greatest bands with the worst band names

[cutout]

I'm sure Tom has done this topic. I was trying to think of the most extreme examples of bands where the greatness of the music is jeopardized by the badness of the band name. I was a pretty big fan of Japancakes for awhile but never liked to say the name out loud. Not crazy about saying Pissed Jeans either, but I do enjoy the music. I was trying to think of bigger/more successful bands that have succeeded with an even higher contrast of good music/bad band name...

[wood and iron]

As someone with a cousin who has Down Syndrome, and both parents having been special educators, I cannot get past "Jay Reatard".

Every song I've heard of his I've really really like. But that name...yikes.

[NJL]

Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band, for sure.  Camper Van Beethoven?  The Stooges?  And although I don't like any of their music, food related band names always really grossed me out.  Bread, Vanilla Fudge, Cream, etc.

[cavorting with nudists]

While it's easy to think of bad or mediocre bands with awful names (I propose "Hoobastank" as the gold standard), most good bands are self-aware enough to make this a much bigger challenge.  The Urinals is pretty weak, though it would be safer to say I like the songs by them that I've heard than that they're a "great" band.  I agree that Don Van Vliet could have tried harder, but I would say The Stooges is one of the best names ever.

[Chris L]

Gotta be My Bloody Valentine.

[NJL]

I would say The Stooges is one of the best names ever.

This probably has to do with my own dumb word associations.  I understand the word stooge has it's own venerable meaning beyond slapstick comedy but when I was first introduced to the band The Stooges I couldn't help but think of them.

[cavorting with nudists]

Well, if they'd stayed The Psychedelic Stooges, there would be a bigger problem.

[dave from knoxville]

Cramps

[JonFromMaplewood]

Neutral Milk Hotel

[dave from knoxville]

Fucked Up

[Tom Scharpling]

As someone with a cousin who has Down Syndrome, and both parents having been special educators, I cannot get past "Jay Reatard".

Every song I've heard of his I've really really like. But that name...yikes.

Trust me, I hate it. I wish I hated his music because of that shitty name. I try to remember to mis-pronounce his name when I'm on the air. And I have a feeling he would've ditched the name shortly - he was already using Jay Lindsay in some of his album credits.

But I agree it's the worst. As someone who has had a few people with developmental disabilities in my life it pains me.

Tom.

[Paul DeLouisiana]

The Flying Burrito Bros. could easily be the worst or the best.

[Lawrence Orbach]

If I were to be HYPER-objective, I think I'd say The Beatles.

[yesno]

Jay picked that name when he was what, 14?

[nec13]

The Feelies
Flamin' Groovies
Wipers

All great bands. All terrible names.