Swamp Rabbit wasn’t happy with my new playlist. “You’re a sick pup, Odd Man. Most of these songs ain’t got nothin’ to do with Halloween.”

I shook my head and pressed the “Play” button on my phone. “Au contraire, my mangy friend. Halloween is about being truly spooked by forces beyond your control. These songs are spooky.”

Swamp Rabbit’s favorite Halloween songs are those campy standards that aren’t really spooky and weren’t even meant to be. Songs that are good for a laugh, like “Monster Mash” or “Thriller,” with that over-the-top guest vocal by Vincent Price.

I put some funny numbers on my list — “Werewolves of London” and “I Put a Spell on You” are too good to leave off — but the others are here because they chill the blood and bring on the night. Because they sound spooky.

Swamp Rabbit’s opinion didn’t change. “Halloween’s about having fun. I hear that Nirvana song and I just wanna hide under my bed.”

“Have fun under there,” I said. “Happy Halloween.”