Roll" by indie band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The song is from their third studio album It's Blitz!  and was first released in 2009.  The video for this song was directed by Richard Ayoade (probably best known for his work on The IT Crowd ) and features a Michael Jackson-esque werewolf character that wrecks havoc on the dancefloor and then among the audience at a show. Horror elements are a bit subverted due to the use of glitter (as referenced in the "glitter on the wet streets" lyric that repeats) instead of blood and it ends with the jarring imagery of band members Karen O , Nick Zinner , and Brian Chase   splayed and dismembered but still playing on.   The relentless synth riff is underlain with a disco beat and creates an ominously danceable atmosphere that will fit in well at anyone's Halloween party.   "Heads Will Roll" reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart and number 1 on the Billboar...
Read more