If you can't tell from the past couple articles I've written, I'm very, VERY excited for the fall season – specifically Halloween, and everything that comes along with it.

Halloween has been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was the girl with the craziest, most obscure costumes; I remember dressing as a mime for class's Halloween party in second grade and coming to school in full face paint, black nylon suspenders, and tiny white gloves that I refused to take off (which my teacher loved, of course). Naturally, I was also a hardcore trick-or-treater, racing home as soon as the dismissal bell rang so I could start mercilessly ringing every doorbell on the block by 4 pm and staying out until my mother begged me to come home.

Although I've grown out of cat ears and candy-filled pillowcases, my love for October 31st still persists today. In fact, I believe it has grown a bit stronger; I now associate the entire month of October with slasher movies and the Shining, haunted hayrides and all the "hocus pocus" of Halloween parties. I have also developed a love for Halloween-themed music, going beyond contemporary classics like "Monster Mash" and "Thriller" and into the realm of alternative, goth, and other spooky sounds. That being said, I want everyone to be as hyped up for the Halloween season as I am, so here are my top 5 favorite Halloween songs!