I came across a section about rock bands and how they got their names in that new Brewer's Dictionary I was telling you all about a couple of posts ago. Eh, bizarre is the only word to describe some of the entries I read and I suppose the only way to fathom things is to pretend that the writers probably had, well, maybe Prince Char-less or someone in mind as the reader when they were penning their little summaries of each baptism. Otherwise, I'm at a loss! Unless, of course it was aul Carlos himself who wrote each one! Anyway, here be a few and to wit:
- Siouxsie and the Banshees: from the adopted name of band singer Siouxsie Soux (born Susan Ballion) and BANSHEES, known for their shrieking.
- Smiths, The: a name chosen for its commonness to counter the pretentious portentousness of names such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. There were no actual Smiths in the group.
- Take That: a phrase implying a sexual invitation to the group's young female fans.
- The, The: a name chosen purely for its minimalist memorability, but also serving as an ironic allusion to the pop music tradition for names beginning with the definite article.
- U2: allegedly a pun on 'you too' or 'you two', implying that all fans could share the Irish band's music either individually or as couples.
- Who, The: a name chosen for its potential to bemuse and amuse, especially in a verbal exchange such as: 'Have you heard The Who?' 'The who?' 'The Who'.
Extraordinary!
More before the end of the month ...
And who might these be then? Ho! Ho!
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