Those aren’t just the ingredients of a good pizza; it’s a list of nicknames people have used for money. As “evil” as people consider money, it’s our cultural measure of fiscal value. There are those who would agree with my sentiment that there are many other things more important, but it’s still a necessary evil. We need more, want more, and spend more.
Today we’re looking at some bands and musicians who have “currency” in their name. I know some names aren’t specifically named after money, but the currency is still there. Then the fun part… we judge if they’re actually worth their namesake! Let’s do this…
Pennywise
Formed in 1988, Pennywise was THE punk band for a while. Growing up I always heard Pennywise was awesome. It was one of those bands the older kids were into. Their name is from the Stephen King novel, “It”. VALUE: More than a penny.
Nickelback
Nickelback is the butt of every music snob’s worst and easiest joke. They’re a walking punch-line to anyone with half decent taste. Sadly their mountains of Canadian loony’s prove that there are more boring and lame people in the world than not. I have ill will towards Canada. They’ve produced some of my favorite things, people, and shows. Still, growing up American I’d always hate that moment when you realized a vending machine gave you back a Canadian coin. You’d either be stuck with it forever or you’d just try to pass if off as normal American money to the next schmuck. Nickelback is like that except it hurts your ears. VALUE: Less than a nickel.
Sixpence None the Richer
For some reason “Sixpence None the Richer” and “The Cardigans” were the same band in my head for the past ten plus years. I was well aware of both band names being out there, but subconsciously I just put “Kiss Me” and “Love Fool” in the same locked vault. Today, as I typed the words “Sixpence None the Richer” for the first time in my entire life I know otherwise. Sixpence None the Richer only made ONE of those songs I mentioned. NASA scientists are trying to figure out which one. VALUE: At least six pence.
“Dimebag” Darrell
This bad ass guitarist influenced A LOT of people. With Pantera he blew people’s minds with his heavy metal guitar skills. He was just such a larger than life personality that could actually match that personality with skill. He’s an icon within the metal community and with good reason. VALUE: Priceless.
50 Cent
I’m not one to “bump fiddy”. It’s just not my thing. Still, I can’t deny that some of his songs transcend the trends and are part of pop culture. He’ll never be as good as a Biggie or Pac, but in today’s landscape of rap he’s one of the bigger names out there. At first he came off a little ridiculous with his “beefs” and his informant/”shot nine times” background, but as he matured he became more bearable. VALUE: A lot more than fifty cents.
Eddie Money
Eddie Money is responsible for a lot of music you know and love. You just don’t hear enough about Eddie Money any more. In the mid 80’s he had that awesome duet “Take Me Home Tonight”. If you know the song, it’s stuck in your head just by reading the title. On top of that he has songs like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and a slew of others. It pushes that “oxymoron” line, but he really is one of those unheralded icons. VALUE: Even Money.
Johnny Cash
If you don’t know who Johnny Cash is, then you’re ears and/or brain is broken. Johnny Cash has become one of the most known rock and roll musicians out there. This is weird to say, but I still feel that his acclaim is a bit “trendy”. I’m in my late 20’s. Growing up in the 90’s, Johnny Cash wasn’t a name that came up very often. Then around the turn of the millennium, before the bio pick, it became a mild obsession. He is very easy to get behind. He was a bad ass, whiskey drinking, rebel who you knew not the screw with. Stil around this time, everyone knew that “bad ass guy” who had the Johnny Cash shirt or poster. Johnny Cash wouldn’t give a shit about your shirt or poster, bra! VALUE: Priceless.
Chamillionaire
Born Hakeen Seriki, this rapper has made a name for himself. Any time “Weird Al” parodies someone they’re instantly cemented into the foundation of pop culture. Without Chamillionaire we’d never know the odyssey-like journey of one who “be ridin’ dirty”. I find a lot of value in that, don’t you? VALUE: Less than a Chamillion, but more than Chathousand.
Can you think of any other “currency bands”? Are THEY worth it?
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