This list is harder than you think!

by Ryan Buynak

In our world, there is no shortage of good band names. From provocative to hilarious, pleasing to the ear to the just plain clever, the titles musical groups choose to go by can be instantly iconic.

While we love thinking of fake band names (G Dub and the N Werds, Tire Fire, the James Van Der Beeks, Vacation Undies, Slew of Creeps, etc), there are so many amazing [real] band names out there.

A great band name is imperative when starting out in the music industry. It can be a perfect descriptor or just something that sounds cool, but it has to stand out. That said, there are a million awesome band names, so we narrowed it to 10, and kept it mildly mainstream.

10. The Regrettes - New band, great name. Listen to their song “Lacy Loo”!

9. Parliament Funkadelic - It just anoints them as the royal family of funk.

8. The Velvet Underground - Perfect for punk pioneers…and weirdos, which they were both.

7. Jane’s Addiction (and Porno for Pyros) - Perry Farrell is a winner at naming bands.

6. A Tribe Called Quest - One of the most important acts in hip hop history with a name that matches their vibe perfectly.

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Let’s make one thing clear, like Pixies, there is no The in the front of this awesome band name, which makes it even better in its gutter/garage simplicity.

4. The Flaming Lips - Chapped lips inspired greatness.

3. Rage Against the Machine - No band name has represented the sound of said band better.

2. Pink Floyd - Is it a drug reference? A crass euphemism for a part of the female anatomy? Hardly. And who cares, it sounds ace!

1. N.W.A. - Literally. Nothing. More. Needs. To. Be. Said.

Honorable Mentions:

Pearl Jam, Public Enemy, Leftover Crack, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Gnarls Barkley, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sick Of Sarah, Of Montreal, Songs: Ohia, The Who, Motörhead, Destiny’s Child, KISS

Amendment:

Talking Heads

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