I remember hearing this song a lot as a kid. “House of the Rising Sun” was probably on every single one of my dad’s 60’s mix tapes. He’d play them when we were in his car on trips around the country or on his then, state of the art music sound system.
Even as a child, I felt the presence of something out of the ordinary, a note of something other.
The version by The Animals is my favourite, but even when I hear covers, I still get that “hairs standing on end” vibe. Does anyone else get a supernatural type feeling when they listen to “House of the Rising Sun”?
Eric Burdon’s growly voice is awesome and sinister or maybe that should be awesomely sinister!
I also enjoy Muse and Lauren O Connell’s versions.
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Are you a fan of “House of the Rising”? Do you hear something a little creepy in it? Do you have a favourite version?
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Emma's Ramblings on Supernatural Fiction 
They play this on Supernatural sometimes, but yes, there’s definitely a supernatural vibe in it. It makes me think of deals with the devil or along those veins.
What version do they play in Supernatural? Yeah, I’m with you on that imagery, Traci.
I don’t think anyone can do House of the Rising Sun like the Animals. I’ve loved that song from the first moment I heard it, and still have it in my mp3 selection today. Interesting finding this here….that post I did about Old 97 and the rendition of the ballad by the band Skiffledog? Skiffledog is HIlton Valentine’s group and HV was the original guitarist for the Animals. Small world!
And yeah, there’s something mesmerizing and creepy about this song…all in a good way!
That’s some coincidence. I spoke with my dad after reading your post and asked him if he’d heard of Old 97 and his response was, “yeah, isn’t there a song about it”. 🙂
LOL! That’s perfect!
The Animals is the only version that is worth listening to! It’s from the point of view of a woman led into a life of degradation, to that of a man, whose father was now a gambler and drunkard, as opposed to the sweetheart in earlier versions. Class song!! It definitely has a supernatural feel to it, I think it’s cos of the organ! 🙂
Laura, tell us how ya really feel. 😉 I’ll have to pay more attention to the lyrics next time I listen to it.
Totally. The version by The Animals is on my Halloween playlist.
A Halloween playlist – love it. Never thought to do one before.
This is a great version (hey, I remember when this was on the top 40 radio! 🙂 ).
I’m also partial to Sinead O’Connor’s version, since it is really a woman’s song. Oh, and Laura is absolutely correct — the organ break (by Alan Price) is amazing.
I’d say the Top 40 back then was a lot better than today’s charts? 😉 I haven’t heard Sinead’s version, but I need to check it out, can imagine how haunting that would sound.
I love it and I prefer the original. But then I love the Animals and that type of music. I have it on lots of mix albums as well as the album. And I get shivers too. Similarly to ‘Paint it Black’. 🙂
shahwharton.com X
I’m Googling “Paint it Black” right now. Okay, just listening to it on YouTube. Of course I know this song, I just didn’t know the title! Yep another spine tingling song.
That song does have a creepy feeling to it, and I love it. The Animals version is probably the best, but Otis Redding does a good version, too.
I didn’t realise Otis did a version. Off to check that out. Thanks for the tip.
This song was before my time, but I just love a good oldie! The Animals’ version is definitely my favourite as well, although I’m partial to the original too. Thanks for putting this earworm in my head, that’s just what I needed Monday morning. LOL 😉
Carmel @ Rabid Reads.
Before my time too but the oldies are the best. I’m not actually sure who did the original.
I heard this the other day while at work and I’m still singing it. The music, his voice, and the lyrics are haunting! Love this song:)
I liked the version they were using for last season promos of American Horror Story! That song has power in many versions.
It definitely does.