photo credit: RazingCulture

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
-Shakespeare

Ah, the elusive band name. Every musical outfit has the “what are we going to call ourselves ” moment. The Beatles solved it with a twist on Buddy Holly’s backing band, The Crickets. The Rolling Stones named themselves after a Muddy Waters song. Nirvana? What could be better than “a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality.?” Let’s take a brief look at the names of our musical muses.

My Bloody Valentine – Named after a 1981 Canadian slasher film. While we’re on the subject of blood I should mention that the sheer volume of this band may cause your ears to bleed.

New York Dolls – Sassy, trashy, and in yer face. God love ‘em.

Wu-Tang Clan - Taken from Wu Dang mountain in China, which was associated with Taoism, martial arts and medicine.

The Trashmen – When you’ve recorded the worlds trashiest song,”Surfin’ Bird,” then you deserve this name.

Bad Brains – I love this name. No explanation necessary.

The Sex Pistols – Originally called QT Jones and the Sex Pistols. There’s a lot to be said for brevity.

Sonic Youth – Combines the nickname of MC5′s Fred “Sonic” Smith with reggae artist Big Youth. They may have topped it with their one off tribute to Madonna – Ciccone Youth.

My Morning Jacket – Worst indie music band name ever. Guess all the good names were taken. Does not work on any level.

? and The Mysterians – From a Japanese sci fi movie. Lead singer Rudy Martinez legally changed his name to ? – really!

The Velvet Underground – Taken from the title of a kinky book. After all is said and done, it is SEX, drugs, and rock n’ roll that we’re talking about here.

Devo - Shorthand for de-evolution or the dumbing down of our world. True prophets.

Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes – Perfectly captures the hedonism of the 70′s. Their singer was a hairdresser named Monti Rock III.

Kraftwerk – German for Power Station. Although I like to think of their music as being very “krafty.”

De La Soul – When you’re known for masterful wordplay, rapping, and music it follows that you have a great name.

Gang of Four – A leftist political faction composed of four Chinese Communist Party officials who were subsequently charged with a series of treasonous crimes. The band was sorta political too.

Hootie & the Blowfish – Taken from a Bob Dylan song, “Only Wanna Be With You.” I guess Bob’s lyrics can’t all be as good as “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat.”

U2 – Inclusive, embracing, just like their rock music anthems.

ZZ Top – A sly reworking of BB King. When you consider their clever wordplay and singular take on da blooz, this name makes perfect sense.

Lothar & The Hand People – Taken from a dream in which an enslaved race called the Hand People are saved by a hero named Lothar. A name like this could only have happened in the 60′s.

Got yourself a favorite  band name? Then by all means, drop a line.