Although this hit soundtrack was recorded with cheap '70s synthesizers, the simple scores composed by John Carpenter are acclaimed masterpieces. Carpenter sets the mood for his horrific movie with such tracks as "The Shape Stalks," "Laurie's Theme" and, of course, his main theme, which consists of the beating out of a 5-4 rhythm. A definite first pick for those interested, this soundtrack even bests most scary music albums. ~ Barry Weber, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Halloween Theme (Main Title)
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(2:55)
Laurie's Theme
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(2:05)
Shape Escapes
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(1:42)
Meyers' House
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(5:35)
Michael Kills Judith
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:11)
Loomis and Shape's Car
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:31)
The Haunted House
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:33)
The Shape Lurks
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(1:35)
Laurie Knows
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:02)
Better Check the Kids
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:26)
The Shape Stalks
John Carpenter
John Carpenter
(3:09)
Credits
John Carpenter (Composer), John Carpenter (Performer), John Carpenter (Liner Notes), Joe Gastwirt (?), Joe Gastwirt (Editing), Joe Gastwirt (Digital Transfers), Alan Howarth (Remixing), Alan Howarth (Mixing), Tom Null (?), Tom Null (Release Preparation), Tom Null (Preparation for Release), Dan Wyman (Synthesizer), Dan Wyman (Programming), Bob Walter (Music Coordinator), Peter Bergren (Engineer)
Halloween is a live album by Frank Zappa, released in DVD-Audio CD format by Vaulternative Records in 2003. It features recordings compiled from various shows at The Palladium, New York City in late October 1978—including a Halloween show on October 31—along with some video content from the same period. The set includes a performance of "Ancient Armaments", which appears on the album for the first time in digital form, having previously been included as the B-side to "I Don't Wanna Get Drafted" in 1980. The album cover art resembles the cover art of 1969's Hot Rats.
Track 5, "Magic Fingers", is edited together from versions from the Halloween show on October 31, 1978 and from the two shows which took place on October 27. The other tracks were taken from the following shows:
October 27, first show — tracks 10–12
October 27, second show — track 4
October 28, first show — track 7
October 31 — tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 13
Additional content
"Suicide Chump" – 9:31
Video in Black and White, recorded at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, New Jersey October 13, 1978
"Dancin' Fool" – 3:48
Color video taken from Zappa's appearance on Saturday Night Live, in New York City October 21, 1978
Radio interview – 9:41
Audio only; conducted at WPIX with Mark Simone, October 30, 1978