Two sets of recommendations this week, with the second half to come tomorrow. Today, tracks by Spankrock, David Bowie, Henry Mancini, and Ryan Adams.

Curtis McCrary
Spank Rock, "Backyard Betty"

Despite the fact that there's a new Spank Rock album ("Everything Is Boring and Everyone Is a Fucking Liar" — Spank was having a bad day when it came time to name the new joint), I haven't had any time at all to listen to it. So reaching back to 2006's classic "YoYoYoYoYo," I grabbed a handful of "Backyard Betty," which is larded with deeply tubby bass layered over some seriously sinister synth, the foundation upon which Naeem Juwann waxes appreciatively 'bout the titular Betty, who is, it's clear, an "ass-shaking competition champ." Stanky. I'd also like to give a shout out to my main man YouTube for always having the cool fake videos to accompany stuff.

Michael Petitti
David Bowie, "African Night Flight"

Like everybody in the history of the world ever (with the exception of liars), I came to Bowie through the easy work (Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory). Unlike many, however, I sometimes still feel bad about that when relishing cuts from 'Lodger' his woefully overlooked “Berlin-era” masterpiece. Take, for example, this hallucinatory number.

Casey Dewey
Henry Mancini, "Experiment in Terror"

In keeping with the season, this week I present to you maestro Mancini's theme to the thriller "Experiment in Terror", a one-off for for comedy director Blake Edwards. Atmospheric and brooding, Mancini combines Bernard Hermann-like strings with a haunting surf riff. Creepy cool.

Jarret Keene
Ryan Adams, "Halloweenhead"

For at least one night a year, it can be fun to have dark things crawling through your mind.

Head full of tricks and treats
It leads me through the nighttime streets
Black cats, falling trees
Under ladders always walking
Salt shaker spills
Just throw it over your shoulder, babe
Here comes that bad idea again
I’ve got a Halloweenhead