And now there is a new great musical selection for one of the greatest holidays of all… Halloween!

Count Crow’s Halloween Spooktacular is a new contemporary selection of Halloween music for your Halloween Party or Halloween Event. The Count’s music is being picked up across the nation from public venues such as Zoos or the neighborhood house for Trick or Treat night. And each song is based on a character from the mix of Halloween ghouls and ghosts.

“Shout the Boo” has become one of the most popular Halloween songs and “The Ghoulie Hop is a party favorite”. Each song is it’s own adventure into Halloween lore using music to tell a story. The entire Halloween Spooktacular album is available on iTunes or Amazon.com or for the purchase of just your favorite songs.

Halloween is just around the corner! Add Count Crow’s Halloween Spooktacular to your party playlist and share the joy of Halloween Music and the new series of contemporary Halloween Songs. Just make sure you costume has the flexibility to dance because you might find you just can’t resist once the Halloween music begins playing.

And best of all.. During the month of October, a portion of sales will go to help kids with cancer and The Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Enjoy your Halloween Season Everyone!

Probably not, but there are more than enough ways to get all the Halloween Scares this Halloween Party Season.

There are so many wonderful Halloween traditions.   There’s the tradition of carving the pumpkin to transform it into the magical Jack O Lantern. There’s The creativity of dreaming up your costume for the Halloween Party Season.   There’s the tradition of dancing to Halloween Music (such as “Shout the Boo”) into the night with a room full of ghouls, vampires, warlocks and other creations. We can’t forget the fun of witnessing the entertaining parade of costumed children demonstrating their creativity on trick or treat.  A quick tip on this one…. be the favorite house on the block with great Halloween treats and the sounds of Count Crow’s Halloween Spooktacular playing to entertain your many trick or treat visitors.  This ensures you have the best parade of costumed entertainers at your door.

One of the greatest thrills of the Halloween Season is the annual visit to the Haunted House.  Every city or town has one (or more) of these spooky and scary events in full swing at this time of the year.  Some cities boast huge venues where the Haunted House maze may fill an entire warehouse or city block. Others may be home made creations put together by the neighborhood team. In whatever city you live I am sure there is someone waiting to jump out from behind a dark corner and scream “BOO”! And we love them for it.

Why do we love being scared? There has to be a reason why the lines for many haunted houses can be hours (and hours) long. The Halloween Season draws in so many people who clutch their loved ones in theater seats as they wait to be frightened. Is it the adrenaline? Is it the euphoric release of chemicals as some science journals state. Is it thrill seeking similar to roller coasters and sky diving.

Share with the team here at Count Crow why you love haunted house and give a shout out if you want to recommend the best one in your city.  And don’t forget the lines are often shorter on weekdays instead of weekends.

Here is a list from Haunted House Magazine of their top 13 Haunted Houses for 2010:

13. Nightmare on the Bayou, Houston, Texas – www.NightmareOnTheBayou.com
12. House of Torment, Austin, Texas – www.TheHouseOfTorment.com
11. The Dent Haunted Schoolhouse, Cincinnati, Ohio – www.FrightSite.com
10. Asylum/13th Floor Haunted House, Denver, Colorado – www.GetScared.com
9. Kersey Valley Spookywoods, Greensboro, North Carolina – www.Spookywoods.com
8. The Cutting Edge Haunted House, Dallas, Texas – www.CuttingEdgeHauntedHouse.com
7. Netherworld Haunted House, Atlanta, Georgia – www.FearWorld.com
6. Headless Horseman, Poughkeepsie, New York – www.HeadlessHorseman.com
5. The Beast & Edge of Hell, Kansas City, Missouri – www.FullMoodProd.com
4. The Darkness, Creepyworld, & Lemp Brewery, St. Louis, Missouri – www.Scarefest.com
3. 13th Gate Haunted House, Baton Rouge, Louisiana – www.MidnightProduction.com
2. Erebus Haunted House, Pontiac, Michigan – www.HauntedPontiac.com
1. The Bates Motel & Pennhurst Asylum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – www.TheBatesMotel.com and www.PennhurstAsylum.com

And please share the best haunted house in your city or the best scare you have ever had.

Here is a video from ABC inteviewing the master of Haunted Houses in New York about why people like to be scared.

And Here is a video from the History.com on Primal Fear: Why we like to be scared.

Dracula 1931

Halloween Party season is just around the corner. It’s that time of the year to let your imagination run wild with Halloween Costume creativity and if you are the host of this years party it’s also time to select Halloween music and of course a special scary move.

Fortunately, Count Crow has the perfect soundtrack for this year’s Halloween with Halloween Spooktacular. With Halloween songs including “Shout the Boo“, “The Ghoulie Hop” and “Reaper Man” you will the best Halloween tunes of any party.

With the Halloween Music Soundtrack covered the next question we thought we might help with is one that we care about quite a bit… the best Vampire movies of all time. 

Remember that we all work for a Vampire and you realize with this topic is so dear to us.  Whether you plan to have a dance Halloween Party with the movie screen lighting up the background or you just want to curl up with a loved one and enjoy a scary Halloween movie there are all types of Vampire movies to choose from.  Some are scary.  Some are funny.  With literally hundreds of Vampire Movies how do you know which ones are the best.

Well we thought we would narrow down the field a bit.  Using the ratings on IMBD we selected the top 50 ranked Vampire movies of all time and then we will keep adding any that you comment about that you want us to add (include the year too please).  From early black and white movies such as the 1922 classic “Nosferatu” to the 2008 hit “Let the Right One In” (which had the highest IMBD score of 8.95 by the way) these Vampire stories are from all genres and styles.

Now we open up the polls to all of you to vote for your favorites.  The Count provided the music, you pick the movie.

Happy Halloween!

1. Monster Music

The secret ingredient to any good party, whether you care to admit it or not, is your choice of music because it will absolutely make or break the mood. Anything too mellow can turn your partiers into Zombies while anything overly obnoxious can be difficult to have conversations over. For the optimal Halloween party soundtrack, find a Happy Halloween medium – we recommend Count Crow’s Halloween Spooktacular and of course, Michael Jackson’s Thriller!

Image Source: http://countcrow.com/wp-content/uploads/Count_Crow-HQ-Cover.jpg

2. Costume Catwalk

Halloween simply isn’t Halloween without the costumes but rather than your guests passively sporting their ghoulish garb, put them on display! Yep, every Halloween party should have a showcased costume catwalk – make a runway, appoint an MC, crank up the music, step aside and watch the freaks arrive in style.

Tip: To add a little friendly competition to the catwalk, pick a male and female winner and have them do a Zoolander style “walk-off” where the crowd selects an overall winner.

Image Source: http://flowingink.co.uk/wordpress/http://flowingink.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_2837.jpg

3. Freaky Foods

When you’re throwing a Halloween party, providing candy is an obvious must. That said, aside from the traditionally less-than-tasty candy corns and cider, there are a number of other ghoulishly creative foods and treats that you can provide to drive home the night’s theme. In the end, the goal is to turn everyday foods into grotesque things like body parts and bugs. Here is one of the best lists we’ve found.

Image Source: http://www.makethelist.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Halloween-Cupcakes.jpg

4. Demonic Decorations

Bottom line; you can’t rely on your guest’s and their costumes to create the ultimate Halloween party vibe all on their own – there has to be freakish decorations to take the party to the next level. Knowing this, your best bet is to turn your place into a mini haunted house and spread the holiday cheer wherever possible; strategically placed cobwebs and spiders, fog machines, black lights, creepy crawlers, corpses, Jack-O-Lanterns, etc – the more gruesome the better!

Image Source: http://sp.life123.com/bm.pix/outdoor-halloween-decorations.s600x600.jpg

5. Pre-Party Pumpkin-Carving

It’s no secret that Halloween parties feel naked without at least one Jack-O-Lantern on the fringes; however, if you want your party to be monstrously epic, there should be a flock of carved pumpkins scattered about. The more the merrier! Of course, because you can’t be expected to carve 50 pumpkins on your own, simply host a pumpkin-carving contest a couple hours before the party itself and put your guests to work by using their carved creations for your decorating gain.

Image Source: http://www.folsomfriends.com/uploads/pumpkins.jpg

6. Mystery Mush

Halloween parties are all about the little details so your guests will appreciate the throwback novelty of the mystery mush. Who knows what to actually call this fun game but if you’re unfamiliar, we’re referring to the bowls of wet lasagna noodles labeled as intestines and floating grapes passed off as eyeballs – though people can’t see what they’re touching, they reach into the mystery bowls to feel things that are the same texture of human remains. Everyone knows they aren’t real, but it’s a vintage fun time nonetheless.

Image Source: http://www.daycareanswers.com/images/mystery-box.jpg

7. Frightening Films

One final way to add to the eerie ambiance of your makeshift haunted house is to have an assortment of horror films being projected on your walls. Not only will the movies contribute to the spooky vibe of the decorations but also your guests will appreciate the scapegoat entertainment when they’re stuck in an awkward conversation that just won’t end – at least they’ll have something to look at!

Tip: Some classics are better than others; therefore, we recommend The Shining, The Exorcist, Pultergeist, Psycho, etc.

Image Source: http://law.du.edu/images/uploads/movie_projector.jpg

I am the personal assistant to the production manager for Count Crow and Igor. It’s been such a huge honor to be a part of their team and to watch such professionals as the Count’s music has taken off. Let’s see.. more about me. I also love rain storms, collecting pez characters and of course all things Halloween.

But I’m getting off track, this isn’t about little old me. It’s about the Count. Count Crow asked me to introduce myself because, well, most any update you get that is written from dawn until dusk you know is not going to be coming from the count. But for someone who works when the sun is down he gets an amazing amount of things done. Just his morning I came in to find 32 post it notes strewn across the office with all sorts of instructions from the Count. Everything from “let’s send a promotional CD to xyz zoo” or “No more garlic pizzas in the office”. I have to say, he’s amazing.

So here is an update from the team here at Count Crow Headquarters. First we want to thank all of the many fans who have been sharing links to all the great Count Crow songs at this blog and on iTunes. I really feel the love. It seems that no matter what the age range the Count’s Contemporary Music for Halloween has been striking a chord (oh, that’s funny) with fans of all ages. We would be curious to know what your favorite song is after you listen to them all so please send your feedback.

The Count and Igor released their music video this week to accompany “Shout the Boo” and I have to say, I never knew that Igor had those kind of moves. It’s not that I didn’t think Igor was sexy.. because I just never thought of him that way. But now that I see him dancing I have to admit he’s got something going on. I wonder if he is single?

But back to the subject at hand… Halloween is only a few weeks away so please feel free to spread the word about Count Crow and the Halloween Spooktakular Album and keep checking back here to meet more of the Count’s team.

Hugs and Kisses,

Melody

OCTOBER, 1607-

The British merchant ship, The Cormorant departed from Portsmouth in June on her way to the New World.  The Captain, Horatio Wheeler soon discovered there were vampires on board and began to write in his log about the infestation on the ship –

September 14th: “The vampires have barricaded themselves in the hold and, despite my entreaties, none of my crew dares go down there to dispatch them. Our nerves are frayed, as none of us have slept for two weeks. Last night, a man leaped off the boat rather than face another night of this torment.”

 September 16^th: “They are at my door now.  There is no hope.  I can only pray that God dash this accursed ship against the rocks, lest it deliver its hellish cargo upon some innocent shores.”

By the time The Cormorant reached Nevis, Captain Wheeler had transformed into a creature of the night and thus became a legend within our covens.   To this day, we all celebrate Horatio Wheeler on Columbus Day.

The Count

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I, Igor have my own music video. Okay, actually it is my master’s video but I got to dance. This is the most exciting thing to happen in my long and unusual life Let me tell you how it happened.

My master, Count Crow, allowed me to demonstrate my dance moves on our new “Shout the Boo” video short. Yes, Yes, those are my original moves. Although I studied the great moves on classic MTV during the 80′s these moves are Igor originals. I really have to say that I look pretty darn good on camera. My natural good looks combined with my dance talents are hard to resist.

And of course I must give humble thanks to my master, Count Crow, for his “Shout the Boo” musical masterpiece. The video was screened at one of our “from dusk till dawn” Halloween parties. The Count gave a live performance for all of our ghouls and guests while I mostly helped valet cars, serve appetizers, manage the cape check room. I was almost starting to resent the fact that while everyone else was having a getting their “boogie” on I, Igor, was once again delegated to menial tasks. I was just waiting to be asked to clean the dungeon again (and we don’t even have any guests there right now.. but it’s good to have your dungeon clean and ready).

But the Count had not forgotten his Igor. When it came time for the Count to perform his number one song he called me up to the dance floor. All the zombies, mummies, witches, vampires and ghouls cleared a circle for me and began to chant “Igor, Igor, Igor”

A single tear rolled down Igor’s cheek in appreciation. And then I showed them what an Igor can do with a rocking rhythm.

I also got two phone numbers. It was a great night, enjoy my dance moves and feel free to use them at your own Halloween Party and don’t forget to pick up your own copy of Count Crow from Itunes or Amazon.

Igor out!

I also need to give a “Shout the Boo” out for Anne Rice – She was born on Oct. 4, 1941. We love you Anne.

The Count

Here are the zoos that my master’s Count Crow Halloween Spooktacular will be playing in as of today…

1. Houston Zoo
2. Tulsa Zoo
3. Baton Rouge Zoo
4. Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
5. Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita)
6. Nashville Zoo
7. Wildlife Experience (Denver)

We are also hoping for many more to share with you shortly. And the most exciting news.. get ready.

My master’s music video is going to be released soon. And guess who gets to show off their dance moves… that’s right ME!! I, Igor, have cut the rug or however it is said in this day and age. If you didn’t think that an Igor could dance I can tell you that I have some of the best dance moves of all. As my master sleeps during the day and I care for him I have been practicing. I have many old “how to dance” albums and when no one is in the dungeon I get my groove on. I think master was quire surprised. And you will be too. So come back and visit often to see and learn more. Halloween is almost here and you most definitely want to have the Halloween Spooktacular album.

Now I go to clean the dungeon… again.

Igor out.