SPOOKYSONGS

Vampire – Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh was one of The Wailers, Bob Marley’s backing band. Only two things scared him, and one is nuclear war. The other is old vampires, exemplified best in his song Vampire.

Released in 1988, sadly after his murder during a home invasion, the album “No Nuclear War” won the Grammy for best reggae album (take that, Buster Poindexter!) Man, the story of his murder is nuts. He was held hostage and tortured by gunmen in his own home, demanding money. When he didn’t give them any, they just started shooting randomly, killing Tosh. The mastermind of the whole thing was sentenced to death by hanging (in 1987!). This album was released shortly thereafter, making the whole affiar have an even more desolate vibe.

We kick off with some spooky sound effects, howling and gnashing. Tosh’s vocal cry of “Unno old vampires!” sound like they’re ringing out in the night, from a rooftop or mountain or something. He goes on to chastise the vampires for feeding on the youth, having no respect for creation and only wanting blood.

The reggea beat makes this one of the more “happy” sounding vampire songs, but given the circumstances around the album and the anguish of Tosh’s voice, it ups the “spooky” vibe to terrifying levels. Perfect for your backyard October barbecue.

As a bonus, the b-side is a slower “Dracula” version, featuring lots more spooky sound effects. Perfect for your backyard October barbecue… of humans.