We’re rolling right along on the Halloween Countdown! Today’s Spin is from one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters, who never met a dark thought he didn’t put to music. I knew I was going to include something by Warren Zevon on this list, but I have to admit the timing is rigged. My Dad is the guy that turned me on to Warren Zevon’s music, and today would’ve been his 73rd birthday. In honor of my Dad, I give you this present.
Number 8: Excitable Boy – Warren Zevon
What, you say? Not “Werewolves of London”? Yes, that is his most recognizable tune, and even comes from the same album, but I think “Excitable Boy” is much creepier. So peppy and upbeat, and is that Linda Ronstadt on the backing vocals? You barely even register that the kid is a total psychopath, until you get to the line “and he raped her and killed her, then he took her home.”
Wait, what?
“Ooooo-ooh, excitable boy!”
Oingo Boingo would later recall the sentiment on “Only A Lad,” another danceable tune about a young psycho, but Warren Zevon laid that groundwork. If you’re looking for a rocking album for the Halloween season, Excitable Boy is a great pick. In addition to the title track, and “Werewolves of London”, it also includes another creepy fave, “Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner.”
Without further ado, here’s Warren Zevon with “Excitable Boy.” Enjoy!
The Countdown
- 20) Eels – Fresh Blood
- 19) Squirrel Nut Zippers – Hell
- 18) Tom Waits – Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard
- 17) Donovan – Season Of The Witch
- 16) Jeremy Messersmith – Organ Donor
- 15) Neville Brothers – Voodoo
- 14) Siouxsie & The Banshees – Eve White Eve Black
- 13) The Adverts – Gary Gilmore’s Eyes
- 12) The Ramones – Pet Semetary
- 11) Talking Heads – Psycho Killer
- 10) Michael Jackson – Thriller
- 9) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Red Right Hand
- 8) Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy
