Regrettable Band Names
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with writer Kyle Ryan about his Substack, Band Name Bureau. They explore the overlap between good music and poorly named bands. A selection of examples are discussed and played.
Kyle Ryan of Band Name Bureau
Band Name Bureau catalogs and celebrates funny, weird, and questionable band names. It started in 2005 when critic Kyle Ryan began collecting names while at The A.V. Club. His annual “Year in Band Names” became a beloved tradition until he left in 2018. Now he keeps the mission alive via newsletter and social media. He joins Sound Opinions for this episode to talk about hilariously bad band names.
Featured Songs:
- Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, "GNT," King of Cowards, Rocket, 2018
- The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
- Screeching Weasel, "Cool Kids," Bark Like A Dog, Fat Wreck Chords, 1996
- OMBIIGIZI, "Connecting," Shame, Arts & Crafts, 2024
- Winona Fighter, "I'm In The Market To Please No One," My Apologies to the Chef, Rise, 2025
- Bikini Trill, "Pushing Daisies," (Single), Ineffable, 2024
- Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, "I Used To Be Fun," I Love You, Domestic La La, 2023
- Fartbarf, "Simple Planet," (Single), Sweatband, 2020
- Ned's Atomic Dustbin, "Gray Cell Green," God Fodder, Columbia, 1991
- Ass Ponys, "Kung Fu Reference," Lohio, Checkered Past, 2001
- Butthole Surfers, "The Hurdy Gurdy Man," (Single), Rough Trade, 1990
- Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, "Glib Tongued," Death Hilarious, Missing Piece, 2025
- Electronic, "Getting Away With It," (Single), Factory, 1989
- Local H, "Bound For The Floor," As Good As Dead, Island, 1996
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