Thrillers & Suckers: 10 Best and Worst Music-Themed Costumes At KCRW's Masquerade and LACMA's Muse Ball

Lina Lecaro

KCRW's Masquerade

Everyone's a rockstar on Halloween. But donning the gear of your favorite musician or music video mainstay should never be done half-assed. Costumes should be clever yet not too obscure. If they're sexy, funny or creepy or nostaligic, all the better and if you can get a group of friends involved you're almost sure to have party a hit. The Robert Palmer girls above sure got hit-on a lot at KCRW's Masquerade on Saturday night. Mr. Palmer just stood by and watched!

KCRW's bash never disappoints the eyes or the ears (Cut Chemist, Duke Spirit, Graham Rabbit and all the station's DJs took their turn at the wheel), and LACMA's Muse ball delivers a decidedly artier array of over-the-top looks. Here, Nightranger shows you 10 (5 best and 5 worst) music-inspired costumes we snapped while out at both parties Saturday night. Grab that dwindling candy bowl, throw on some Ministry ("Everyday is Halloween") and enjoy...

Tantalizing Treats:

5. Yeah, Katy Perry was an easy-sexy dress-up option, but the candy theme of the California Gurl's latest ensembles were just too perfect for Halloween. Focus on the boobies was essential for these get-ups, but they only worked for those with the bods to pull it off. How much ya wanna bet these two were asked to kiss? (We're not talkin' Hershey's).

Lina Lecaro

LACMA Muse Ball

4. Pulling out an old fave makes sense when it re-enters the pop culture consciousness as this iconic Boy George look does. Mark Ronson's recent collab with George and the dark, documentary-like video have brought the braids the back. Don't be surprised if boys -- and girls -- start wearing this do' year-round.

Lina Lecaro

LACMA Muse Ball

3. John & Yoko were also an au courant choice, what with Yoko's recent all-star concerts. Glad they chose all-white look instead of the skin-baring Rolling Stone cover image.

Lina Lecaro

KCRW's Masquerade

2. There's power in numbers, especially on Halloween and doing a full band is always a good call if it's done with attention to detail. The hair, clothes and heights have to be right (note: Joey's tallness). Halloweeny plus: The Ramones' "Pet Sematary" is a seasonal classic.

Lina Lecaro

KCRW's Masquerade

1. Most rockin way to rule the Halloween hordes outfit-wise? Be an actual music icon and have the frame to pull off a fitted hero ensemble like WCS contributor Henry Rollins, aka Super Rollins, who looks a little sweaty here after spinning a powerful set at KCRW's shindig.

Lina Lecaro

Fighting for truth, justice and the American way?

Nix These Tricks:

5. Michael Jackson's Thriller song, video and outfit will forever be a part of Halloween's happenings and hijinx. But at this point, anyone donning the look should have the moves to go with it. This guy didn't.

Lina Lecaro

LACMA Muse Ball

4. Bloated Elvis Presley is fine, but not having the right sunglasses is unforgivable, especially when metallic "Elvis shades" are available everywhere. Pill bottles and peanut-butter and banana sandwich props would have helped too.

Lina Lecaro

LACMA Muse Ball

3. There's always a Slash. Always.

Lina Lecaro

KCRW's Masquerade

2. Ideas for making this Prince costume more interesting: A Disney princess for a date, carrying a frog (Frog Prince), wearing all black (Prince of Darkness).

Lina Lecaro

LACMA's Muse Ball

1. Was there any doubt that the Lady Gaga would have a huge presence this Halloween? We've got nothing against her or her flamboyant frocks, except maybe for the over-exposure. But for those who did attempt the current queen of pop, quickie balloons and bedazzling weren't cutting it. Everyone knows guys make better Gaga's anyway.

Better luck next year party people!

Lina Lecaro

LACMA's Muse Ball

Lina Lecaro

KCRW's Masquerade

More on LACMA and KCRW's parties in this week's
Night-
Ranger.