Pynchon's names

[Ted Samse]

> 
> I would argue that almost all of Pynchon's names jar, not just his
> band names.  Benny Profane and Tyrone Slothrop and Weed Atman are
> _not_ cut from the Dickens perfect naming technique like Gradgrind
> or Uriah Heep.  Quite the opposite.
> 
> I notice his humor has the same misfired quality.  I, for one, almost
> never laugh when I read Pynchon.  It's a very uncanny feeling, coming
> across obviously riotous humor and yet somehow the author blocks my
> physical reaction.  The best description is probably something like
> Esther and her nosejob.  (The first time I laughed out loud was over
> the video addict treatment center in VINELAND.)
> 
> It's not a question of tin ear: his writing has a rather deliberate
> in-your-face frenzy that just won't stop, and these names are only
> part of it.
> 
> I'll also point out that while I do not follow any music, and I did
> suspect "Billy Barf and the Vomitones" was exaggerated, I would also
> suspect the same of "Dead Kennedys" or "Sex Pistols" or "Niggers With
> Attitude" had they not existed.  If anything--and music people will
> have to correct me--it seems to be nothing more than a 50s naming
> convention applied to an 80s punk band.

I especially like Fergus Myxolydian as a name.....
Re; The 50's naming convention is still used.
  Siouxie & The Banshees
  Teddy &The Talltops
  Louise & The Vicious Roomers
  Randy & the Hog Ridin' Fools