Dead Man's Bones - s/t (2009)

So actor Ryan Gosling has a band. And while it's no Bruno, its kitsch-creepiness and retro-horror, gospel-tinged inspired stylings--all the more emphasized with the help of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir--make for an interesting listen. The spooooky themes aren't just limited to the compositions either: they're a constant motif throughout the lyrics, as Gosling and bandmate Zach Shields (for whom I'm sorry that this act will always be known as "Ryan Gosling's band") craft "love stories about ghosts and monsters." If that sounds ridiculous, it is. But tracks like "My Body's a Zombie for You" and lines like "When I think of you, flowers grow out of my grave," are so indulgently loyal to the concept, it's nearly irresistible to join in on the fun and have Halloween any time of the year.

Sample: "Pa Pa Power"

- Jake