We've somehow managed to clump all our late nights and early mornings at the end of vacation, thus undoing the good derived from the time off. Still not sorry we got out to the Power Skeleton CD release show last night. It makes me happy that a band with such a great name is also so creative and strange. And, it being October, that the stage was decorated with skeletons!
I'm done going out for a while, but I won't let that stop me from perusing the listings for excellent names:
6 Demon Bag
This sounds like something from a role-playing game, an item that allows you to collect the demons you defeat and use their powers. (Which shows that I live with huge nerds -- I guessed that without knowing it was an actual thing in World of Warcraft). Upgrade to the 12 Demon Bag for just one gold piece more!
Brides of the Lizard God
This one has that campy, B-movie vibe I love so much. A bride is an image of ceremony and anticipation of sex. Brides, plural, adds a more salacious note. But -- brides of a deity, so is it a religious thing? But the deity is a lizard, which turns it into a monster movie or possibly dinosaur porn. What a poster this would have!
Cannabidroids
The robot uprising has been cancelled because all the robots are stoned.
The Loveless Building
We haven't had a winner in the Local Flavor category in some time, so this was a happy find. I've eaten in at least one of the restaurants to occupy this Capitol Hill landmark and remarked on the accidental forlorness of the name.
The Preatures
I love English spelling, which gives us words like "creature" and "preacher" that rhyme without looking like they should. Now we know who performs the Lizard God's wedding.
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward five favorite band names each week. Winners are listed alphabetically. Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won't know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Seattle Times club listings for abundant source material!
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
October 12, 2014
Our endless summer is finally loosening its grip, but October is so beautiful around here, I really can't complain. I'm a day late blogging because yesterday, our 28th wedding anniversary, we eschewed the grubby rock clubs of last weekend for glitzy theater and fine dining. Possibly we'll be back in the bars later in the week because we're on vacation! I'm tempted by a show next Friday: Power Skeleton album release show, with Sun Giants and perennial favorites Ancient Warlocks, at Darrell's Tavern in Shoreline. I've listened to part 1, A-M, of Power Skeleton's 26 Songs about the Natural World. How can you not like improvs with names like "Ants (with Aphids)", "Hagfish," or "Motorcycle Helmet"? How often is metal this endearing?
https://www.facebook.com/events/527488070717779/?sid_reminder=8407279549980606464
Even more great band names:
Astro Tan
I'm always taken with how much can be done with the change of one letter -- from multi-passenger conveyance to the ultimate in safe tanning. I suspect you can get away with a low protection factor while working on your star tan.
Jungle, Empress of
OK, this is two bands on one bill, but I want to see the resume that includes this past work experience.
Metaphoria
Ecstasy for English majors.
The Owl Parliament
I love that "parliament" really is the correct term for a group of owls. For that matter, a group of humans is, yes, a band. So where's the band called Toad Knot?
Wreckless Freeks
Creative spelling gives us one word that sounds like its opposite and one that looks a little freakish.
https://www.facebook.com/events/527488070717779/?sid_reminder=8407279549980606464
Even more great band names:
Astro Tan
I'm always taken with how much can be done with the change of one letter -- from multi-passenger conveyance to the ultimate in safe tanning. I suspect you can get away with a low protection factor while working on your star tan.
Jungle, Empress of
OK, this is two bands on one bill, but I want to see the resume that includes this past work experience.
Metaphoria
Ecstasy for English majors.
The Owl Parliament
I love that "parliament" really is the correct term for a group of owls. For that matter, a group of humans is, yes, a band. So where's the band called Toad Knot?
Wreckless Freeks
Creative spelling gives us one word that sounds like its opposite and one that looks a little freakish.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 4, 2014
It's not too late to head out to the Macefield Music Festival in Ballard and discover or get reacquainted with a wide variety of local music. If last night is any indication, the rest of the festival is not to be missed. We were sorry to have to skip Tom Price Desert Classic -- 6:00 p.m. was too early for us to get all the way to Ballard after work. But we were there in time to enjoy the surf sounds of Boss Martians, proto-punk rock from the Sonics (an intergenerational love fest), one beautiful a capella duet by Inly, and a great set of raw, rocking, heartbreaker blues (and jokes about sad songs) from Star Anna. And, hey! The Sunset is in the middle of converting from a bar with a stage into a music venue with a bar. Best wishes for a happy end to the project.
And there's a whole week of other, non-festival shows after this! Here are some names to consider:
Being as an Ocean
I'm taken with the philosophical/literary affect here. Every being is vast and complex, loud and wild. (And as it turns out, they set wordy, poetic lyrics to loud, thrashing music. It all fits!)
Circus Sized Peanuts
I like this for the goofy nostalgia hit. A Google search brings up the band's Facebook page first, followed by images of the orange, giant-peanut-shaped marshmallow candy, which was the first thing I thought of when I saw the name. I'm nostalgic mostly for the shape and texture; the taste, not so much.
Deadly Poets
I knew I distrusted poetry for some reason . . .
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
Classic X and the Y structure, with a psychedelic twist and a neat double meaning in the band's name.
Under the Puddle
I like that I get to begin and end with bodies of water, as different as they can be. This implies greater depth than a puddle usually contains. What other worlds exist just below the surface? (I've just finished Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which must be informing my sense of things).
And there's a whole week of other, non-festival shows after this! Here are some names to consider:
Being as an Ocean
I'm taken with the philosophical/literary affect here. Every being is vast and complex, loud and wild. (And as it turns out, they set wordy, poetic lyrics to loud, thrashing music. It all fits!)
Circus Sized Peanuts
I like this for the goofy nostalgia hit. A Google search brings up the band's Facebook page first, followed by images of the orange, giant-peanut-shaped marshmallow candy, which was the first thing I thought of when I saw the name. I'm nostalgic mostly for the shape and texture; the taste, not so much.
Deadly Poets
I knew I distrusted poetry for some reason . . .
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
Classic X and the Y structure, with a psychedelic twist and a neat double meaning in the band's name.
Under the Puddle
I like that I get to begin and end with bodies of water, as different as they can be. This implies greater depth than a puddle usually contains. What other worlds exist just below the surface? (I've just finished Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which must be informing my sense of things).
Saturday, September 27, 2014
September 27, 2014
Got no plans tonight? Now you do: Dead Bars at the Kraken, 9:00 p.m., opening for Lincoln Hawk, Bastards of Young, and Civil War Rust. https://www.facebook.com/events/1513621625539498/
And here's some other cream that rose to the top:
Kung Fu Vampire
The club listings accidentally ran the names of two acts together, so at first I thought it was Kung Fu Vampire Psych Ward Druggies, which was too over-the-top good to be true. I still love the B-movie vibe.
Moon Taxi
And step on it!
Rangehoods
Oh, happy language that allows transformation from mundane kitchen appliance to Western outlaw by the simple removal of context.
Twang Junkies
Too much is not enough.
The Unsinkable Heavies
I always enjoy a good paradox.
And here's some other cream that rose to the top:
Kung Fu Vampire
The club listings accidentally ran the names of two acts together, so at first I thought it was Kung Fu Vampire Psych Ward Druggies, which was too over-the-top good to be true. I still love the B-movie vibe.
Moon Taxi
And step on it!
Rangehoods
Oh, happy language that allows transformation from mundane kitchen appliance to Western outlaw by the simple removal of context.
Twang Junkies
Too much is not enough.
The Unsinkable Heavies
I always enjoy a good paradox.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
September 21, 2014
It's still sunny and warm, but it must be fall now -- leaves are turning color, it's dark by 7:30 p.m., and you can buy Halloween candy at the grocery store. Treasure the remaining days when you feel like wearing shorts and drinking outside. Soon enough, we'll want to huddle in the dark and turn up the music. Here are just a few bands who might be willing to help out with that:
Deep Sea Thunderbeast
Without resorting to Google, I'm happy to take this for an English translation of a) the scientific name of a prehistoric marine reptile; b) the German name for a really big whale; or c) Godzilla. It's a solid yet evocative description of . . . something loud.
The Man from Somewhere Else
It's fun to imagine a place where the person who fits this vague description is distinct enough for the definite article. Actually, I grew up there.
Prizehog
Running the words together transforms an entry in an agricultural fair into a miserly champion who hoards all the medals.
Skies Below
I like the disorientation packed into this simple phrase, and it gives me a literary idea. (Sit tight; maybe it'll go away). In one of my SF manuscripts, a character speaks metaphorically of "kissing the sky." A recent reader pointed out that as he is already in space at the time, he is outside the sky/atmosphere and maybe I should choose another word. Well, maybe. Or I might have another character puncture his poetry, and then remind him of it on re-entry, as they kiss the sky from above.
Wild Pack of Canaries
"Pack" is a hilarious word to apply to little songbirds, but I imagine the din is epic.
Deep Sea Thunderbeast
Without resorting to Google, I'm happy to take this for an English translation of a) the scientific name of a prehistoric marine reptile; b) the German name for a really big whale; or c) Godzilla. It's a solid yet evocative description of . . . something loud.
The Man from Somewhere Else
It's fun to imagine a place where the person who fits this vague description is distinct enough for the definite article. Actually, I grew up there.
Prizehog
Running the words together transforms an entry in an agricultural fair into a miserly champion who hoards all the medals.
Skies Below
I like the disorientation packed into this simple phrase, and it gives me a literary idea. (Sit tight; maybe it'll go away). In one of my SF manuscripts, a character speaks metaphorically of "kissing the sky." A recent reader pointed out that as he is already in space at the time, he is outside the sky/atmosphere and maybe I should choose another word. Well, maybe. Or I might have another character puncture his poetry, and then remind him of it on re-entry, as they kiss the sky from above.
Wild Pack of Canaries
"Pack" is a hilarious word to apply to little songbirds, but I imagine the din is epic.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
September 13, 2014
The random music mix at our house is gaining a strange intelligence. Last night it came up with this Walt Kelly classic:
Oh, roar a roar for Nora
Nora Alice in the night
For she has seen Aurora
Borealis burning bright.
A furor for our Nora
And applaud aurora seen!
Where throughout the summer has
Our borealis been?
Tonight should have perfect viewing weather, so I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, if there aren't too many trees and too many lights. If not me, someone else will, and I am happy for them.
Meanwhile, out where the boom bands play:
Bongo Love
I'm starting to feel this, after a lifetime of being uncertain about bongos. I got my spouse a beautiful set last Christmas, and have been learning to play them. There's something satisfying about getting that nice doong sound with just fingers on drumskin.
Manifested Travesty
I love the internal rhyme, and the very erudite way of saying "obvious lie." Pure poetry.
Stitched Up Heart
This name manifests what comes after the heartbreak songs that make up so much of pop music: dress the wounds so they can heal, then go on, scarred but yet alive.
Stories Away
Stories are that powerful. Drop them with care; they tend to explode.
Valhalla Boys & Girls Club
I have to admit I wasn't very excited about my band-name search this week, until I came to this one, which buoyed my enthusiasm enough that I went back and uncovered the four gems above. I imagine kids getting out of class and crossing the rainbow bridge to their after-school program. I wonder if their parents know about the quaffing and fighting?
Oh, roar a roar for Nora
Nora Alice in the night
For she has seen Aurora
Borealis burning bright.
A furor for our Nora
And applaud aurora seen!
Where throughout the summer has
Our borealis been?
Tonight should have perfect viewing weather, so I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, if there aren't too many trees and too many lights. If not me, someone else will, and I am happy for them.
Meanwhile, out where the boom bands play:
Bongo Love
I'm starting to feel this, after a lifetime of being uncertain about bongos. I got my spouse a beautiful set last Christmas, and have been learning to play them. There's something satisfying about getting that nice doong sound with just fingers on drumskin.
Manifested Travesty
I love the internal rhyme, and the very erudite way of saying "obvious lie." Pure poetry.
Stitched Up Heart
This name manifests what comes after the heartbreak songs that make up so much of pop music: dress the wounds so they can heal, then go on, scarred but yet alive.
Stories Away
Stories are that powerful. Drop them with care; they tend to explode.
Valhalla Boys & Girls Club
I have to admit I wasn't very excited about my band-name search this week, until I came to this one, which buoyed my enthusiasm enough that I went back and uncovered the four gems above. I imagine kids getting out of class and crossing the rainbow bridge to their after-school program. I wonder if their parents know about the quaffing and fighting?
Saturday, September 6, 2014
September 6, 2014
Having now played at the ostensibly haunted Jewelbox Theater, I think I can say "haunted" = "has hummy old wiring." But maybe it is haunted, because not one but two kickdrum feet were lost without a trace. Good thing I always carry spares! In spite of the hum and the ghosts, the sound in that place is great and I urge you to check it out.
The listings were rich with appealing band names this week. I narrowed it down to these lucky five:
American Roulette
Just like Russian Roulette, but with a high-capacity magazine to -- um -- improve your chances.
Drains to Sound
I love these kind of "found names" that reorganize your understanding of simple words. Is it just coincidence that Seattle, a city with a lively music scene, is on the shores of a body of water called a sound? Makes it almost too easy to name a band, when you can just use something you found stenciled on the curb.
Element A440
Gotta like a technical music reference, especially when it sounds scientific.
Five Alarm Funk
As much as I appreciate northwest loser pride, I also love when a group has the confidence to own how hot they are.
Glaciers on the Moon
As a space travel and science fiction fan, I'm always on the lookout for space-related band names. I like this one because it sounds made-up on the face of it, but there very well might be water ice deep in some of the moon's craters. Our solar system is still full of surprises.
The listings were rich with appealing band names this week. I narrowed it down to these lucky five:
American Roulette
Just like Russian Roulette, but with a high-capacity magazine to -- um -- improve your chances.
Drains to Sound
I love these kind of "found names" that reorganize your understanding of simple words. Is it just coincidence that Seattle, a city with a lively music scene, is on the shores of a body of water called a sound? Makes it almost too easy to name a band, when you can just use something you found stenciled on the curb.
Element A440
Gotta like a technical music reference, especially when it sounds scientific.
Five Alarm Funk
As much as I appreciate northwest loser pride, I also love when a group has the confidence to own how hot they are.
Glaciers on the Moon
As a space travel and science fiction fan, I'm always on the lookout for space-related band names. I like this one because it sounds made-up on the face of it, but there very well might be water ice deep in some of the moon's craters. Our solar system is still full of surprises.
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