Yaeka and I went out on the town Tuesday to check out The Race perform on their first west coast tour as well as to do an interview. Before the show we were chatting with singer/guitarist Craig Klein about Seattle and the various weekly papers — well really there are only two now, The Stranger and the Seattle Weekly Craig mentioned that the Seattle Weekly’s review of their latest album If You Can was rather brutal, focusing mainly on the fact that they’re called “The Race” but don’t play fast.
I personally don’t think band names have to have relevance to music. The band name is just the band name. I do think that band names can be really, really awful however so really the purpose of a band name to be is to be memorable and interesting. I’m curious as to what you guys think about band names and also if you have some bands in mind that also don’t seem to match their music. The one that comes immediately to mind is Pinback. Yaeka always mentions how the name doesn’t suit them which I can understand. When I hear the name “Pinback” I think of Pinhead from those horror movies. Regardless of their name, I still think they’re great.
I feel that, like a good novel or a good poem, the title CAN add a significant dimension to an entire work; but it doesn’t have to. That doesnt mean that a name should have an obvious connection to the music, but one that refracts one of its elements.
I’ve been thinking, actually, about how even more important an album cover is to a band (or to a given album). Maybe band’s should replace names with album covers, a thumbnail of which would appear anyone wanted to rever to them. Although, that makes verbal communication hard…hmmm
good band name that reflects its humor:
Ben Folds Five
band name that doesn’t really do anything:
Radio Four
bad band name:
Velvet Revolver
I think the main problem with judging a band by its name is that even if the name does have a close relationship to their music when they form, over the years they may alter/develop their sound in a different direction that could nullify that relationship. Album art definitely is important.
Pinback is a very good example. For a long time I thought Pinback was a rap-rock-punk band, because “Pinback” connotates that type of music.
i think radio 4 is actually an obscure reference to the Public Image Limited song of the same title, so the one thing it does is show how pretentious they are…sort of like what i’m doing now. you should write an article on band names phill or marty or someone, just like i should review those cds some day…
I think the best band name out there is……….
ALL- AMERICAN REJECTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a tight ass band and not to mention they rock. I am also in love with TYSON RITTER!!!!!
He is such a hottie.
I totally agree that Velvet Revolver and Radio Four, both are bad band names.