Paddling Ghost: Last-minute Halloween costumes inspired by Dan Deacon's tour
Leor Galil
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October 31st is in a few days and you’re left with a scary query: What to do for Halloween? As the hours pass, it seems like every great costume idea has been wrestled from your grasp, and the only thing left at the Spirit store around the corner is a Jigsaw mask. Fortunately, there’s one man who can serve as your perfect holiday muse: Sweaty electronica genius Dan Deacon—he’s playing the day before Halloween at the Logan Square Auditorium, and his songs, albums, and latest tour poster all provide perfect inspiration for costumes not only to wear at his notoriously hectic live shows, but the next night while bobbing for apples.
Character: "Paddling Ghost," the gamelan-inspired single off Deacon’s new album Bromst.
How to dress the part on short notice: The ghost part is easy—a white sheet and a pair of scissors will do the trick. For the rest, dig up an old, large cardboard box and cut out an oar for yourself, leaving most of the box intact to serve as your haunted vessel. Fashion an eye patch out of construction paper and some yarn for added effect.
Best way to use the costume at the concert: If you were too afraid to crowd surf before, the box will serve as some nice armor—and you can pretend you’re cursing anyone who accidentally punches you in the kidneys.
Character: "The Crystal Cat," the pop-friendly single from Spiderman Of The Rings that made Deacon into the go-to party guy for usually subdued concertgoers everywhere.
How to dress the part on short notice: Drape rolls of plastic wrap over your body to give your costume the shiny, transparent quality of crystal (remember holes for breathing and your arms), and top if off with a pair of store-bought costume cat ears. Or you can drink a boatload of Cristal and wear a pair of homemade cat ears. Whatever you decide to do, the cat ears are key.
Best way to use the costume at the concert: When you hear the fuzz-drenched drums that kick off “The Crystal Cat,” you’ll have the best excuse to move to the center of the action and start meowing and flailing.
Character: "Baltihorse," the schizophrenic syncopated track that helps round out Bromst.
How to dress the part on short notice: Grab a white sheet large enough for you and a friend to comfortably fit under. Next, find a couple pairs of sweatshirts and sweatpants and a couple of cardboard boxes for the horse head. Hunt down spray paint, clothing dye, permanent marker, and go to town on the sheet, clothing, and boxes. Since nobody knows what the hell a Baltihorse is, just lean heavily on stock Deacon imagery: trippy green skulls, psychedelic swirls, and anything bold and weird will hold sway. Plus, who would dare cross the mighty Baltihorse and its intimidating, boxy head?
Best way to use the costume at the concert: Stomp your feet twice if you like to dance. Then convulse wildly throughout any song. You'll fit right in.
