Halloween 2020: Six of Toyah’s Spookiest Songs
It’s Halloween! The perfect day for a spooky Toyah playlist (albeit a short one!). I’m not much of a horror fan, can’t even watch a scary movie without the light on, but being brave to compile this tuneful frightfest… Six from Toyah, from the spine tingling to the truly electrifying! Listen to the playlist at Spotify. (Thanks Craig!)
The Packt: From the 1982 album The Changeling. “The doors blow open. You’ve arrived!” Scary and Epic! #Majestic
She: From the 1980 album The Blue Meaning. The opening of this track is as “gothic” as Toyah ever sounded. An incredible song that builds and builds… “Alleluia!” #Cataclysmic
Voodoo Doll: A b-side from 1983 which, on the surface, sounds like a fairly straightforward pop song. “Eyes alight, I am the night…“. Maybe not so straightforward! #Supernatural
Creepy Room: Another from The Changeling. “They’re sending me to the creepy room, for some chemically induced fear“. Enough said! #Ominous
Victims Of The Riddle (Vivisection): The b-side of Toyah’s 1979 debut single. The subject matter of this track is bizarre in itself (experimenting on sentient animals is highly controversial), but the high-pitch squeals make it all the more uncomfortable to listen to. Producer, Steve James recently revealed they were achieved by Toyah sucking on helium (which would also be utilised during 1980 recording sessions). #Spinechilling
Angels and Demons: From the 1981 EP, Four From Toyah. “Angels and demons, omens and requiems, peers and sightseers, merchants with souvenirs“. Toyah said of the song, “This one’s about growing up, and everything you’re told not to believe in“. #Mysterious
