Halloween Song: “The Man Who’s Afraid Of Everything”

In a recent post about Little Steven Van Zandt’s Halloween A Go-Go compilation, I noted that a few tracks weren’t really that frightening. Which proves (at least in my opinion and obviously Little Steven’s) that it’s okay to finesse your Halloween party playlist as long you have enough ghosts, witches, monsters, and other paranormal creatures lurking throughout most of it. Just make sure your occasional non-creepy tune relates to the playlist in a clever sort of way.

“The Man Who’s Afraid Of Everything,” by ANC4, is a good example. Like the other 15 tracks on the Swedish band’s recent Strange Tide album, this is supremely done power pop. It’s similar to XTC’s “I’m The Man Who Murdered Love,” not only in its title but also with its catchy arrangement. As for lyrics, “The Man Who’s Afraid Of Everything,” brings to mind that classic bit in A Charlie Brown Christmas when Lucy Van Pelt suggests Charlie Brown might have pantophobia.

“I need to know what’s wrong with me,” the title character admits at the start of this guitar-driven song, adding, “I’m always scared of something.” He doesn’t offer specifics, other than his constant fear is embarrassing. Think about dropping this tune between Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” and Henry Mancini’s “Experiment In Terror,” and you’re sure to impress your party guests with your eclectic taste in music.