WHAT'S in a name?

Choosing a band name is always terribly difficult.

Many groups wrestle for years over whether they've made the right choice – many go through several names before settling on one, while others use their choice of terrible name as a reason why their terrible music isn't popular.

It certainly is tough. Pop rock trio Ash decided on their title after flipping open a dictionary and randomly pointing at a word. Radiohead used to be called On A Friday because they practised every Friday and couldn't think of anything better. Most famously, the Beatles used to be called Terry's Boo Boo and the Snakes, a name they found written on the back of an old fag packet.

But does it make a difference what you're called, as long as the sound is gooood? That is the eternal question. Indeed, would the Rolling Stones have been as mega popular in the 60s if they were called the Pussycat Dolls? Think about it. Go on.

'But why all this pondering' I imagine you readers must be thinking as you read this with your eyes over a lovely bowl of Coco Crispies.

Well, I just wanted to bring to your attention that one of the greatest-ever-named bands locally are playing in Walthamstow at the Standard this very Thursday (October 22).

The group? Ken Dodd's Dad's Dog's Dead. Brilliant. They're playing a set as part of Club Bus Wind's unsigned band night. Support comes from the mysterious The Russian.

Entry is £5 with a band flyer, or £6 without.

For something a little less crazy and a bit more chilled out, next Tuesday (October 27) acoustic jazz man Lewis Wright plays the East Side Jazz Club night at the Lord Rookwood in Leytonstone.

Doors open around 8.30pm and entry should be somewhere in the region of £5.

But talking of names, the delicious sounding Duck Soup play the Plough Inn in Walthamstow on Sunday (October 25) as part of a night organised by Walthamstow Folk Club.

The trio are well worth checking out, and are known for their “eccentric” musicianship, including the use of instruments such as a phonofiddle...

Entry is £6 (or £5 for concessions) and things get going at 7.30pm.

Free Monday Night Blues Jam at the Plough is on...Monday. It's free and it doesn't cost anything to get in. The tunes start at 9pm.

Next Wednesday (October 28) What's Cookin' at the Sheepwalk presents the Lynchian eeriness of Luxury Condo.

Tribute band Deeply Purple play the Standard on Friday (October 23). Doors are at 8pm and entry is £9.

The Rollin' Clones play on Saturday (October 24), entry is £10 and doors are at eight.

Got a gig? Let Sound Advice know by emailing dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk