In honor of the Arctic Monkeys' sophomore release tomorrow, we review the best artist names derived from our furry (or scaly or slimy) friends.

 

7. The Beatles

 

While this may not be the most creative and is, admittedly, a little cheesy, this is THE Beatles we're talking about. It seem simple: Beetle + Beat = Pun! However, Lennon once said, "It came in a vision — a man appeared on a flaming pie and said unto them, 'From this day on you are Beatles with an A.'" And this was before they started tripping acid.

 

"Hey Jude"

 

 

 

6. Panda Bear

 

Noah Lennox is a member of Animal Collective, which makes it sort of odd that he bears the only stage name of an animal (the other members are Avey Tare, Deakin, and Geologist). His name is a classic study in paradox, much the same as a panda bear is. Cuddly? Cute? Perhaps, but his music is also fierce and will gnash you with sharpness.

 

"Bro's"

 



 

5. Andrew Bird

 

Oh, that's his real name?

 

5. Lance Bass

 

Him too? Dammit.

 

5. Patrick Wolf

 

Seriously?

 

5. Cat Power

 

That's not her real name, is it? Okay. Chan Marshall's voice and music are both extremely powerful, perhaps the reason that she chose her stage name accordingly. More likely: she felt like it. Marshall has been known to make spur of the moment decisions for no reason at all, and her name seems to be no exception. The greatest? Close enough.

 

"The Greatest"

 

 

 

4. Phish

 

While I may be a little biased, it's all in a name for this band. They tweaked the last name of their drummer (Jon Fishman) and added a Scandanavian twist. Fish became Phish. It doesn't make any sense, but neither do their lyrics. But guess what? It works and it's phantastic.

 

"Down With Disease"

 

 

 

3. The Animals

 

Simple, straightforward, raw: Just like Eric Burdon's lyrics and voice. What's one of the best animal names of all time? Why, The Animals, of course.

 

"House of the Rising Sun"

 

 

 

2. Wolfmother

 

These Aussies really found a way to label their hard-rocking, kickass sound and image. As Andrew Stockdale's afro bounces around and the band bangs out it's stripped down hard sounds, it's clear that they couldn't have been called anything else. Conan would agree.

 

"Woman"

 

 

 

1. Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Doggy Dogg aka Snoop aka Tha Doggfather

 

No one else has personified the animal from which he takes his name more. He constantly raps about his moniker, surrounds himself with various types of canines, and has even morphed in and out of a dog in a video (below). Plus, Mr. Broadus added that extra "d" and how rad is that? Snoop Doggy Dogg has to be the best iteration, though. I hope he returns to it.

 

"Who Am I? (What's My Name?)"

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

Mogwai

 

Maybe a mogwai isn't a real animal, but naming your band after a character from Gremlins is Land O' Lakes butter!

 

Gremlins trailer

 



"Friend of the Night"

 

 

 

 

 

More Animal Band Names

 

Who am I missing? I know there are many, many more.

 

Eels, Eagles of Death Metal, Deerhoof, Deerhunter, Gov't Mule, Fishbone, Lamb of God, Papa Roach, Pitbull, Reel Big Fish, Pussycat Dolls, The Eagles, Trick Pony, The Mountain Goats, Tiger Army, Band of Horses, Zebrahead, Wolf Parade, Wolf Eyes, Frog Eyes, Modest Mouse, The Ponys, The Yardbirds, Tortoise, White Snake, Grizzly Bear, and The Byrds.