greatest bands with the worst band names

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

The Chocolate Watch Band and The Electric Prunes are up there. I used to think Love had a stupid name, but once you listen to the lyrics it has a great ironic/melancholic resonance that I think must have been deliberate as Arthur Lee never did anything by accident.

I know it's a joke, but I never liked the name "Condo Fucks." And there's Blue Öyster Cult, which might veer over into camp, but their early psych stuff is pretty fantastic. "that dog." [sic] is a pretty twee name for a pretty great band. Also not crazy about "The Apples in Stereo," though I love their music.

My Bloody Valentine, definitely. I avoided them in the early 90s because I thought they were an industrial/goth band. And I think we all agree on Jay Reatard, who was an incredible songwriter and musician, but hoo boy.

As for great bands with great names, I vote for The Detroit Cobras and The Ettes.

[masterofsparks]

I vote for Wooden Shjips. "Wooden Ships" would be an OK name, but that dumb spelling makes me second-guess myself every time I say the name out loud.

[daveB from Oakland]

My Bloody Valentine, definitely. I avoided them in the early 90s because I thought they were an industrial/goth band.

They were pretty gothy when they started out. Their first few EPs didn't sound much like the "signature sound" they developed a few years later ... sometimes bands get stuck with names that aren't very representative of where they eventually end up.

[Eric Fishlegs]

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

This was my first thought as well. It's a dumb name, no two ways about it. Was never too impressed with the name The Who either.

[Kormod]

Not exactly a great band, but "Strawberry Alarm Clock" is a pretty terrible band name.

[Kormod]

And yeah, the late '90s was a golden age for terrible band names, Hoobastank, Limp Bizkit, KoRn, Puddle of Mudd, Papa Roach, Kottonmouth Kings, and Alien Ant Farm being just a few examples of what the period had to offer.

[snacoman]

If I had to answer this thread 20 years ago I would've said Soundgarden.  I still think its a terrible name but I don't think they are a great band anymore. 

[masterofsparks]

Death Cab for Cutie has got to be pretty high on this list.

[masterofsparks]

I doubt I'll get much support for their greatness here, but I'd put Kyuss on this list.

[Kormod]

The Hellacopters.

[gravy boat]

Shudder to Think

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

I like Kyuss OK, and I think Shudder To Think is a good band name. Not a fan of the name CoCoComa, but the band is great. Same for BBQ.

I'm not really sure whether Personal & The Pizzas is one of the worst or one of the best band names I've ever heard.

I also hate pronouncing !!! as Chk Chk Chk.

[cavorting with nudists]

The The is a pretty bad name for a good band.  Impossible to Google too.

[Lawrence Orbach]

Also, I hate to say it, but The New Pornographers is not a good band name. Greatest, greatest, greatest band ever though. Please don't crucify me.

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Also, I hate to say it, but The New Pornographers is not a good band name. Greatest, greatest, greatest band ever though. Please don't crucify me.

I could get on board with this.