As someone who has always been surrounded by music, sure enough, on the first of October, I will waddle down to my record player, and pull out a selection of Autumn/Fall/Halloween/Spooky inspired vinyl to listen to throughout the month. This is something I’ve done for years, and certain albums and soundtracks really get me all excited about October and the fun it can bring. This year, I wanted to share a list of some of my favourite vinyl albums to listen to around this time of year, just in case you needed something fun to listen to over the season. Of course, you don’t need to listen to these albums on vinyl; most are available to listen to in a variety of media, but I’m just a vinyl person.
Of course, my list will be very personal to me, and there will be so many other albums out there perfect for the season, so please feel free to comment below on what should be added to the list or what would be on your list.

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown – Vince Guaraldi

We all know I’m a huge Snoopy/Peanuts fan, which means that, of course, the classic soundtrack to It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown features on this list. This album is not only super nostalgic, calming, cute and fun, but there is a special version of the album where the vinyl is pumpkin-shaped. Need I say more?
This is the version I have.

Folklore- Taylor Swift

I’ve been mentally debating whether to add some Taylor Swift to this list, but honestly, Folklore, really is autumn-coded in its nature. Similar to Rumours from Fleetwood Mac, Folklore is full of heartbreak, wishing for change, songs about autumn/changing seasons, and even the album gives spooky/autumnal vibes. There’s no debate that Taylor Swift is a brilliant songwriter, and this album is perfectly curated for a time of slowing down and season change.

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac

Probably one of the most iconic and recognisable albums of all time, Rumours by Fleetwood Mac is an autumnal journey full of love, life and other disasters. It is raw, beautiful, heartbreaking, and so comforting all at the same time. This is an album that is in constant rotation in my home, and I’ve had to buy a backup album to save my original vintage pressing. I have this special green vinyl edition, which just adds to the autumnal vibes even more.

Tapestry – Carole King

My dad wouldn’t speak to me if I did not add Carole King’s legendary album, Tapestry. My dad has owned about 6 cassettes of this album, all of which he wore out driving around when younger (along with The Doors’ LA Woman, which he wore out 9 copies). My dad describes this album as being “perfect, painful and pure all at once”. The range of stories and emotion in this album makes it also one of my favourites to enjoy (especially with my dad around).

Wave – Patrick Watson

A little niche and unknown, but there’s just something about Patrick Watson. His haunting vocals, beautiful melodies and unique sound make him very worthy of being overplayed during the October/autumnal season. Wave features some great tracks, such as Dream for Dreaming and Here Comes The River, that provide that perfect autumnal haunt. This album is so stunning and completely underrated.

For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

Bon Iver doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, which is why he is proudly featured on this list. For Emma, Forever Ago is an album that is perfect for putting on in the evening as you do your evening post-dinner kitchen clean or as I like to call it, the lockdown shift. Bon Iver‘s vocals are truly unique and give that autumnal haunting quality that is perfect for the season.

Over the Garden Wall Soundtrack

This is my latest vinyl acquisition after many, many years of hunting, and I could not be happier. The soundtrack for Over the Garden Wall is one that perfectly captures the essence of Autumn, its uncertainty, spookiness and magic. This soundtrack, pulled directly from the Cartoon Network mini series, is one that is super fun to listen to and sing along to (Potatoes and Molasses will always get a song out of me). If you haven’t had a chance to experience Over the Garden Wall, it’s completely worth it just for the music. Also, special shout-out to the coolest vinyl pressing! Those colours!

Sounds of Silence – Simon and Garfunkel

Is it really October? Is Simon and Garfunkel singing songs somewhere in the background? Sounds of Silence is one of those classic albums for easy listening with a touch of whimsy and fun. This album feels like a soft autumnal breeze as the tea brews, the blanket beckons and the leaves fall. I’d also just recommend Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits if you want a wider range of their tracks, which also gives great autumnal vibes because the tracks from Bridge over Troubled Water definitely theme the October vibe.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack

This is the first album I listen to on October 1st. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is iconic, weird, kooky and so much fun, which makes it such a fun start to October and spooky season. This album is always a lot of fun and really makes you appreciate some of the fun songs and vocals from the film.
So I actually need to confess and say I don’t own a copy of this album on vinyl. Mostly, I just listen to the soundtrack on YouTube (currently listening to it now), but I am keeping an eye out for a special edition in the future. I’m one of those people that I’ll want something, but I will wait until the perfect version to buy it, and I’m just waiting for RHPS to appear one day when the time is right.

Stick Season – Noah Khan

Noah Khan is my hipster moment where I shout, “I listened to him for ages before he became popular” but honestly, he deserves to be listened to, and Stick Season is a brilliant album. Stick Season captures the fear and anxiety about both life and the world/changing seasons. This album just makes me want to drive around and look at autumn leaves and drink something warm and delicious whilst wrapped in a blanket.
They have recently released some limited edition coloured vinyls of this album, check out this stunning green and chestnut colour!

Carrie and Lowell – Sufjan Stevens

A little more niche, but honestly, Carrie & Lowell is an album that makes me feel so cozy, safe and at home. Sufjan Stevens is probably most commonly known for being on the Call Me By Your Name Soundtrack, but they deserve so much more love than they receive. Imagine a modern-day Simon and Garfunkel with more whimsy.

Getting my list down to these few was really difficult. Music has always been such a love of mine, and these albums are all very near and dear to me. As October rolls on by, even though for me it’s the start of spring, these albums will continue to serenade me into spooky season as I just over romanticise any chilly weather left over. Within these albums, I hope you find something new to add to your normal playlists and perhaps discover a new vibe or sound. These songs are best enjoyed in as cozy a setting as possible, even if that just means one tea light candle somewhere nearby. Wishing you all a lovely start to spooky season!

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