This is a song about living with untreated—and poorly treated—mental illness, as is most of this album. Roky Erickson struggled with illness, both physical and mental, from a very young age, and his ability to write about demons of all kinds translated into a body of work that is relatable, terrifying, funny, heartbreaking, and—yes—spooky, all at once.
The Evil One is one of my favorite albums any time of year, but it’s also the coolest thing you can put on at a Halloween party. The songs are undeniably on-theme, well-constructed bangers, and you can spend hours discussing the larger themes (if you are so inclined). And that, my friends, is why it gets the much-coveted Queen of Halloween seal of approval.
