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.
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
Electronic, "Getting Away With It," (Single), Factory, 1989
Local H, "Bound For The Floor," As Good As Dead, Island, 1996
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