Life > February 21, 2008

By Rachel Kowal | Staff writer

Scrolling through my iTunes list, I cannot help but notice that I have downloaded a disproportionate amount of music in the last year, last semester even, with bands named after animals.

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This is a trend that, once I noticed, got me thinking about all the bands I know of with animal-inspired names.

I could list at least five bands off the top of my head that pertain solely to wolves (Wolf Parade, Wolf Mother, Sea Wolf, Peter and the Wolf, and Patrick Wolf).

And that’s just the beginning.

It reminds me of the uncanny habit in Hollywood to release two major motion pictures on nearly identical topics (think Babe vs. Gordy or Capote vs. Infamous).

Is this trend merely a lack of creativity?

Is this a tried and true marketing strategy? Or does this reveal something about our culture?

Maybe this is a sign of a regression to a more instinctual and chaotic time. Does naming your band after a wolf or a bear set the stage for a livelier concert?

The implications and potential metaphors are numerous. Regardless of the reason for this band name trend, however, we certainly have a real animal collective on our hands.

My personal favorite animal-themed bands, in order by coolness factor of animal, are:

1. The Unicorns (a zany and offbeat band that unfortunately dissolved in 2005)

2. Panda Bear (a side project of Animal Collective member Noah Lennox that consists of multi-layered melodies and sounds)

3. Wolf Parade (a band with quirky, clever and often danceable songs)

4. Peter and the Wolf (heartfelt and very home-made folk music by Red Hunter and gang)

5. Caribou (psychedelic pop influenced tunes from a band stopping by Cat’s Cradle on April 1)

6. Bowerbirds (a locally crafted indie folk band – complete with an accordion – who happens to be playing)

7. Deerhunter (sometimes chaotic, sometimes melodic, always hypnotic)

8. Cat Power (the rich and intimate indie folk stylings of Charlyn Marie Marshall)